Walkin’ Wheels CAT Wheelchair

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Product Details

The Walkin’ Wheels Cat Wheelchair is designed to improve mobility for feline patients with hind end weakness, mobility loss or rear leg paralysis. The fully adjustable Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair is ideal for both long-term use to keep paralyzed cats active and for short-term rehabilitative use as a cat recovers and works to rebuild strength.

Features:

  • Ideal for cats and kittens weighing 2 to 30 lbs.
  • Push Button Adjustability
  • Fully adjustable in height, length, and width
  • Mini Cat wheelchair available in Blue
  • Small Cat wheelchair available in four colors: Blue, Pink, Seafoam, and Camo
  • Wheelchair frame made of durable, lightweight extruded aluminum

Clinical Advantages:

  • Improve mobility for pets during surgical or injury recovery
  • Rehabilitative support during physical therapy and strength training exercises
  • Wheelchair adapts to a cat’s changing health needs: front attachment can be added to convert into full support/4-wheel cart

Two different frame sizes available to best fit all sizes of cats and kittens.
Tip: Some cats with strong front legs find more success in a full support cat wheelchair.

Conditions

Feline mobility conditions that benefit from a Walkin’ Wheels Cat Wheelchair:

  • Hind end weakness
  • Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
  • Arthritis
  • Paralysis
  • Cerebellar Hypoplasia
  • Vestibular Disease
  • Cancer
  • Slipped Disc
  • Congenital abnormalities
  • Surgical of Injury Recovery
  • Physical therapy & strength training

Professional Use

How to Integrate Cart Time into Your Hospital’s Rehabilitation Protocols

Using a wheelchair with hospitalized, down patients is ideal. Wheelchairs allow a patient to stand upright instead of laying in lateral recumbency can improve recovery times. Additionally, adding five to ten-minute cart walks into a patient’s treatment plan several times daily can improve a dog’s mental health as well save a technician’s back
Here are a few simple Walkin’ Wheels exercises to try:

Wheelchair Assisted Walking Exercises

Using a wheelchair with hospitalized, down patients is ideal. Wheelchairs allow a patient to stand upright instead of laying in lateral recumbency can improve recovery times. Additionally, adding five to ten-minute cart walks into a patient’s treatment plan several times daily can improve a dog’s mental health as well save a technician’s back

Wheelchair Assisted Walking Exercises

Place the patient in their wheelchair to encourage walking and to assist patients during Rehab sessions. During early sessions begin with short, timed walks and slowly increase the duration over time. In most cases, your patient has likely been inactive for an extended period of time, causing them to fatigue quickly. It’s recommended to keep your first cart walk between 6-10 minutes. Complete exercise 3-4 times daily based on patient’s condition and need.

Assisted Walking with Proprioception Training During Rehab

For patients with hind limb proprioceptive deficits, place the patient into their Walkin’ Wheels and try placing a No-Knuckling Training Sock on the affected limb or limbs and begin walking. This exercise will encourage proprioception training while the patient is fully supported. Walk for 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times daily based on patient. Session length may be increased at therapist’s discretion.

Assisted Walking with Strength Training

Once the patient has gotten stronger but still may need moderate support for workouts, you can add leg weights to any limb that needs increased strength. It may be best to only apply one leg weight at a time, but it’s up to the therapist’s discretion how much weight and how long is appropriate based on the patient.

Rear Support Wheelchair with Therabands

Resistance Therabands may be used on the hind limbs to target specific muscle groups and attached to the struts of a patient’s Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair to add strength training to your patient’s cart walks. Place for 5-10 minutes at a time during a walk twice daily is recommended, but times may vary based on each patient. Therabands can vary in resistance levels, so starting out with a low level and increasing based on patient needs is advised.

Specs

Your pet’s new Walkin’ Wheels cat wheelchair comes with everything your pet needs to get up and walking again!

Please note: both the Walkin’ Wheels Wheelchair box and manual features images of dogs. Dogs and cats use the same Walkin’ Wheels Wheelchair, if you have any questions regarding your Cat and their new wheelchair, please contact our Wheelchair Experts at 888-253-0777.

walkin' wheels mini dog wheelchair

What’s In the Mini Cat Box? (2-10 lbs)

  • 1 Frame
  • 1 Front Harness with comfort sleeves
  • 1 Instruction Manual
  • 3” and 5” Width Connector
  • 1 set Leg Rings Rear Support
  • 2 Stirrups
  • Leg Ring Clamps
mini walkin' wheels dog wheelchair

B1 Wheelchair Frame:

Mini-B1 Wheelchair Frame comes with Width Connector, Extenders, Struts, and 2″ Wheels installed. This frame size is for the smallest dogs and pets

mini walkin' wheels dog wheelchair

B2 Wheelchair Frame:

Mini-B2 Wheelchair Frame comes with Width Connector, Extenders, Struts, and 4″ Wheels installed. Intermediate size Mini for toy dog breeds and small pets.

mini walkin' wheels dog wheelchair

B3 Wheelchair Frame:

Mini-B2 Wheelchair Frame comes with Width Connector, (longer) Extenders and Struts, and 4″ Wheels installed. This size frame is for toy dog breeds and small pets weighing up to 10 lbs.

cat wheelchair harness

Front Harness:

The Front Harness will come attached to the Cat Wheelchair Frame, with removable comfort sleeves attached. Red strap goes on bottom, behind cat’s front legs, black strap goes across chest, blue strap clips over cat’s back. The Front Harness may be removed for washing.

cat wheelchair leg rings

Leg Rings:

The Leg Rings are the rear support system for the pet. Comfortable foam leg rings connected in the center with Velcro form a flexible “seat” for the pet. Rubber-coated wires wrap go through the clamps and around the Wheelchair Frame to connect the Leg Rings easily to the Wheelchair Frame with rubber-coated wires that wrap around the frame to secure tightly.

stirrups for cat wheelchair

Stirrups:

Stirrups are used to hold the cat’s legs off the ground if the rear legs are paralyzed. The top end of each stirrup is secured around each back knob of the Wheelchair Frame. The top lock balls are used to hold stirrups in place; the bottom lock balls are secured above the cat’s hocks.

mini dog wheelchair leg ring clips

Leg Rings Clamps:

4 Double and 2 Single Clamps are included for use if needed. Clamps can be attached to Wheelchair Frame to prevent Leg Rings from sliding forward.

Mini Dog Wheelchair Manual

The Manual:

The manual gives instructions and tips on assembling and using the Walkin’ Wheels Wheelchair.

walkin' wheels small dog wheelchair

What’s In the Small Cat Box? (11-30 lbs)

  • 1 Frame
  • 1 set of (2) Foam Wheels Attached to Struts
  • 1 set of Extenders
  • 2 connectors (7″ and 4″)
  • 1 Front Harness with Sleeves
  • 1 set Leg Rings Rear Support Saddle
  • 1 Belly Belt
  • 2 Stirrups
  • 1 Instruction Manual
Small Wheelchair Frame

Frame:

The frame is blue, camo, or pink powder-coated aluminum. It will not bend, break, or rust. Black knuckles are on each side of the frame, which hold the leg of the wheelchair to the frame. The wheels/struts will be inserted into the leg and adjusted to the proper height. The knuckle has a high and low setting which can be adjusted with a Phillips screwdriver.

Width Connectors

Width Connectors:

Your wheelchair will come with two width connectors (7″ and 4″). One is already installed in the back of your cart. If you need more width, the wheelchair comes equipped with a longer connector in the box.

Length Extenders

Length Extenders:

Your wheelchair will come with two extenders (side rails) installed, which determine the length of your cat. The length of the extender should end in the middle of the cat’s front leg. It should not pass the front leg.

dog wheelchair front harness

The Front Harness

The cat’s head goes between the blue and black straps. The red strap goes under the cat’s front legs and clips on the side of the harness. The shoulder pads are made of neoprene and keep the straps and buckles from causing discomfort for the cat. Neoprene comfort sleeves wrap around the straps for the at’s comfort. Comfort sleeves can be cut in half if they are too long.

dog wheelchair leg rings

Leg Rings:

The cat’s hindquarters are held in place by the leg rings, or our rear harness support system. The leg rings can also be used as a lifting harness when out of the wheelchair; the excess strapping can be touch-fastened together to make handles on each side.

dog wheelchair wheels

Wheels & Struts:

The wheels are attached to a metal piece called a “strut.” Each wheelchairs comes with either 4″ or 8″ foam wheels, which are great for all terrains. They feature a dense foam interior with an outer rubber layer. These wheels will not puncture, wear extremely well, and are easy to clean. Your cat’s wheel size depends on your pet’s measurements.

small dog wheelchair belly support

Belly Belt:

The Belly Belt will help support your cat’s back. It is not always necessary to use the belly belt, but is highly recommended for cats with a long back, overweight or elderly cats, cats with curvature of the spine, and cats with disc problems.

dog wheelchair stirrups

Stirrups:

Stirrups are used to hold the cat’s legs off the ground so they don’t drag due to paralysis, knuckling under, or foot injuries. The adjustable stirrups are positioned to hold the foot up at the hock. If your cat doesn’t need them, the stirrups may be removed from the wheelchair.

Small Dog Wheelchair Manual

The Manual:

The manual gives instructions and tips on assembling and using the Walkin’ Wheels Wheelchair.

dog wheelchair tool kit

Tool Kit:

The tool kit comes in a plastic bag and includes and Allen wrench and set screws. The (optional) set screws may be used to tighten up the wheelchair frame and reduce flexibility, depending on your preference.

Sizing

How to choose the right size

pet measurement guide

1. Measure the Rear Leg Height to the toe pad, ideally when your pet is laying down. Do not pull the leg tight; leave some natural bend.

2. Measure your pet’s length or armpit to rump (ATR).

Using our SureFit® Calculator? Enter your pet’s Rear Leg Height, Pet Length, Weight and Breed to get the perfect wheelchair configuration for your pet.

Watch How to Measure Your Pet’s Rear Leg Height Video!

Watch How to Get Your Cat into the Walkin’ Wheels Cat Wheelchair

Instructions

Assembly & Usage Instructions

Instructional video and manuals feature images of dogs, however the Walkin’ Wheels is designed to work for cats as well. If you have any questions regarding how the Walkin’ Wheels can help your cat, please contact our Wheelchair Experts at 888-253-0777, we’re happy to help!

FAQ

Can pets pee and poop in the Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair?
Yes, the Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair is designed to help pets get the exercise they and do their business mess-free.

Can pets sit in a wheelchair?
No. Our chair is designed NEVER to collapse on the dog’s leg or spine. We’ve gone to great lengths to be sure of it. The chairs are designed with the help of veterinarians and rehabilitation specialists to hold the dog up, keeping the spine and legs in the optimal position for safety and healing.

What’s more, the purpose of the chair is to give the dog exercise and the freedom to go outside and do his business. When the dog is tired, you should never leave him in the chair.

The reviews we have seen of the experimental sit-down spring-loaded style have not been positive. Although we have done a great deal of research, we have not found a safe way for a chair to collapse on a dog.

Can pets use their Walkin’ Wheels inside the house?
Yes. The Walkin’ Wheels is designed to be used both indoors and outside. If a paralyzed pet needs an indoor mobility solution that can be worn for extended periods of time, we recommend the Walkin’ Scooter.

Can dogs lie down in the wheelchair?
For many pets using a MINI, it is okay for them to take a rest up against a pillow or bed, because their legs are so short. Otherwise, it is not recommended, due to back or disc issues that could worsen by laying down in the wheelchair.

Can pets use his/her rear legs in the wheelchair?
Absolutely. In fact, we encourage pets to use his/her rear legs. The Walkin’ Wheels can help pets maintain muscle mass, increase strength and exercise. If a pet’s rear legs are paralyzed, use stirrups to prevent their back legs from dragging.

How do I determine the correct size wheelchair for my patient?
It only takes a few simple measurements to determine the correct size wheelchair for you patient. Watch the video below to see how:

Watch How to Measure Your Pet’s Rear Leg Height Video!

Is the wheelchair easy to transport?
This wheelchair folds flat for easy transport.

Will this wheelchair rehabilitate my dog?
We have seen varying degrees of recovery with pets using the wheelchair. Some dog’s mobility has improved so much that they no longer require a wheelchair. Every case and disability are unique. While a patient is in the wheelchair, they are getting physical therapy improving their physical and mental health.

What is the return policy?
It is our intention that every Walkin’ Wheels user be happy with their wheelchair. If you experience problems, please call us. Often, we can help with a simple adjustment. If you feel the wheelchair is not for you, we can issue a RETURN MATERIALS AUTHORIZATION. Please note that wheelchairs returned without a return materials authorization will not receive credit. Please click here for full return policy.

Can my dog still use his back legs with this wheelchair?
Yes, this will help him/her develop the muscle in the rear legs while using the toe pads to push off. If the legs are paralyzed, then you will use the stirrups to hold the feet off the ground.

How do I get my dog used to their new wheelchair?
This is a great question. Over the past 20 years, we’ve determined how to best get a pet acquainted with their wheelchair. Just click here.

Downloadable Resource Guides for Client Education

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