I was working from home last week, and I had a tele-conference. When it was my turn to talk, Serafina decided to take that time to start sprinting on her wheel, which makes a racket. I had to explain to people that my cat was running on a wheel. Lots of furrowed brows and incredulous people. Telling people that you have a cat that runs on a wheel is the equivalent of telling people that you are from Mars.
In terms of your apartment dilemma, sheesh, your neighbors should put this in perspective. Some people turn their tv way up, some people play loud music (or perform loud music), some people hold loud parties, some people yell and have fierce arguments, some people have treadmills or loud "people" workout equipment... you have a cat running on a wheel
C'mon people, get a grip! If you get thrown out because of it, karma says that you will be replaced by the lead drummer in a heavy metal band.