10 Ideas on How To Make a Cat Running Wheel

Indoor cats need structured physical activity to stay healthy, and a running wheel is one of the most effective ways to give them that outlet.

Unlike a feather wand session that lasts ten minutes, a wheel lets cats sprint, walk, and burn energy on their own schedule.

High-energy breeds like Bengals, Abyssinians, and Siamese take to them especially well, but even laid-back domestic shorthairs can benefit from having one around.

The catch? Commercial cat exercise wheels may not be readily available for everyone. Budget models start around $80 while the popular mid-range options run about $179 to $189.

If you’re willing to pay more, the premium tier of cat running wheels may set you back between $500 and $800.

Building your own DIY cat wheel is a practical alternative that can save you hundreds of dollars, and it lets you size the wheel to fit your specific cat.

In this guide on how to make a cat running wheel, we’ve rounded up a range of DIY cat wheel ideas covering everything you need. Let’s get started!

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How To Make a Cat Running Wheel

1. Lath Slat Wheel with Center Axle Base

What You Need:

• 1 bundle of 48-inch wood lath
• 3 sheets of plywood
• 2 x 4 studs
• 2 sealed ball bearings
• Foaming polyurethane adhesive
• Carpet runner with rubber backing
• Dremel rotary tool with circle cutter
• Orbital sander
• Drill
• Clamps
• Cargo strap

Instructions

1. Cut the lath into 14-inch sections, which should give you around 150 pieces. You’ll only use about 77, but having extras may help.
2. Use the Dremel circle cutter set to an 18-inch radius to cut two 36-inch circles from plywood, then fasten them together with 2 x 2 spacers to form a 3D circular template.
3. Glue the lath slats around the outside edge of the form in batches of 15 while holding them tight with a cargo strap and clamps, while the adhesive cures overnight.
4. Once the full ring is complete, tap the plywood forms free from the slats and sand the entire outer surface smooth with an orbital sander and 40-grit paper.
5. Cut a 37.5-inch circle from the ⅝-inch plywood, glue it onto one side of the slat ring to close the back, and weigh it flat for at least 4 to 5 hours while drying.
6. Reinforce the center of the back panel with extra plywood, then drill a ¾-inch hole through the exact center using the circle cutter’s reference point.
7. Build an A-frame base from 2 x 4 studs with 22.5-degree angled supports, mill bearing seats into the tops with the Dremel, and press the 6204 RS bearings into place.
8. Thread the ¾-inch bolt through the bearings and the wheel’s center hole, check that the shaft is level, then secure everything with deck screws.
9. Line the inside of the wheel with 13-inch-wide strips of carpet runner attached using carpet tape, seal exposed wood with Varathane, and place a foam mat under the base.

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2. Plywood & Dowel Cat Exercise Wheel DIY

What You Need:

• 1 sheet of ½-inch plywood
• 13 one-inch wood dowels
• 2 eight-foot 2×4 studs
• 1 heavy-duty 2-inch caster
• 1 ⅝-inch roller ball bearing
• 5/16-inch bolts, nuts, and washers
• Wood glue
• Wood screws (2-inch and 1¼-inch),
• Staple gun with staples
• Carpet runner or artificial turf
• Carpet tape

Instructions

1. For DIY cat wheel dimensions, cut the plywood into two 4 x 4-foot pieces, make a cardboard compass, and draw 42-inch circles on both pieces. Cut them out with a jigsaw.
2. Draw a 39-inch circle on one piece and both a 39-inch and 36-inch circle on the other, then cut out the 36-inch inner circle to create a 6-inch-wide ring. Save that 36-inch disc for the base.
3. Mark the 39-inch lines on both circles at 2½-inch intervals, drill halfway through at each mark with a 1-inch Forstner bit, then cut the ring into four sections for easier gluing.
4. Glue the dowels, cut into 1-foot sections, into the holes one-quarter at a time, cap each section with a ring piece, and clamp everything at 90 degrees until dry.
5. Build a square base from four equal 2 x 4 pieces, attach the trimmed 36-inch plywood disc to the bottom, then screw a 34-inch upright 2 × 4 vertically at the back center.
6. Mount the disassembled caster near the top of the upright and the roller ball bearing about 18 to 20 inches below it, drilling bolt holes straight through the 2 × 4.
7. Cut a plywood support square for the center of the wheel back, drill bolt holes to match the caster, then bolt the wheel to the caster with washers and nuts.
8. Cut the carpet runner slightly wider than the running platform, glue and tape it along the dowel surface inside the wheel, fold the front edge up, and staple it to the inner side of the wheel.
9. Paint or finish all exposed wood, cover the base and outer wheel edge with turf or carpet, and add a hook-and-eye latch on the back so you can lock the wheel in place when needed.

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3. Plywood and PVC Sheet Wheel with Caster Base

What You Need:

• Plywood or MDF sheet
• Flexible PVC sheet or MDF strips
• Heavy-duty caster wheels
• Wood screws, wood glue, and a drill with bits
• Carpet or foam padding
• Strong adhesive
• Lumber or metal for an A-frame or H-frame base
• Non-toxic paint or stain

Instructions

1. Cut a large circle (36 – 48 inches in diameter) from plywood or MDF using a jigsaw, then sand the edges smooth.
2. Cut flexible PVC sheet or MDF strips to 10 – 12 inches wide, bend them around the edge of the circular base, and secure with wood glue and evenly spaced screws.
3. Cut carpet or foam padding to fit the interior circumference of the wheel and attach it with strong adhesive to create a grippy running surface.
4. Build a sturdy A-frame or H-frame base from wood or metal, sized to support the wheel’s weight and movement.
5. Mount heavy-duty caster wheels to the top of the base, spacing them evenly so the exercise wheel can sit on them and spin freely.
6. Place the wheel onto the casters, test the rotation, and adjust the alignment until it spins smoothly without wobbling.
7. Paint or stain the exposed wood with a non-toxic finish if you’d like, then give the whole setup a few test spins before letting your cat near it.

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4. CNC-Cut Modular Puzzle Wheel

What You Need:

• Plywood sheets
• CNC machine
• Rubber mallet
• Tension strap
• Drill and screws
• Caster wheels
• Non-slip matting for the running surface

Instructions

1. Download the Kuna Wheel DXF cat wheel plans and CNC-cut parts A1, B1, and C1 sixteen times each from the appropriate plywood thicknesses, plus four copies of D1 for the floor sections.
2. Arrange the first set of puzzle segments into a circle on a flat surface and tap them together firmly with a rubber mallet until the joints lock.
3. Bend the thin plywood floor sections and slide them into the slots of the first completed circle, using a tension strap to hold each piece in place as you go.
4. Assemble the second circle on top of the floor panels, pressing the puzzle joints into position with steady pressure (be careful not to crack the plywood by forcing it).
5. Repeat the process with the remaining floor and circle segments until all parts are used, then screw on the cover pieces to hide the joints.
6. Assemble the wheeled base by following the numbered slots in the base kit, mount the caster wheels, and adjust them so the wheel spins smoothly on its edge.
7. Add non-slip matting to the inside running surface if you’d like extra grip, then set the wheel in place and start training your cat with treats and toys.

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5. The Foam Board and Duct Tape Wheel

What You Need:

• 12 sheets of foam board
• 2 rolls of White duct tape
• Low-temp hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Spray adhesive
• 4 caster wheels 2-inch
• Scrap wood for the wheel base
• Wood screws
• 3 dollar store doormats
• Wrapping paper
• Rolling pin
• Push pin, tape measure, and pencil

Instructions

1. Use a push pin and tape measure to draw 21-inch and 24-inch arcs on your foam board, then cut them out.
2. Tape the cut arcs together using duct tape to create four large hula-hoop-sized rings, then double them up for stability.
3. Cut five sheets of foam board in half lengthwise and gently roll them over a rolling pin to create a slight curve.
4. Tape these curved boards along the inside edge of your doubled-up foam rings to form the running platform.
5. Add a second layer of curved foam board directly over the first running track as you stagger the seams for extra strength.
6. Build a simple rectangular box base out of extra foam board to house the caster wheel mechanism.
7. Screw your caster wheels into the scrap wood pieces, spacing them evenly, and secure this wooden bracket inside the foam base.
8. Coat the outside of the wheel with spray adhesive and carefully wrap it with your chosen decorative paper.
9. Cut the doormats to fit the inside track and stick them down using your low-temp hot glue gun. Set the decorated wheel onto the base and test the spin by hand to make sure it glides evenly.

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6. Plastic Sheeting Wheel with Stationary Casters

What You Need:

• Plastic sheeting
• Sturdy, flexible pipe
• Bolts and metal brackets
• 1 piece of wood
• 4 stationary caster wheels
• Non-slip tape
• Drill and basic hardware tools

Instructions

1. Measure your cat and determine the ideal wheel diameter, then cut the plastic sheeting to the length needed for the circumference and your desired tread width.
2. Attach a length of sturdy, flexible pipe along each long edge on one side of the plastic sheet to create rigid rims.
3. Bend the sheet into a circle and bolt the overlapping edges together with metal brackets.
4. Cut a wooden platform for the base and mount four stationary casters on top, spaced so they sit just inside the pipe rims and allow the wheel to spin freely.
5. Cover the metal brackets inside the wheel with non-slip tape so your cat’s paws don’t catch on them, and line the rest of the interior with more tape if you want extra grip.
6. Place the wheel on the caster platform, test the rotation, and use a laser pointer or a wall-mounted cat wand toy to coax your cat into their first few steps.

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7. In-Wall LED Cat Wheel

What You Need:

• Thick plywood or flexible MDF
• MDF or drywall sheets
• 2 X 4 wooden studs
• Heavy-duty caster wheels or roller bearings
• Metal sliding brackets
• Color-changing LED light strip with remote
• Wood screws
• Wood glue
• Non-slip carpet remnant
• Jigsaw
• Power drill
• Measuring tools

Instructions

1. Build a structural frame from 2 × 4 studs against an existing wall or underneath a staircase, sized to house the wheel and its base components.
2. Construct a large circular drum from flexible MDF to serve as the running track for your homemade cat wheel.
3. Mount heavy-duty caster wheels onto the bottom base, position the drum onto the casters, and install metal sliding brackets on the sides to prevent the wheel from tipping.
4. Run the color-changing LED strip around the frame’s inner edge, routing the power cable and remote receiver out the back for easy access.
5. Use a jigsaw to cut a perfect circle into your drywall or MDF panels, matching the drum’s outer diameter.
6. Attach the panels to the frame so they completely hide the casters, brackets, and wiring behind a clean faux wall.
7. Line the interior running surface with non-slip carpet for traction, similar to the grip used on DIY cat shelves.

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8. Corrugated Cardboard Cat Wheel

What You Need:

• Large, thick cardboard sheets
• 1 roll of flexible corrugated cardboard
• 4 small plastic wheels
• 2 threaded metal rods with nuts
• 2 PVC pipes
• Strong craft glue or wood glue
• A utility knife and a scrap cloth
• Patterned fabric or non-slip paper

Instructions

1. Cut multiple matching cardboard arcs and glue them together to form a thick, curved base cradle that will hold the wheel.
2. Poke two holes straight through both sides of the cradle and slide your wheels onto the threaded metal rods, using PVC pipes in the middle as spacers.
3. Push the assembled axles through the holes and lock them tightly with nuts on each side.
4. Trace and cut out several large cardboard rings, gluing them in stacks of three to build two rigid rims for your DIY cardboard cat wheel.
5. Glue the long roll of flexible corrugated cardboard around the inner edge of one rim, then attach the second rim to the opposite side to form a hollow drum.
6. Spread a generous layer of glue across the inside of the running track with a scrap cloth, press your patterned fabric into it for a non-slip grip surface, and let it dry completely.
7. Rest the finished drum onto the base cradle and spin it gently to make sure it rolls over the wheels without catching or wobbling.

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9. Plywood Homemade Cat Exercise Wheel

What You Need:

• 2 large sheets of plywood
• 1 roll of white aluminum flashing
• Strong two-part epoxy
• Power router with a circle jig attachment
• Thick project boards or 2 × 4s
• 4 heavy-duty caster wheels
• 2 smaller caster wheels
• Carpet tiles with adhesive backing

Instructions

1. Use your router with the circle jig to cut two identical large circles from the plywood sheets, then carve a narrow groove into the inner face of each ring.
2. Fill the routed grooves with a generous bead of two-part epoxy, press the aluminum flashing into the glue on one ring, and sandwich it by attaching the second ring on top.
3. Clamp or weigh down the assembly and let the epoxy cure fully before handling it.
4. Build a sturdy wooden base frame from your project boards or 2×4s, sized to support this cat treadmill wheel DIY build.
5. Screw four main caster wheels facing upward into the base frame, then mount two smaller wheels on the sides to act as bumpers that keep the drum from wobbling off track.
6. Stick adhesive-backed carpet tiles directly onto the inner metal track to give your cat a reliable grip surface.
7. Carefully lift your completed cat running wheel DIY onto the wheeled base, test the rotation, and adjust the side bumpers until the wheel spins freely without drifting.

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10. Spoked Bicycle Hub DIY Cat Running Wheel

What You Need:

• 1 large sheet of thick plywood
• Flexible hardboard or thin MDF panels
• 1 standard bicycle hub with axle and nuts
• Square metal tubing and a flat metal base plate
• Wood glue, wood screws, and paint
• Jigsaw, power drill, & bar clamps,
• Welding machine & metal grinder
• Adhesive foam or non-slip carpet padding

Instructions

1. Draw and cut a large, thin wooden ring from your plywood sheet with a jigsaw to serve as the drum frame for this how to make a cat exercise wheel project.
2. Wrap flexible hardboard panels around the outside of the ring, gluing and clamping them in place, then drive small wood screws through the hardboard into the ring.
3. Drill evenly spaced holes around the edges of the assembled drum for the spoke nipples, then paint the entire structure inside and out.
4. Cut your metal rods to length for custom oversized spokes and lace them from the central bicycle hub to the drilled holes on the drum, tightening the nipples carefully to true the wheel.
5. Cut square metal tubing and weld it to a flat base plate to build a sturdy, fork-shaped upright stand.
6. Mount the bicycle hub axle into the welded stand and lock it with the axle nuts so the wheel spins freely.
7. Line the inner running track with adhesive non-slip material, so your cat has a safe, comfortable grip surface.

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How to Train Your Cat to Use the Wheel

Building the wheel is half the job. Getting your cat on it is the other half. You need to be patient when training your feline friend to use this equipment.

Start by placing the cat exercise wheel DIY in a room your feline friend already likes spending quality time in.

A spare bedroom or a back hallway might seem like a good spot to keep the wheel out of sight, but your cat won’t use something they never see.

The living room or a main corridor works better. Let your cat sniff it, rub against it, and get comfortable with it being there for a day or two before you try anything else.

Once the wheel feels familiar, scatter a few treats across the running surface. You’re not trying to get your cat running yet.

At this point, you just want them stepping onto the wheel and associating it with something good.

After some time, grab a feather wand or any other interactive cat toy, as part of your DIY cat enrichment routine and slowly lure your cat along the surface so the wheel begins to turn.

A laser pointer along the inside edge of the wheel can work too. Keep these sessions short, around 5 to 10 minutes, and stop before your cat loses interest.

Never pick your cat up and place them on the wheel, and never force them to use them when they’re not interested.

Forcing them can be a quick way to create a negative association that’s hard to undo in the long run.

Remember learning how to use an exercise wheel for cats is a gradual process. Some cats figure it out in a few days. Others take weeks, and nothing is wrong with that.

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Conclusion

That’s all we had for our guide on how to make a cat running wheel at home. As always, we recommend starting with the one you’re comfortable to build at first.

A DIY cardboard cat wheel or foam board DIY cat wheel how to build project costs very little and tells you whether your cat has any interest in a wheel before you put a larger investment.

Once you know your cat is interested in cat playground indoor DIY, you can scale up to a more permanent build that matches your space and your cat’s size.

The materials and tools for most of these how to make a cat wheel projects are available at a competitive price, and none of them require exceptional woodworking skills.

For more hands-on projects to do for your feline friend, check out our guides on DIY cat stuff and DIY cat toys.

On the other hand, if you’d rather skip the build and go with a ready-made option, we also have a cat exercise wheel buying guide to help you pick the right one. Happy building.