The Best DIY Cat Running Wheel On A Budget/Inexpensive/Cheap/Easy

How to make a DIY cat exercise running wheel with open sides. Only cost $34 to make and is 4 feet wide! Best cat wheel you can make for the money!
Check out my new updated cat wheel. Better base on it and made from corrugated plastic.
• Best DIY Cat Running W...
Thinking about making a cat wheel? Here are the Do’s and Don’t of making wheels…
• Awesome DIY Cat Runnin...
Want to buy the items to make this wheel off amazon?
Here are the links to what I used.
Foam Poster Board: amzn.to/3ebwEcm
Spray Glue: amzn.to/36nO9na
Low Temp Glue Gun: amzn.to/2TvSfED
2" Catser Wheels: amzn.to/3cUG6Rr
Duck Tape: amzn.to/3cQLapM
Door Mat: amzn.to/3cWcsv2

[@CatToyLady]

Sorry to those that wanted to see it in action, this toy was donated right after being made. My fat cat would only use it if I held chicken up, and my others- have congestion heart failure and the other is 14 years old. This isn’t really the toy for them. I do not personally know the person that took it home, but am working on seeing if they can make a video for me. Check out my newest wheel video. It has an improved base, video of cats using it, and is made of corrugated plastic. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nX6rholtYsR3m6M

[@hiitshannah4402]

Did you ever get a reply? I would love to see it work! I actually want to try this!

[@CatToyLady]

Hi, It's Hannah unfortunately no, but I have another idea I’m working on and I will make sure this time I take it to an open room cat shelter where I can get the video myself.

[@BuddhaFang]

Cat Toy Lady yes please! ❤️

[@anitacologiel9649]

It would be great if I could cut the foam board with my cricut maker.

[@silkyjohnson4519]

You should sell these for 100 bucks and undercut the one cat or whatever its called

[@rebeccas5857]

With no mistakes this video calls for: 12 pieces foam board 3 rolls duct tape (2 white and one for temp marking) 4 caster wheels Spray glue Low temp glue gun/glue sticks Scrap wood/screws 3 Floor mats 1 roll of wrapping paper

[@Shayysierra]

thanks 🙏🏼

[@mothman1856]

Thank you!

[@a.k.7116]

Thank you. And then what? Step by step

[@tarialorehand]

@@a.k.7116 cut piece, line them up, tape them down, wash, rinse, repeat :) Just teasing.

[@lucaschristner1731]

If this is really a sustainable solution, then god bless you. I've been looking around briefly and these things are all sold for hundreds of dollars minimum. Even some cardboard ones I've found online are like $600. It's insane. There's a special place in heaven for youtubers that show us how to make cheaper versions of expensive things.

[@MM-rg5mk]

A flimsy construction made of foam is anything but sustainable.

[@shamalamadingleberry7203]

@@MM-rg5mk Also having carpet is dangerous for the cats to run on, their nails can get caught and do some damage.

[@L0wSkiller]

Hey can you give me an update on the cat treadmill? Id love to hear how it went for you / how long they last 😻

[@DeadGirl-oz3vl]

They have them on Temu for under 100 bucks😃

[@bstarbuck6809]

First I'd like to say thank you so much for creating this tutorial and the video. I just spent the past 2 days building it and thought it might be helpful to say a few words about my experience for others interested in doing this build. My biggest tip would be don't use dollar store duct tape, I bought 3 rolls and unloaded 2 of them onto this bad boy, it worked great for a few hours but by the end of the night/ next morning, 80% of it had lifted causing some pretty key areas to separate. I realized I had some gorilla tape and retapped the wheel and it held like expected. Second, yes the wrapping paper looks great and covers all of the tape work, but it will quickly get destroyed mainly on the area where the wheels touch it or on the sides where your cat decides to bear hug it mid-run, it will come off and come off quickly. I used gorilla glue spray because my dollar store didn't have spray glue and it peeled right off. Also if you have any cats in your house that enjoy shredding paper they will enjoy helping the paper come off. I would just pass on the paper decor and save some time. I spent time making sure my arch for the base and my wheels were correctly placed making sure to have that finger width gap on all sides. It ran okay when I was testing it out with my hands but once a cat was added into the mix sides would rub and now there are skid marks lining the wheel. I think a lot of it has to do with the areas where the dollar store duct tape released causing areas to expand and thus rub while spinning with the added weight. Unless I really messed some measurements up this wheel is not meant for speed. I would suggest buying a single brick while you are at the hardware store picking up your caster wheels to place in the base and help weigh it down. I have to supervise and make sure the thing doesn't tip over and stays running relatively smoothly. However, it is getting pretty beat up and worn out quickly and it's only been in use for a day. This is a great build if you have a kitten, a slow-moving chonker, or just want to see if your cats would have any interest in a wheel.

[@CatToyLady]

Thanks for sharing. My newest wheel I used the same design, but used corrugated plastic sheets from Home Depot. It’s lasted over a year now and my son and husky both had used it.

[@a.k.7116]

My cat is 9 years old. I wonder if I could get him to move, lol

[@NoflectioN]

Castor wheels?! Yall must not have any husbands around. You want skateboard or inline skate wheels> smooth bearing. How much effort does it take to get a shopping cart to roll? That's what your asking a cat to do with this! It's one thing to make a "model" of a "exercise wheel." it's another thing to duplicate and create a functioning "exercise wheel". ...all Slapped together with duct tape glue hopes and dreams. Let's make one out of paper mache next

[@DeadGirl-oz3vl]

​@@NoflectioNomg thanks for the tip! I have a pair of skates that I busted my ass on because the wheels move alot faster than the ones from my youth 😂😂 Those wheels would be perfect since I'm not going to be using them🤭

[@ritawashere5787]

I Googled it $499, some 1,000 dollars. The cheapest one was 200! Your cats must love their mommy!

[@dejacavu6259]

Adorable for kittens. My cat is a 26 lb Polydactyl (27 toes) Maine coon Panther ! hahaha

[@scootermom1791]

@@dejacavu6259 Wow! Huge "baby". Lol I say the bigger, the better. There's more to love after all. 🙂

[@JenniferCatMomma]

I'd love to see a cat running on this wheel, it's a great design. Maybe kittens wouldn't have a problem, but adult kitties are heavier and I worry that them inside of it, running will #1: make the wheels carve into the foam & #2: make the wheel stop turning. But you are the absolute best teacher, I love how detailed you are 🐈🐾

[@CatToyLady]

I used this same design on my newest wheel, just made with corrugated plastic sheets. My new cats have been using it for months. The video does show them using it too.

[@griffle23]

I just got scammed trying to buy a cat wheel, thanks for sharing this, i wanted one for my cats 7th birthday. Totally crushed 😑 this makes me very excited, and it will be more personal. Your amazing.

[@CatToyLady]

I would love to hear how it turn out and give your kitty a happy birthday “boop” for me!

[@parkers7009]

i did too😒

[@scootermom1791]

That's so sad! I feel so bad for you. I hope you were able to get back your money somehow. 😕😕😕

[@ritawashere5787]

I seriously can't get over how amazing this is! For crying out loud you're an architect! ❤️

[@jamiehyde2417]

I am going to make this as a template for my carpenter dad to use for plywood omg this is awesome.

[@CatToyLady]

Would love to see it when it’s done!

[@roselynurriola1556]

Me too!

[@scootermom1791]

Did your dad make this for you?

[@Road_Rash]

This might be easier if you make one arc, cut it out & use that as a template to mark all the other arcs...this will save a lot of time moving the board around...contact paper could also be used instead of wrapping paper to eliminate the spray adhesive...I think I may make one of these for my 2...cheapest I found so far is still pushing $300...they won't know the difference...

[@ShieAyla]

I know this is sized for a cat, but I'm downsizing this for my rats. A 16" wheel for them is over $100. I'll probably be using a bucket and wood as it won't need to be this big. Thanks for the ideas!

[@crystinahborker7458]

plz share how it turned out! i wanna make one for my folk's pet squirrel.

[@furryplantsandcoins9070]

I'm so wanting to make this!! My cat needs this for sure!!💕

[@Mr.Grumbdy]

I'm adding a second comment : You are blessed with fabrication skills and I'm going to make a cat wheel according to your video instructions and then I'll bless my friends kitties with the cat wheel. Thank you for your demo. I'm 58 years old and I have been learning how to weld and your fabrication video will actually help me when I make things out of metal. Obviously I'll be making cat wheel with your recommended materials , not metal.

[@CatToyLady]

I would love to see how it turns out!

[@madisonmurillo5839]

Thank you for this idea I've been looking all over for Cat Wheels and you're pretty much just getting scammed with how much money it is and this idea is brilliant because a lot of cat owners wanting a cat wheels for their cats thank you so much I tried it didn't turn out as well as yours but my cat still love it!

[@CatToyLady]

˜Please check out the latest wheel I’ve made, its more durable than this one, and constructed just slightly differently. I like it more!

[@nickyphoenix2470]

That’s so true , they are a ridiculous amount of money to buy new.. it’s obscene

[@shannsimms9072]

I was incredibly lucky and got a huge beautiful cat wheel for free!! A lovely couple in my neighborhood had got it for their cats who had no interest in it and they posted in in our neighborhood "buy nothing" fb page". I was SOO excited but of course my chunky diva of a feline had zero interest in it. But my aunt who has 7 cats 3 of which were still kittens at the time and they LOVED it! It really just made my heart light up seeing those goofy kittens play on it. This was about two years ago and those goofy cats still love playing on it to this day!!!

[@sashahera5679]

Thank you so much for your very skilled and relaxed explanations …. These wheels are so pricey and I will try making one following your guide. Amazing 😻🌈🥰💙🙏🌈

[@ipfmcd]

You’re amazing. I’m gonna give this project a go! Thank-you!

[@moondoddler370]

Did u n how did it work for u did it last?

[@Teddietonbear23]

You are brilliant and well done on making your wheel. Hope your cat enjoyed it , I’m gonna give it a go. Thank you xx

[@CatToyLady]

I would love to hear how it goes, I think I will be donating mine to my favorite cat rescue. And thank you!

[@ritawashere5787]

@@CatToyLady I'm sorry about that. I've got three cats one is my daughters. She closed on her home so hopefully I can drop them off. He is a destructive little beast. But he is very loving. 😂 let my daughter realize just how awful he can be. It's her turn. I've had him for five years now. But I go on. Since you won't have yours, are you still going to do cat things or sort of morph into other things. I know I asked this very question on another of video. But I can wait until is it Saturday at 2?

[@taya8550]

I need to make this. The best DIY ever haha. Those wheels are so expensive plus shipping to sweden😵. And my kitten is so active. I can't thank you enough😻

[@likeitspinkscoob]

I love the way you teach! Thanks!! I just adopted my second cat and he loves to run around. Im hoping to build this for when I cant talk him outside on a harness!

[@nostalgic324]

You are really creative! Thank you so much for this idea, I'm gonna try it.

[@yoga.m.d]

Wow this looks doable, and your explanations are easy to follow with little room mistakes.

[@jennacat13]

I would love to see a cat walking on it

[@ritawashere5787]

At the beginning of the video I was wondering what are the arcs for. And then as I'm watching I saw what you were doing. I can't believe that your mind works like this! It's amazing. How you could visualize this and do it in such a way. ☺️ thank you so much for this. BTW I love foam core board. ☺️ I got a Google how expensive the casters are. I forgot to thank you for the video. Have a beautiful night ️ ❤️ be well. I just subscribed. I can't wait to see what else you got going on. And see the very first wheel you made. I hope you still have that video.

[@CatToyLady]

rita pita thank you so much! I’m flattered by all that you said. I still have a ton of ideas, big and small, and hope you like all that is to come.

[@neilburns6118]

Did I say how AWESOME this video was and how brilliant the whole project is. I am definitely going to make one if it costs as low as what you state it did for you. Might need to buy a few other bits though like cutting board etc.

[@NothingToNoOneInParticular]

Use 4 of the wheels off of a skateboard, better bearings, smoother ride! Started buyong the supplies to make one for my cat! Next month should have all the supplies and be able to start!

[@OutdoorsygalO]

That is so much fun! I bet cats would have a ball on that!

[@AldoHam]

been looking at cat wheels for a while now and i dont have 2 to 300 to buy one then i came across this nd think your style of presentaion is just incrrebiblei loved watchiing your video and so cant wait to try making my kittys a wheel now thank you so much and i wish you you loads of luck getting subs rest asured yoou have one in me for sure your awesome looking forward to watching your other videos now

[@readi-board]

This is so clever and creative! Thank you for sharing.

[@freewaybaby]

What a great job you did, and with foam board! That is WAY outta’ my skill level; just laying out the pieces had smoke coming out of my ears! LOL. If you aren’t already, you should get sponsorship from a foam board company!! ❣️

[@aditichaudhury4834]

You are awesome!!!! I'll make it for my 3 cats and send a video to you!!! For so long I've been wanting to gift my babies with a cat wheel❤️❤️

[@moondoddler370]

Did u? I'd love to see video

[@premasubramaniam2489]

You are such brilliant lady.God bless your family

[@hrhplease9119]

This was so helpful. Thank you ❣️🥰🕊

[@Fipes]

quite interesting how low-buget in can get :) If you are already working with polystyrene, perhaps you could double the floor and fill the space in between with PU foam. I'm very interested in low buget cat wheels, I'm working on a design my self. My material of choice is cardboard and I think most cats will approve that. When cardboard is properly fitted and nested, it can become really stable.

[@scootermom1791]

Are you going to make a video of your design?

[@Fipes]

@@scootermom1791 Good question, I should probably capture the process on video. Time is the problem. I have many ideas and already made some progress, but the damn time.

[@scootermom1791]

@@Fipes lol I totally understand. I can sometimes come up with creative things and make them, but I clueless about making youtube videos. And, it does require extra time for editing and whatever else is involved. 🙂😉

[@grandmakellymcdonald]

How fun! I’ll have to show your channel to my crafty teenager … we only have 3 cats and a big bunch of other animals 💕👵

[@jamesharris9352]

CRAZY AMAZING BUILD! ❤️ 😺 AWESOME JOB CAT TOY LADY! 😁👍

[@kendra2649]

Freaking amazing! I love it!

[@angelleighjohanson1855]

WOW! This is amazing! Thank You ❤

[@chucksaduck]

I’ve taken in 4 stray kittens who run around like maniacs late at night and early in the morning and I just happen to be sitting on a ton of foam board! When I googled/amazoned cat wheels and it comes up with results for $700 dollars?!?! I was shocked. Thank you so much for the tutorial, we’ll see what I come up with!

[@Daniel-en7ll]

congrats on 500 and also i love this idea

[@CatToyLady]

Thank you!

[@billinski42]

Very clever lady. Complete visual and verbal instructions, nothing missed. Ok, it involves time and patience, but if you want to save $200 or more and have spare time it’s worth it. Certainly better than spending a small fortune on something that kitty won’t use. You could of course add a small electric motor, variable speed, for lazy kitty too, just add another 10 to 20 bucks. Well done girl.

[@pappawheelie9023]

I was looking for cat wheels, and I found a damn genius lol. Thank you for your content you're the shit. Super cute too ❤️

[@BluetheRaccoon]

Not only do I love your project, your dress is beautiful!

[@rawmadd7596]

Hi!!!! Thnx for this video!!!! Watching from Argentina 😁 I have 1 question, what size are the foam board panels?

[@CatToyLady]

20 inches by 30 inches and Hello from the United States!

[@juliec4750]

You remind me so much of Kitty from That 70s Show. I just LOVE her (the Mom).

[@CatToyLady]

Love Kitty! And to think I’m this way sober, 😹.

[@fredHopeBC]

I totally see it. LOL

[@traceycarayol]

Really clever. Thanks for sharing!

[@bigmama420]

Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Mr.Grumbdy]

I'd like to add that I sent your KZbin channel link to my friend as she's got about 5 or 6 cats in her family.

[@cjsequestrian528]

Absolutely brilliant! I'm going to have a go at this! I think my 12 rescue kitties will love it! One question, would you say it's strong and stable enough for a cat that's almost 7kg??

[@CatToyLady]

For bigger babies, I would recommend using corrugated plastic instead of foam board, it holds up very well. My cats are still using the on I made in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nX6rholtYsR3m6M

[@cjsequestrian528]

@@CatToyLady great, thank you so much 😺

[@divinekatoure2345]

love your channel!!!

[@ChinnoDog]

I love this. I can hear friction noise of the outer foam ring brushing by the base as you turn the wheel though. Any ideas what the easiest way would be to eliminate the noise?

[@lynnmckinney7376]

What size foam board do I need? and the thickness? I'd like to make one. Looks fantastic!

[@high_fructose_corn_syrup]

Im going to try this, TY!!!! i subbed!!!!

[@ritawashere5787]

I shared your video on Pinterest. I hope that's okay. I have been wanting one of these for a couple of years. I've searched a couple years ago to make one. Didn't find anything I could afford to make. I can't believe I didn't find you sooner. I'm so glad I stumbled upon you. I hope me sharing you on Pinterest will help you. Ause I should have found you sooner! Have a beautiful day ❤️ be well

[@CatToyLady]

I love that you shared it! FIY I will be doing a live cat toy and doing a Q&A this Saturday at 2PM EST.

[@ritawashere5787]

@@CatToyLady thank you hun I will try to hop on. In the past I've done live chats on KZbin yet I'm not altogether savvy, so sometimes there was a time delay, it was on my part because I must have not been clicked on correctly. But anyway I will definitely be there. I will for sure share more of your videos. I'm watching the video now of the cat tower.

[@Screenguy3]

Very crafty person. I plan on wiring up a couple of these in tandem with a generator for electric for my cabin. There are several pumas and bobcats in the area that are quite interested in this.

[@victoriangem]

Thank you!

[@brucetaylor172]

Thank you for remake ,I didn't see first one .lynn

[@silkyjohnson4519]

This is awseome. Im not that crafty so idk if I could even do it. I would probably make it wrong and it wouldn't work

[@royalorganiclivingfarmlife3755]

Very impressive!! great video, thanks

[@SpookyEmmm]

Wow, your channel is the best DIY cat project channel… AND ✨any genre✨ DIY channel I’ve ever found! 😻♥️ Thank you for so many great ideas and tutorials! So many tutorials say “super easy and cheap!” But they usually involve advanced tools and a saw, etc. and a husband who does the cutting work (Not to be sexist… It’s just what I see!), none of which I have 😂 You are so wonderful and creative! Thank you again!! 🥰😻♥️

[@dravez]

Very nice and clever. But Im not sure if the foam is going to resist the weight of the cat against the wheels. I would pbbly get stuck after a very light use.

[@kasraz2554]

Thank you.

[@007balzak]

Brilliant!!

[@kurstendiane]

Thank you

[@FranFroo]

My cat son is getting really chonky, and since we live in a tiny apartment (read: we are not rich), he doesn't have a lot of space to roam in sadly. So I went to look at cat wheels and was floored by how stupidly expensive they are (again, we don't have a ton of money). This is an amazing solution, and I can tell it will support even my chonky little boy. I plan on making this soon with any luck, thank you for this video blessing! It's time to visit the dollar store (and hardware store for caster wheels). 🐈😸😻

[@CatToyLady]

FYI, the newest wheel I show has been used daily in my house and has even had my son and my husky use it 🤦‍♀️ the corrugated plastic hold up even better than the foam board and costs about $50(ish) more.

[@elizamay6402]

Your circles will be stronger /more rigid if you *don't* line up the seams. When building a plywood construction beam, the wood is laminated to ensure cuts do not line up, that way there is no single weak/flex point.

[@hrhplease9119]

Wish I could give this a million likes thank you👍🏻

[@Radiowecker1933]

you are a genius. seriously

[@hdsheena]

Excited to check out your channel!! Did you get any feedback on how well it stood up?

[@CatToyLady]

Not a word. I was never told how well it turned out. A bit frustrating even for me. I’m plan on making another one in the future, but can’t take it yet to the open room shelter till some of the Covid restrictions are lowered.

[@hdsheena]

@@CatToyLady look forward to future updates for sure!!

[@wiseforce7045]

Thank you so much for the video but I was wanting to really see the cat use it!

[@CatToyLady]

Feel free to check out the newest wheel video, same way to build, but better materials. It does show cats using it and is still being used today by the same cats.

[@specialsmithchick]

I’m so glad I found you!

[@redchally6080]

This is a very detailed, well explained tutorial, how did the foam hold up though? My kitties play rough lol

[@CatToyLady]

The pinned comment explains what happened to it, but if you check out the linked video, it’s constructed the same way with even more durable materials.

[@michaelunderdog5039]

OMG! You're my Hero! Have you please got a video of a cat using your wheel? I love it. I have a cat and a chihuahua. This is amazing. Thank you! Canine and Feline regards, Michael - Australia

[@CatToyLady]

In the pinned comment it talks about what happened to the wheel. I was not able to get the video of a cat on it till it was gone, but in my newest wheel video (same structure, different materials) I show my kittens using it. They still use it a year afterwards too.

[@michaelunderdog5039]

@@CatToyLady - Thank You !

[@deborahb9998]

Had no idea that I needed to meet you today. Thank you for your full on best help attitude. My cats thank you. PS if you have never heard of the Sweet Potato Queens - you are a member in waiting

[@CatToyLady]

What is Sweet Potato Queens?

[@deborahb9998]

@@CatToyLady oh honey - please look those ladies up. Book or two and they have a parade. Also smart sassy southern cooking.

[@traceybanish2581]

Does anyone see a video of a cat ACTUALLY running on it? Looks amazing .id like to try

[@katula91]

This is adorable, your character and ingenuity, thankfully such people exist. I am subscribing. I have a question, how smooth does it run, seems to be a little friction there between the wheel and base.

[@CatToyLady]

katula thank you! There is just a little friction but not a ton, I think that’s a good thing. My first wheel I made didn’t have any friction and the cats had problems getting on it sometimes because it moved so easily. I could still make it spin like the wheel on the price is right 😂.

[@katula91]

Thanx, I think that would be a good thing too. So cats are using it easily, and gladly, they can easily walk in faster pace and sprint?

[@CatToyLady]

katula sadly my cats only used it if I held a piece of chicken in the air. So I was able see it in action and know it works. I donated it to my favorite rescues, one of the foster moms was going to take it home for further testing.

[@katula91]

That is expected. Nothing unusual, and you'll probably have no peace until you make another one for your kitties to train them further. It's so sweet that you gifted another kitty with it, I wish you all best. I watched 4 diys of this wheel and all are so good, but yours is lightest , simplest and easiest to make and I find it best to work with foamboard; although cardboards and other materials are good too. So pretty thanks for this fabulous idea. But instead of base, maybe you'll find it a challenge to try another solutions, like such that the wheel is suspended in the air, attached to some frame, and rotating from centre...and if you do try and come up with even simpler solution, I will be here waiting to watch. ;)

[@gailremp8389]

@@CatToyLady I have noticed on the fancy dancy ones that they are putting like an indoor outdoor carpeting pieces on the inside for traction. Which sounds like a logical thing to do. So I have to keep watching yours because I'm gonna figure out something to do with these bozos. They're going to get so big they will be bigger than the porch. Ha ha

[@angelafelix8568]

I've attempted the wheel twice they are great, I'm having a little trouble with the base but getting closer 😖😊.

[@cherylwood9956]

Any luck??

[@garden_3130]

I'm thinking you could use some extra large hula hoops like the ones you get at Walmart in the summer and use rope to wrap around them like a dream catcher. I don't know how you would make the base or especially how to allow it to spin. But that's an idea for anyone who might be reading this.

[@marcodilullo8938]

great!!!thank you, you are my heroe, greetings from Rome, Italy. :-)

[@OurCatioHome]

As I was watching, I too was wondering if you were an engineer or architect. Sorry to hear about your senior kitties poor health. They have a smart pet parent who will help in advanced care.

[@WhiteMouse77]

I wonder for how long this is gonna last considering all cat jumps and vibrations..... If I were building DYW low cost cat wheel I would use hot glue to build a frame with plastics and wood. Then I would use polystyrene to create molding around the frame. Third step is to fill up the molding with expanding mounting foam. When the wheel hardens you peel the polystyrene and brush hardened foam with sandpaper to shape surface. Finish should be nontoxic water based paint and suitable inner carpeting with rubber bottom side for easy fixation with both-sided glue tape.

[@micart79]

Again, would love to see the kitties using it at the end of the video. It would inspire me to make it if I see kitties actually enjoying it.

[@CatToyLady]

This toy was donated right after being made, my cat fat cat would only use it if I held chicken up, and my others- have congestion heart failure and the other is 14 years old. This isn’t really the toy for them.

[@micart79]

OK I'm just saying I think it would help you get more views to show cats using the items. Just trying to help you. Thanks for your creativity!

[@CatToyLady]

Budget Pet Mom I appreciate input about the videos, helps me grow! In my early videos I would always show my cats using the toy, and sadly, most people stopped watching at that point. Maybe I’ll start adding in some more of it.

[@micart79]

Yeah just a few seconds of cats showing appreciation for all your hard work lol. Sorry your babies are having health problems. We have 2 exotic Savannah cats and a rescue spoiled tabby. One of mine is highly destructive and chews cardboard and foam and carpet but maybe if I just copy your foam board ideas using thin cheap plywood instead, he'd leave it alone. I may try to make the wheel out of thin plywood. Please make more videos! I'm following and sharing your videos with my crazy exotic cat people too.

[@CatToyLady]

@@micart79 I think that plywood would work great! Thanks for sharing!

[@BASCILLICUS]

wow!!

[@CireMystery]

I like it but I'd pretty much need to figure out how to reduce friction and the foam rubbing sound when it's moving.

[@CatToyLady]

That sound is more from the paper, it was fairly quite before I added the paper.

[@MultiLisa10]

Very cool!

[@juliebaxter7152]

What about using craft foam (like they use for cosplay) or foam play mats for the inside wheel? Could be a little stiffer

[@lakiu9729]

This’s so cool ! My house doesnt even have enough space for this but i like this Thanks ! Can you make some videos about toys using cardboard ?

[@CatToyLady]

Man NT I’ll work on some cardboard based toys soon for you!

[@johndrachenberg2254]

This was a great video to start me on my journey. I plan to build one out of wood, which will be less expensive, more sturdy, and better for the environment. (That foam is horrendous.) Instead of a friction fit between the base and the walls of the cylinder, I will double up the number of castors, putting two horizontally inside, at the appropriate angles. I will also probably incorporate a adjustable brake to control the resistance the cat feels while running. I'm also working on a Raspberry Pi feeding system, which I may interface with the wheel. I could program the Pi to dispense a treat after 30 seconds of running for a few times, then it could increase to a minute per treat, then eventually 5 minutes maybe. Thanks for the advice, but I do hope you'll cut down on foam products in the future - it really is disastrous. (And probably more importantly, hydrophobic coatings, too - watch the BBC documentary titled "The Devil We Know" about Teflon - and be prepared to be sickened...)

[@moondoddler370]

Did u?

[@PigdudeALLgaming]

I as well am curious if this idea came to fruition. How ambitious!

[@PigdudeALLgaming]

I as well am curious if this idea came to fruition. How ambitious!

[@chrisjenkins203]

John had all these great ideas and saw fit to call out the design seen in the video. But no follow up comment, a year+ later, let’s us all know one thing. Like many things in life, John talked a good game but failed to follow through and actually complete the project. It’s comical to read his initial cocky comment of him trying to criticize and find fault. And now we know that it was all talk, unlike this video, which actually fabricated and completed a great wheel. I’m sure John is super busy working on his next “million dollar” idea… 😂

[@D-_.]

The rotation doesnt look smooth, but I really want to try. Your idea is brilliant thank you

[@erins.5420]

There’s some type of plastic that help shelves slid better that you can get in strips or sheets. It’s also super cheap. If I can’t find a name of link I’ll be back to reply again with it.

[@dionysus2006]

Cat Toy Lady, you are a genius 😀

[@neatt3815]

Wow, nice. I've always wanted a cat wheel. Are cat wheels ok for older cats? (10 years old).

[@CatToyLady]

Yes, older cats can use them, if interested in it. Check out the white wheel I made, very similar construction but better materials.

[@TheLilman5515]

What were your dimensions for the brackets you made for the casters?

[@CatToyLady]

If I remember right, two 3x4’s that were 4” tall with 5-6” bar in between.

[@thaddeusweakley9718]

I made this and it came-out well. Very good How-To video! I used eight 18" x 40" contact paper sheets (drawer liner it is called for younger folks) instead of wrapping paper. This is available at the $ Store and having a bit more give covered the compound curves much better. Most $ Stores sold carpet strips 10" wide (for shoes perhaps?) so I didn't even have to cut the carpet in half. Only issue I have is getting the cat to use it.... Cat is spooked of the wheel. Getting her to go from a life of eating, sleeping, and crapping to one of being active may be more difficult. Even putting treats on the wheel and a catnip treat hanging within the wheel for her to run towards, she shies from it. Any suggestions of what to try next? Thank you.

[@CatToyLady]

I used rotisserie chicken and I couldn’t get my big girl to use it 🤣. I think it takes a certain type of adult cat to be interested. My 3 foster kittens love the new wheel I just made. They run all day, off and on.

[@debbiebujanowski7330]

You have to start by getting them use to getting on and off the wheel. Spray catnip on the surface of the wheel. Then, use treats to do this. Once they are comfortable, hold the treat in your hand while they are on the wheel, so they will follow your hand and move the wheel. You could also swap out treats and use a laser light to help train your cat. This might take a while, be consistent. Hope this works for you! Also, a side note! Avoid using rugs to line the wheel. As the cat run on the wheel, they can get their nails caught on the rug and harm themselves. Good luck!

[@a.k.7116]

My same thoughts on my 9 y.o. cat!! 😅

[@gussygoro2469]

That’s really super

[@Creomortis]

Amazing

[@Transfurgroomers1]

Cool beans!!

[@aaronic7817]

Whats the thickness of the foam board tho? 3mm?

[@neilburns6118]

Sorry, you are brilliant at this cat toy thing. I need ideas for my BLIND cat. She is a blind birman and will be 11 years old this year. She is a little bit overweight so needs some toy's that will exercise her. This is a Good starting point, Brilliant...

[@CatToyLady]

I have a few toys that would be good for deaf kitties for playtime. The paper toys or any of the ones with the ping pong balls (with rice in them.) This is my favorite for deaf kitties...kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHzZoKOwmtNnY9U

[@neilburns6118]

@@CatToyLady Um she's blind not deaf..... :-)

[@CatToyLady]

Neil Burns haha, I just thought noisy toys would be good so she could find them by sound.

[@neilburns6118]

@@CatToyLady Actually, thank you for that video as I think she would like a couple of those. And I believe my late mother left a set of ping pong balls unopened. Excellent.

[@ritawashere5787]

Hi there! I promise you this will be the last time I asked you about this video. Did you have your cats go in it? Did it roll easily enough for them? I'm a grandmother are raising a four year old on such a tight budget it's unbelievable. So I don't want to order casters if it won't roll with cats in it. I know it won't last forever. But the casters will LOL so if I had to over the years make more I could. My other question is about the casters. I'm not sure if they all swivel or not. So is it okay if I order some that swivel?

[@CatToyLady]

After making it, I did test it with my cats. This required me to hold a piece of chicken up to make my cats use it. 😹 I have donated it to my favorite cat rescue. Once it makes it to someone’s house to test out, they should be giving me feedback on how well it’s holding up and maybe video. Swivel just cost more, if you are in the US order from Home Depot, not Amazon, much better cost.

[@ritawashere5787]

@@CatToyLady yes that would be great. A cat trainer told me that some cats you can train with the toy and some you have to train with treats 😂 the 2 inch casters do they swivel? I looked on Amazon and they have some but they swivel. Do you think it would make a difference? Have a great night.

[@gailremp8389]

I gave her a suggestion as far as casters. But I did that just a few minutes ago and it's Friday, February 12, 2021. When you go into the thrift store shops you'll find stuff with casters on them. And it might be a piece of junk item but for five dollars maybe less you pop off the casters and you've got a good price. So there are ways of scouting around in Thrift Shop's for the sad stuff and reusing it for a good stuff. So it's just a thought. I know what you're saying about being on a budget. For sure. And I have six little bozos. Well they're not little but you know what I mean. Peace and blessings from Gail in central Florida

[@ritawashere5787]

@@gailremp8389 hi Gail, you're a sweetheart. I can't believe I never thought of that. Take care of you and your bozos 😂 be well hun

[@jeneclark7724]

Can you use other glue besides low temp glue? Like super glue?

[@CatToyLady]

Super glue melts foam. You can find glues for foam board, they do take a bit longer to dry, just try to find one that says it’s non toxic when it dries