Last updated Nov 27, 2025
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
A good cat wheel can be a smart investment for high-energy cats who don’t have a lot of space to run and play. If your cat is prone to midnight zoomies and spends a lot of their days running, jumping, and zipping up and down furniture, they might like to take one of these wheels for a spin.
But not all cat wheels are a good choice.
After hours of research and trying three cat wheels with my two cats, I’ve learned that many cat wheels are poorly-designed and, most likely, unsafe for cats.
That’s why I’ve chosen the One Fast Cat Wheel as the best cat exercise wheel you can buy. This wheel is well-built, spins smoothly, and gives your cat plenty of room to stretch out. It’s a strong choice for energetic cats who need a place to run.
Keep reading to learn more about the Ferris Cat Wheel and my other top five recommendations.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Cat Exercise Wheels
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
One Fast Cat Wheel
- Large enough to feel comfortable for most cats
- Receives mostly positive customer reviews
- Comfortable, soft EVA foam resists claw-snags
Star Cat Wheel
- Comes with a tube that fills with water and your choice of three toy fish that will ‘swim’ inside, enticing your cats to use the wheel
- Large size will work for most cats
- Includes two pin breaks to lock the wheel for safety purposes
RYMania Running Wheel
- Works great for small cats
- Well-constructed and sturdy
- Carpet provides traction without snagging on claws
G5 Ferris Cat Wheel
- Well-built from seemingly high-quality materials
- Spins smoothly and quietly
- Soft, comfortable EVA foam track
GoPet Cat Treadwheel
- A good option for cats who like a free spinning wheel
- Easy to maintain with a rubber track liner
- Snag-free rubber lining
Top Pick Explained
Why Trust Cats.com?
To find the best cat wheels on the market, I spent hours researching the world of cat wheels, learning about the qualities of a good wheel, the different products available, and what regular users did and didn’t like. After learning about the options available, I ordered three cat wheels—each representing a different price tier—and tried them out with my cats.
To get a sense for the performance of cat wheels from every corner of the market, I tried three cat wheels in my own home.
One was a very pricey enthusiast-recommended cat wheel, the second was an ultra-popular wheel at a moderate price, and the third was Amazon’s top wheel recommendation, a smaller exercise wheel with a lot of scary negative reviews.
Those three products were:
While the Ferris Cat Wheel and One Fast Cat Wheel made it into my final roundup, the Penn-Plax wheel was eliminated for its small size and uncontrolled movement.
We’ve also added cat wheels tested by other Cats.com reviewers into this article, including the Star Cat Wheel and the RYPetmania Running Wheel.
After receiving the cat wheels, I subjected them to a series of tests.
Ease of Assembly
I also evaluated the wheels’ build quality during this phase, evaluating the strength of the materials and how well all of the parts came together. Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
I put together all of the cat wheels and took notes on how long it took me to assemble them, how clear the instructions were, and how many assembly supplies were included in the package. I also evaluated the wheels’ build quality during this phase, evaluating the strength of the materials and how well all of the parts came together.
Cat-Appropriateness
I took note of how comfortable my cats seemed to fill on and in each wheel, whether or not their claws snagged, and if they seemed afraid of the wheels. Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
Enlisting the help of my two cats, Wessie and Forest, I tried out each of the cat wheels, inviting my cats to sit, walk, and—unsuccessfully—run on them. I took note of how comfortable my cats seemed to fill on and in each wheel, whether or not their claws snagged, and if they seemed afraid of the wheels.
Smoothness & Spin
Better wheels span smoothly with just enough momentum to move with your cat, never spinning too slowly or too quickly for the feline user. Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
Better wheels span smoothly with just enough momentum to move with your cat, never spinning too slowly or too quickly for the feline user. This made them more comfortable and fun for the cat using the wheel and also reduced the amount of noise they produced.
Will Your Cat Use an Exercise Wheel?
As with any expensive, novelty product, most cat owners hesitate before buying a cat wheel. Will your cat even use it, or will they just sit in the box it came in?
Some of this depends on the cat, and a lot of it depends on the cat parent! Helping your cat learn to use an exercise wheel takes time and patience. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how our reviewer, Katelynn, helped her cats adjust to the wheel:
Step One: Building the Wheels
First, the wheels had to be built! This was a longer process than expected. If you’re someone who hates assembling IKEA furniture or gets confused by the process easily, you may want to opt for a pre-built wheel. Both wheels that I built took multiple hours to assemble.
Step Two: Enticing Your Cat Onto the Wheels
The next step was to get the cats onto the wheels. I kept them locked at first to avoid startling my cats, and used catnip and treats to coax them to stand and sit on the wheel. When I found my cat, Mama, sleeping on the wheel at night, I knew I’d found success!
Step Three: Unlocking the Wheel and Learning to Walk
After my cats were comfortable with the wheels themselves, I unlocked them so that they could get used to the motion. This didn’t take as long as I expected. Most of the cats were startled by the movement at first, but quickly adjusted after some reassurance.
Almost all of them were ready to start walking on the wheel within minutes, though they’d only take a few steps before sitting down and demanding treats! My cat Frick is a catnip fiend, so he was the most comfortable with the wheels–clawing and running within the first day. However, once the catnip was gone, he slowed to a walk and only used it when encouraged by treats and pets.
While I’m sure I can get my cats running on the wheels eventually, the process is lengthy and will likely take months. Some of them are quite reluctant and may never use the wheels without incentive, but already they’re willing to walk faster and for longer periods between treats.
I can also imagine that younger, more athletic cats would adjust to the wheels even faster! My cats are all over 11 years old, so they have arthritic joints and much less energy than a new kitten.
Best Cat Exercise Wheels: Our Top 5 Picks Reviewed
The One Fast Cat Wheel is our top pick because it’s affordable, highly-reviewed, and large enough for cats to run on safely. However, we know that every cat and human is unique, with different preferences and needs. To help you choose the best exercise wheel, we’ve broken down our recommendations by size, affordability, and other key features.
#1 Overall Best: One Fast Cat Wheel
- Wheel Diameter: 43 inches
- Track Width: 10.75 inches
- Track Material: EVA foam
- Colors Available: Black, White, Cheetah, Snow Leopard
- Weight Limit: 25 lbs
- Warranty: 30-Day Warranty
- Price: $179.00
Perhaps the most popular cat wheel on the market, the One Fast Cat Wheel is somewhat more attainably-priced than our first recommendation.
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
Assembly is tricky—the user has to slip in fragile plastic clips that tend to snap and hurt the fingers. Putting together the base takes a lot of muscle, and no mallet is included in the box.
Once assembled, the wheel measures 48″ H x 47″ W. The running track measures just under 11 inches wide and sits on four skate wheels. These wheels are on the slower side, so the wheel’s movement is slightly restrained, though smooth enough to be fun for cats.
While many other cats love the One Fast Cat Wheel, I felt that my cats seemed slightly less comfortable standing on it. Though they loved the combination wand toy that came with the wheel, they wouldn’t stand on it for long or walk in it, and it made a lot of scraping, thudding noises while running.
Overall, the One Fast Cat Wheel is a crowdpleasing choice that’s won over thousands of cat owners. Customer support seems to be outstanding, and it’s a convenient and readily-available option for customers in the United States.
What We Liked:
- Large enough to feel comfortable for most cats
- Receives mostly positive customer reviews
- Comfortable, soft EVA foam resists claw-snags
- Available in a variety of fun patterns
- LED roller wheels are available
- Seems to offer great customer service
- The most affordably-priced wheel on this list
What We Didn’t Like:
- Finicky assembly process
- Seems to be noisier than some other cat wheels
#2 Runner Up: Star Cat Wheel
- Wheel Diameter: L:44.4 inches XL: 49.2 inches
- Track Width: L:41.7 inches XL: 47.2 inches
- Track Material: Premium Birch Wood and water-resistant carpet
- Colors Available: Brown, Gray
- Weight Limit: L:57.5 lbs XL:66.1 lbs
- Warranty: Not specified
- Price: $449.00
The Star Cat Wheel is sturdily-constructed, with a carpet that’s comfortable for cats’ feet. It provides traction while not snagging on their claws, and the running track is wide. It’s perfect for chunky cats who are exercising to lose a bit of weight!
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
I was worried at first by the poorly-written instructions, but the company also provides an amazing step-by-step video that makes assembly as easy as possible. I found the process tedious, but most steps were easy to complete.
The construction of the wheel does have some flaws, including that the tube with the swimming fish is held onto the wheel using zip ties. This looks unprofessional to me, and I wish it were done differently–but, it doesn’t take away from the functionality of the wheel.
I thought my cats would be enticed by the fish, as many reviewers say that their cats love chasing it around the wheel. However, I couldn’t get them to pay attention to it at all–even while using the one that was most appealing during the company’s testing process. That said, you might be one of the many who have better luck with your own cats!
While this wheel runs smoothly, it does teeter back and forth when a cat stops moving. This can be scary for the cats at first, but my cats grew used to it quickly. They seemed to find it easier to get started on than the RYPetmania wheel, which has more resistance, but a little scarier to stop. In my opinion, both ways have their pros and cons.
What We Liked:
- Well-constructed with eco-friendly materials
- Large size will work for most cats
- Operates quietly
- Includes two simple pin breaks to lock the wheel on either side
What We Didn’t Like:
- Long assembly process
- Uses zip ties to hold the tubing in place, which looks a little sloppy
- The wheel has very little resistance, so it wobbles back and forth when your cat stops running
#3 Best For Small Cats: RYPetmania Running Wheel
- Wheel Diameter: 45 inches
- Track Width: 35.5 inches
- Track Material: Sisal rugs for grip and easy cleaning
- Colors Available: Brown, Black, Gray, Pink
- Weight Limit: Not specified
- Warranty: Not specified
- Price: $109.99
The RYPetmania wheel is on the smaller side, but works well for smallest cats. I tested it with my cats who weigh under 12 pounds, and it worked well for them.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The wheel comes in four colors, including three neutrals and a fun, cotton-candy pink. It’s covered with a thin carpet that creates traction for your cats to run without snagging on their claws. It moves easily, but has a bit of resistance which stops the wheel from wobbling too much when your cat stops moving.
The wheel is quiet and my cats enjoy using it. They also spend a lot of time sleeping on it, especially after I’ve locked it for the night. I find the fish-shaped break a little annoying, as you have to completely unscrew it to unlock the wheel. A pin break would be quicker and easier to use, if not quite as cute!
Another problem I had was with the assembly instructions, which were unclear. The photos also didn’t always match the actual pieces, so I had to make some educated guesses while putting things together. In the end it did work out, and I was thankful not to have to take it apart and reassemble it at any stage. I think someone who struggles to assemble furniture may have more problems than I did, which is especially a problem with an item that takes so long to build!
Overall, I would recommend this one so long as you’re okay with unclear assembly instructions and your cat is small enough to use it safely. For larger cats, I’d opt for a larger wheel.
What We Liked
- My small cats enjoyed walking on the wheel, and even did a bit of running and clawing when enticed with catnip
- The wheel is well-constructed and sturdy enough for small cats
- Carpet provides traction while not snagging on your cat’s claws
What We Didn’t Like
- Break must be screwed and unscrewed from the wheel every time it’s used
- Unclear and sometimes inaccurate assembly instructions
- The edges of the wood aren’t painted, which makes it feel incomplete
- Not made for large cats
#4 High-Energy Indoor Cats: G5 Ferris Cat Wheel
- Wheel Diameter: 48 inches
- Track Width: 12.5 inches
- Track Material: EVA foam
- Colors Available: Black, Blue, Green, Pink
- Weight Limit: 25 lbs
- Warranty: 1-Year Warranty
- Price: $599 CAD (about $440 USD)
As I began digging into the best cat wheels on the market, the Ferris Cat Wheel was repeatedly recommended by seasoned cat wheel users. Happy customers described it as quieter, sturdier, and more expensive than the better-known One Fast Cat Wheel.
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
Often mistakenly referred to as “the ZiggyDoo” after the product’s North American distributor, the Ferris Cat Wheel is designed and manufactured by Ferris Cat Wheel Malaysia and sold through several distributors around the world. Fulfillment and shipping to the United States took over a month.
And once I started unboxing and assembling the wheel, I understood why this product has become such a cult classic in the cat community. Though time-consuming, assembly was easy and straightforward, and I appreciated that the company included all the supplies I needed, including a mallet and combination wrench with a ratchet.
Once assembled, this massive cat wheel stands 56 inches high and has an inner diameter of 48 inches. The running track is over a foot wide and covered in soft EVA foam tiles. The whole body of the wheel feels robust and well-constructed, and my cat, Wessie, seemed to feel comfortable standing on it, even if he wasn’t ready to run immediately.
With six skate wheels on the base and a smooth, deeply-grooved track, the Ferris Cat Wheel is able to turn smoothly and quickly with a soft whirring sound.
Overall, it’s a well-designed, well-constructed cat wheel with all the qualities we’re looking for. It’s expensive, though, and large, so if you’re not ready for a major dent in both your wallet and square footage, you may want to explore other options.
What We Liked:
- Well-built from seemingly high-quality materials
- Spins smoothly and quietly
- Soft, comfortable EVA foam track
What We Didn’t Like:
- Expensive
- Fulfillment and delivery can take a long time
#5 Premium Pick: GoPet Cat Treadwheel
- Wheel Diameter: 40 inches
- Track Width: 12 inches
- Track Material: Rubber
- Colors Available: Black
- Weight Limit: 25 lbs
- Warranty: 1-Year Warranty
- Price: $1,704.97
The price of this wheel is staggering—nearly $800 is a price few will be willing to pay for a cat exercise wheel.
However, it has some qualities that set it apart from the rest. For one, it comes fully-assembled, so you don’t have to spend hours putting the wheel together. You might also appreciate the sturdy construction, US manufacturing, and ultra-smooth, almost silent operation of this wheel.
Unlike other cat wheels that turn on a skate wheel base, this wheel uses a center shaft with very little friction, allowing the wheel to freely spin.
Thanks to a built-in rubber running track, the GoPet wheel doesn’t require replacement track liners and is very easy to clean.
What We Liked:
- A good option for cats who like a free spinning wheel
- Easy to maintain with a rubber track liner
- Snag-free rubber lining
- Incredibly quiet operation
- Comes fully assembled
What We Didn’t Like:
- Wheels with a center shaft tend to rock and may feel less stable
- Extremely expensive
- Small compared to our top-recommended wheels
How to Choose the Best Cat Wheel
Below are a few things to consider before purchasing a cat wheel, so that you can choose the best one for your cat.
It’s large enough for your cat to use comfortably.
I found that the best cat wheels measured at least 40” across on the inside, allowing the cat to comfortably reach and run. Small wheels take up less space in the home, but they can feel awkward for adult cats.
The track is lined with a non-snagging material.
Some cat wheels are lined with carpet, which your cat’s claws can catch and snag. Ideally, the running surface should be smooth, so that your cat’s claws can’t catch on it.
It’s thoughtfully built from high-quality materials.
A great cat wheel should last for your cat’s lifetime. It should be made from rugged, long-lasting materials and sturdily-constructed. Whether it comes pre-assembled or in pieces you need to put together, all of the parts should come together securely, without gaps or weak spots. And if you’re the one assembling the wheel, it should come with detailed instructions and all the parts you need.
It spins smoothly and quietly.
When your cat is running on the wheel, it shouldn’t make a lot of noise. The best cat wheels make a quiet whirring noise without a lot of clunks and creaks. Additionally, the wheel should spin smoothly, with just the right amount of resistance to make your cat comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cat exercise wheels really work?
Cat exercise wheels do work for energetic cats or those who need to burn off some calories. However, it takes time to accustom your cat to the wheel, and not every cat will use one reliably. It’s important to keep your cat’s temperament in mind before buying, including their activity levels and whether they’re adventurous or skittish when it comes to exploring new items.
How long will it take to train a cat to use an exercise wheel?
In my experience, it took a couple of days to get the cats walking on their exercise wheels as I coaxed them along with treats. To get a cat running on the wheel on their own may take no time at all for energetic and adventurous cats, or months for those who are more hesitant.
How big should my cat’s exercise wheel be?
Since we don’t want to cause spinal issues for our cats, their cat wheel should be large enough for them to run on without their back arching down. It should feel as natural as possible for them.
We recommend wheels that are over 43 inches in diameter, with larger being better for most cats.
A warning to readers and maybe an alert to any site admin. When republishing old article you need to do the legwork in regards to whether the content is still valid. Of the five you rewarded, 4/5 have invalid links, 3/5 are no longer made, one as bar back as 2023:
1) Overall best – The link works fine.
2) Runner up – Company no longer seem to be trading on Amazon (where the link leads).
3) Premium pick – Runner up – Company no longer seem to be trading on Amazon (where the link leads).
4) Best custom made – Company still running but link gets a 404 error.
5) Bet in the UK – The company decided to wind down when the owner retired, last order was taken in 2023.
Out of five wheels showcased in this article, four have invalid links and only two are still made.
Thank for the feedback we are working on an update for the article
Worry that the research for this wasn’t quite a thorough as they say it was, I only say this as the “Best in the UK” pick is a company who are no longer running, they took their last orders in 2023! This would suggest this article is a very old one, that’s reposted, for bulk the site’s content, without due diligence to updating the data.
Apologies, we do plan to update the article over the next few weeks including testing new modesl.
FYI, the One Fast Cat link ti Amazon shows that the wheel is lined wuth felt, not EVA foam. I’m assuming felt will catch claws.
Thank you for the detailed reviews. I bought the Ferris cat wheel largely because of the information here and my experience lined up pretty much exactly as expected. It’s expensive, but we’ve had it a year and a half now and found it to be a very quality product. Just like the review here said assembly was straightforward but did take a little time. Putting on the inside liner is a little fussy to get it to line up just right, but doable. It stands proudly on the side of our dining room and honestly, I think it looks cool just because of how huge and cleanly designed it is.
Of our three cats only one of them uses it, but fortunately it’s the one that really needs the exercise! We were sitting watching TV one night and suddenly heard this sound. We look over and there he is, seemingly testing the wheel to see how fast it can go. He then went through a phase of using it mostly at night. Now he’s not using it quite as much so I probably need to figure out a way to get him more engaged with it again.
Cat wheels are a gamble, it can be tough to get them to use it. But if you’re going to get a wheel and can spare the cash for it the Ferris is totally the way to go IMO.
I wouldn’t recommend one fast car if you have a high energy cat. I have a Bengal cat and she loved the wheel but it was extremely wobbly, obnoxiously loud and after approx 2 months of use the entire wheel cracked due to it being made of plastic. We tried replacement for the wheel and again it broke in another 2 months… For the price of the wheel it should last longer than that. Highly do not recommend.
I’ve had two awful wheels from One Fast Cat. The first was so out of true that it wobbled drastically and made so much noise the cats were scared of it. I honestly thought it was going to jump off its stand. They did take that one back as a return, but it took a lot of negotiation to make it happen. The second one arrived and wasn’t much better. Several of the holes for the clips were broken straight out of the box. After assembly, it didn’t roll any better than the first.
I’m not sure if they’re review-bombing sites or removing negative feedback from their own page to make their product look good, but it’s hard to believe there aren’t more unsatisfied customers out there. Notice the 30-day warranty—that’s all they’re willing to stand behind their product for. And based on my experience returning the first wheel, that 30 days is counted from the order date, not when you actually receive it. Personally, I’d avoid it like the plague.
I wouldn’t recommend one fast car if you have a high energy cat. I have a Bengal cat and she loved the wheel but it was extremely wobbly, obnoxiously loud and after approx 2 months of use the entire wheel cracked due to it being made of plastic. We tried replacement for the wheel and again it broke in another 2 months… For the price of the wheel it should last longer than that. Highly do not recommend.
You’re the best! I love watching you and your cats! They are so sweet ! Funny when you’re demonstrating an item and one of your cats says naw. So cute! Thank you very much for what you do and may the Lord bless you!
Aww, thank you for the kind words! Hope you have a great rest of your night/day.