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10 DIY Cat Wheel and Treadmill Plans You Can Build Today (With Pictures)

By Nicole Cosgrove
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Every cat owner knows how much their furry family members need exercise, and a great way to make sure that they get the exercise that they need is to make an exercise wheel or treadmill available in the house. It’s true: cats can use exercise wheels and treadmills to stay in shape! But why buy one when you can build on yourself and save money?

There are many DIY plans that you can use to create the perfect exercise equipment for your family cat. Some are super simple, while others are somewhat complex. Whatever your DIY skills are, there is sure to be at least one option on our list of DIY plans here that you’ll feel comfortable tackling.

The 10 DIY Cat Wheels & Treadmills

1. Sturdy Cat Exercise Wheel by Instructables

DIY cat wheel
Image Credit: Instructables

This sturdy cat exercise wheel is made with quality materials, so it should last for many years to come. The plans are a little more complicated than some others on this list, but the outcome is well worth the requirements. Things you will need to complete this DIY project include:

Supplies:

  • 50 pieces of wooden lath
  • Plywood
  • Circular saw
  • Glue
  • Clamps

Plan to spend a couple of days putting this project together if you want to make sure that it holds up in the long run.


2. Plywood Cat Exercise Wheel by Instructables

DIY cat whell
Photo Credit; Instructables

This is a modular cat exercise wheel made of plywood that is cut into puzzle-like pieces. Once the pieces are put together, the wheel should be up and running, and ready for your kitty to get their exercise on. It is easy to move around and should fit right into the corner of any room in your home. You'll need the following to complete this DIY project:

Supplies:

  • Plywood
  • Tension strap
  • Caster wheels
  • 3D printer

This is a time-consuming project that requires hefty equipment, but if you want only the best for your pet kitty cat, this project is worth investing your time and money in.


3. Galvanized Steel Cat Exercise Wheel from Imgur

DIY cat wheel
Image Credit: Imgur

There is no need to outline a list of materials for this particular DIY cat exercise wheel because all you really need is galvanized steel, a wheel, and serious tools. If you are not already in the construction or carpentry business, this may be too big of a project for you to handle. However, if you have the skills and experience, your cat will be sporting the coolest exercise wheel in town.


4. Traditional Cat Exercise Wheel from Imgur

DIY cat wheel
Image Credit: Imgur

This is a traditional DIY cat exercise wheel to consider embarking on creating. There is nothing fancy to see here, but the contraption gets the job done when it comes to exercising kitties. You will need these things and more to make the wheel:

Supplies:

  • Wood
  • Metal
  • Wood glue
  • Staples
  • Nails
  • Caster wheels
  • Felt

All the materials can be replaced with alternatives as you see fit, which makes this plan easy to do if you’re the type who likes to be flexible.


5. DIY Cat Wheel on a Budget by Cat Toy Lady

Supplies:

  • Foam poster board (12 pieces)
  • Spray glue
  • Low temp glue gun
  • 2” caster wheels (4)
  • Duck tape (3 rolls)
  • Doormats (3)
  • Wrapping paper (1 roll)
  • Scrap wood/screws

If you’re on a budget, this DIY cat wheel is a great way to allow your kitty to have a bit of fun and exercise. The materials can all be bought at low cost or many could be lying around the house. You’ll even find that the included video will take you through all the steps to make this cat wheel easy for even DIY beginners.


6. Raccoon Crossover Wheel by Tito the Racoon

Supplies:

  • 1 sheet 3/4 inch plywood
  • 2 x 4s (2)
  • Wheels (2)
  • 1 sheet of thin plywood
  • Lots of screws and bolt
  • Jigsaw
  • Circular saw
  • Drill
  • Electric screwdriver
  • Table saw
  • Wrench
  • Allen wrench

Technically speaking, this wheel was created for raccoons. That doesn’t mean your cat can’t have fun on it too. This wheel looks great and is durable enough for large cats. It will also work ideally for homes with multiple cats sharing toys. You will find that this DIY is more advanced. If you’re new to the DIY world, this may not be the best starter project.


7. PVC Kitty Wheel by Cat Monster

Supplies:

  • PVC pipe
  • PVC fittings
  • Balsa wood
  • Wood sticks or shingles
  • Cardboard

Using PVC for a kitty wheel is an ingenious idea. PVC is inexpensive, durable, and easy to work with. You’ll find that this project isn’t too difficult and can be accomplished by those with little to no DIY experience. Your cat will have fun and get exercise while you take pride in your work.


8. Repurposed Cat Treadmill

Supplies:

  • Old wheel
  • Duct tape
  • Paneling
  • Screws
  • Drill
  • Saw
  • Cut wood (for backing if prefer)

While the exact supplies used for this repurposed cat treadmill aren’t listed, the handy instruction video shows step-by-step the idea behind it. Using repurposed materials you can easily create this wheel for your cats without the need for spending a ton of money.


9. Heavy Duty Caster Wheel Treadmill by Mystic The Bengal

Supplies:

  • Heavy-duty caster wheel
  • Plywood (thick and thin sheets)
  • Screws
  • Bolts
  • Wood glue
  • Wood stain

While it may look complicated, this heavy-duty caster wheel treadmill is a great project no matter your experience level. With a few easy-to-find supplies, you can make your cat a wheel that will last for ages and look good around the house. You’ll also be pleased to know there are both written and video instructions to make your life easier.


10. DIY Cat Exercise Wheel by Catnoli

DIY Cat Exercise Wheel 2
Image By: catnoli.blogspot.com

Supplies:

  • Wood (several pieces)
  • Saw
  • Screws
  • Glue gun
  • Drill
  • Wheels (6)

If you have lots of cats in your home to accommodate, this DIY cat exercise wheel is the way to go. Not only is this wheel larger in size, but you’ll also find that it’s sturdy enough for multiple cats. The instructions given are easy to follow, but you may want a bit of DIY knowledge under your belt before tackling this project.

Conclusion

There are lots of exciting DIY cat exercise wheels to consider investing your time and money in. Some are inexpensive and easy to complete, while others cost more money and are a bit complicated to put together. No matter which plans you choose, have patience and let your imagination run wild to ensure a pleasant experience for you and your cat when all is said and done.

Related Reads:


Featured Image Credit: M-Production, Shutterstock

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Nicole Cosgrove
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