Your cat is getting fat? Get her a cat excercise wheel!

I couldn’t miss this new project on the crowdfunding website Kickstarter – One Fast Cat. I think by having a look at the video, you’ve already guessed the invention. Yes, it is exactly what it looks like – it is an exercise wheel for a cat. Forget about your cat feeling bored, getting depressed, destroying furniture and getting chubby. This exercise wheel promises to help your cat find a way to use his/her energy becoming more relaxed and calm (Brucy needs this!!).

According to the first testers (the owners of the beautiful Bengal in this video), the wheel does keep its promise: “Our cat now uses the wheel on her own several times a day”

Some technical info on the wheel from the producer:

• Smart industrial design allows it to ship or retail in a very small box (box size).
• This design also allows for it to be assembled extremely quickly for home use.
• 48″ diameter wheel protects your cat’s back.
• 10″ running tread provides plenty of space for feline footing.
• Sturdy and lightweight for ease of moving it around.
• It is made of Recycled plastics.
• Run surface is made from a closed cell EVA foam to prevent claws from catching and allowing cats to run naturally using their claws for safe footing.
• Can be cleaned by taking it outside and spraying it with a hose or wiped down with a wet towel.
• Open design so cats can enter from either side.

How much does this amazing invention cost? If you support it on Kickstarter, you can get it for an offer $199 price. Sounds reasonable (if you have space for this wheel in your living room), so support this project!

Time to go on a diet??

In my opinion, Brucy started to get a bit chubby recently. Yes, I know it’s winter and we all stock up fat because its cold, and yes, I know that since she is getting older (and lazier), she runs around less so gaining weight is normal, but still!

So now Brucy is 2 years old and she weights 3.6kg or 8 pounds. What makes it difficult t know whether your cat is right weight is the fact that the ideal weight of the cat varies according its type:

For example a domestic cat should weights between 8-10 lbs when a Persian weighting 12 lbs, is considered fit as well. This useful website has a few tricks that allow you to check whether you cat is is overweight or not:

1. Can you feel your cat’s ribs? You should be able to feel each rib distinctly with just a little fat covering beneath the skin.If you cannot feel his ribs at all, your cat is obese.
2. When you look at your cat from above, can you see his waist? A cat’s waistline should go inwards. If your cat does not have a distinct waist or if it protrudes outwards, it is likely that your cat is overweight.
3. Check the bony areas of your cat’s body. You should be able to feel the bones of the spine, shoulders, hips and base of the tail. There will be a slight fat covering, but the bones should feel prominent.
4. When you view your cat from the side, does it have an abdominal tuck? Is the diameter of the cat’s waist smaller than its ribcage? If so, your cat is within a healthy weight range. If the waist is the same size or larger than the ribcage, your cat is likely to be carrying extra weight.

I can still feel Brucy’s bones and ribs, but only just.. Maybe we’ll introduce some extra running games, because I don’t think cutting food will work with her!

Check out this great infographic with some fun facts about cat weight!