#catwellbeing

[borashveterinaryclinic]

Cat Bad Breath: Causes, Signs & Treatment Options

Learn the common causes of bad breath in cats, warning signs of dental disease, and treatment options to support better oral health.

[marysteph007]

Cat Exercise Wheels: Helping Cats Stay Fit Indoors?

Many cat owners are familiar with the sudden bursts of energy often called the “zoomies.” One moment your cat is sleeping peacefully, and the next they’re sprinting across the living room. While this behavior may seem random, it’s actually part of a cat’s natural instinct to run, chase, and hunt. For indoor cats that don’t have access to outdoor exploration, finding ways to support regular exercise becomes especially important. One solution that has gained popularity is the cat exercise wheel.

But can a running wheel really help your cat stay active, and should it be part of your pet’s exercise routine?

Why Cats Need Regular Exercise

Cats are natural athletes. In the wild, they spend a significant amount of time stalking prey, climbing, and sprinting in short bursts. Even though domestic cats may live comfortably indoors, their bodies are still designed for movement.

Without enough activity, indoor cats may face issues such as:

Weight gain or obesity

Restlessness and boredom

Destructive behavior like scratching furniture

Reduced muscle strength

Creating a simple daily exercise routine can help cats maintain a healthy weight and keep their minds stimulated.

What Is a Cat Exercise Wheel?

A cat exercise wheel is a large circular running platform designed for cats to walk or run on while staying in place. It works similarly to a hamster wheel but is much larger and sturdier to support a cat’s size and weight.

These wheels are often used by owners who want to provide extra physical activity for indoor cats, especially in apartments or homes without much open space. Once a cat learns how to use it, the wheel can become a convenient way for them to burn off energy throughout the day.

Do Cats Actually Use Running Wheels?

The success of a cat exercise wheel depends largely on the individual cat. Some cats take to it immediately, while others may need time and encouragement to get comfortable with the movement.

Several factors influence whether a cat will use the wheel:

Age – Younger cats tend to adapt faster.

Energy level – Active breeds often enjoy it more.

Training and patience – Gradual introduction helps cats feel safe.

Using treats or toys to guide your cat onto the wheel can help them understand how it works.

Benefits of Cat Exercise Wheels

For cats that enjoy using them, exercise wheels can offer several advantages.

Supports Physical Health

Running helps strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and maintain a healthy weight.

Reduces Boredom

Indoor cats sometimes lack stimulation. A running wheel gives them an outlet for pent-up energy.

Encourages Natural Behavior

Cats naturally enjoy short bursts of running. The wheel allows them to express that instinct safely indoors.

Helps With Energy Balance

Regular activity may reduce late-night bursts of energy that wake up owners.

Alternatives to Cat Exercise Wheels

Not every cat needs or wants a running wheel. Fortunately, there are many other ways to create an exercise routine for your cat.

Some popular options include:

Interactive toys like feather wands

Laser pointers or chase toys

Climbing towers and cat trees

Puzzle feeders that encourage movement

Scheduled play sessions with the owner

Mixing several types of activities often keeps cats more engaged than relying on a single exercise tool.

Building a Healthy Exercise Routine

Cats benefit from short but frequent play sessions rather than long workouts. Experts often recommend two or three active play sessions per day, each lasting around 10–15 minutes.

You might notice that your cat becomes more relaxed and content after regular exercise. Over time, a consistent routine can improve both physical health and overall behavior.

Conclusion

Cat exercise wheels can be a fun and effective way to help indoor cats stay active, especially for energetic or curious pets. However, they are only one of many ways to encourage movement. The most important thing is providing your cat with regular opportunities to run, climb, chase, and play.

Every cat is different, so the best exercise routine is the one that matches your cat’s personality and energy level.

[getcatcrazy]

[getcatcrazy]

Importance of Gardens and Nature

Beauty in the Garden In todays fast world of concrete and motor ways in a lot of cases the spaces especially in the city areas are very restricted not leaving much space for a garden like in London…

Gardens are so important for wellbeing

[getcatcrazy]

Find out some of the reasons 

[getcatcrazy]

Cats Itching and Dry Skin

The skin can be an indication of a deficiency, dry skin is common in cats just like us it is just as annoying, your cat may have dry patches of skin or dandruff like flakes on their fur and bald spots there are many reasons for this. So, what are the indications? Dandruff and flakiness are primary indications the skin itself may appear dull when you part the fur to have a look, also your cat may be scratching or licking more than usual. Hair loss or thinning hair by the tail this is often caused by an allergic reaction to fleas’ infestation, lice and parasites, more than often dry skin is an indication of some other condition. Scratching of the head and neck can indicate a food allergy when the real issue is addressed then the cat’s fur and skin will go back to normal. So, what are the causes then? Allergies to an ingredient in their food, poor diet like the wrong food for cat’s since they need protein, pollen in the air or new bed and grooming products. Cat could require vitamins and minerals. Weather can play a part such as winter with the colder days and having a heater on, excessive licking and grooming. Medication for other pets or humans, has this spilled and the cat licked it up. Fungal infections like yeast infection, ringworm and sporotrichosis which is an infection via the skin through small cuts, scratches or punctures from thorns, barbs, pine needles or wire known as rose gardener’s disease this can also affect the skin, with rare forms affect the joints, bones and even the brain. This should be treated straight away more serious issues in older cat’s could be heart conditions, diabetes hyperthyroidism. So how do you deal with this problem? Consider buying high protein cat food with a lot of the cheaper brands they have little protein and are high in carbs, which can also cause other health issues, fresh is sometimes best. Eliminating problem areas like change in cleaning products, Omega3 Supplements the benefits of fish oil for pets even go beyond skin moisture and conditioning and could also help towards preventing cancer. Dermatrix that includes keratin for skin health also cat shampoos can condition and relief the itching. Flea and tick treatment and worm the cat antibiotics and antifungals and household changes if it is a heat related condition then you may need a humidifier for the room where most of the time is spent. Brushing and grooming your cat can help with the oils in their skin. If your cat is flaking like a freshly baked pie crust when you pet her, or is constantly scratching an itch with no fleas in sight, you may be wondering:

Find out about itching skin 

[getcatcrazy]

Joint Care

Being able to recognise the signs is the first step with pets after all they cannot tell us when they are uncomfortable, if your pet does not have the spring in their step, or the energy to do what they used to, if your cat is stiff and not as energetic. They may stop eating and drinking and hide away, have difficulty in finding a comfortable way to rest. This could be signs of osteoarthritis when there is degenerative joint disease this is when the cartilage between bones breaks down and no longer cushions the joints, allowing friction to occur resulting in inflammation of the joints which is called arthritis. Some conditions are hereditary with displacement of joints and other abnormalities of the cat’s hind leg, such as the hip joint, femur, or tibia. Kittens can also suffer this with kneecap displacement or hip dysplasia, they can experience joint trauma if one of their limbs become twisted, they may have a limp. Extra weight can also place pressure on joints causing additional pressure. Some of the signs are licking or chewing on the hip, leg joint, or ankle this is where your cat could be having pain in this area. With senior cats may have swellings and discomfort stopping them from being as active. If your cat is struggling provide all the necessities for them at easy reach, make them comfortable without having to climb up things. Cats are generally very athletic first check for injury or a fracture this can heal and be helped with joint supplements. Provide comfortable sleeping and keep them warm, certain food supplements may help to control arthritis, Cod liver oil, supplements containing glucosamine and chontroitin, helps with healing the cartilage lining bones inside joints, Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Find Product

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