![]() One possible strategy to increase physical activity would be the implementation of a running wheel designed for domestic cats. Thus, different strategies to increase physical activity in domestic cats need to be explored in conjunction with dietary management to decrease the occurrence of obesity. Additionally, decreased physical activity has been identified as a major risk factor for the development of feline obesity and diabetes (, 2 ). ![]() Recent studies suggest that approximately 58 % of adult cats in the USA are either overweight or obese (, 1 ). Obesity is one of the most common diseases present in companion animals today. ![]() Thus, running wheels might be a potential strategy in the prevention or management of feline obesity. Habituation to a running wheel appears to be an effective method to increase voluntary physical activity of younger female cats. In general, female cats were more active than male cats. However, it corresponded to a numerically greater proportion of daily physical activity for males (17♵ %) v. Food anticipatory activity did not differ pre- and post-habituation. Female cat voluntary physical activity levels increased ( P < 0♰5) post-habituation during the dark period, resulting in an altered ( P < 0♰5) light:dark activity ratio, whereas male cat voluntary physical activity levels remained unchanged post-habituation. Experimental design consisted of 1 week of baseline physical activity measurement, followed by 3 weeks of wheel habituation, and 1 week of physical activity measurement post-wheel habituation. Voluntary physical activity was measured using accelerometers. Eight neutered domestic shorthair male cats (mean age 8♶ ( sd 0♰5) years) and eleven intact domestic shorthair female cats (mean age 3♳ ( sd 0♱4) years) were group housed for 22 h daily and individually housed during the feeding period. ![]() The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether access to a running wheel increases voluntary physical activity in adult female and male domestic cats. ![]()
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