Best Cat Tunnels
If you haven’t thought about giving your cat a tunnel to play in, or if you don’t think your kitty would benefit from one, it’s worth reconsidering. In fact, many experts recommend getting your feline friend at least one tunnel that she can use to hide, play, or relax and nap whenever she wants.
The right tunnel will be constructed from high-quality materials, and it will be able to withstand your kitty’s antics. Plus, it will make her feel safe and secure, whether she wants to sleep or get some exercise.
To help you shop smarter, we have compiled a short guide on cat tunnels. Check out the info below to learn more about the benefits that these products can provide, and to browse a list of some of our top recommendations for when you are ready to shop.
Why Your Cat Can Benefit from a Tunnel
Tunnels are one of the most sought-after cat toys on the market, which is why so many brands have so many different types of tunnels that you can choose from. In fact, there are even tunnels that you can use in your backyard as part of outdoor enclosures if your kitty is the type that likes to spend some time outside while you are supervising her.
There are many reasons why cats like to play in tunnels, and why they are a great form of environmental enrichment for felines. For example:
- Tunnels can be used during playtime by cats of all ages, from kittens to seniors. And you can even use a tunnel to interact with your fur baby and bond with her while she exercises and lets out her inner hunter. Kitties like to hide in a secure spot where they can unexpectedly pounce at their “prey,” and a tunnel can be the ideal hiding place for that purpose.
- If you have more than one cat, they can all use the tunnel to chase each other, hide from each other, and play with toys. And if your kitty wants to play on her own, she can do that too, especially if you place some exciting toys inside the tunnel.
- In addition to being used for play, a tunnel can also be a good place where your kitty can go when she wants to have some time alone, when she feels the need to hide for any reason, or when she just wants to take a nap in a secure little space.
- Experts recommend trying tunnels if you have a cat that’s scared to come out of her hiding spots around the house, such as behind furniture or under the bed. The tunnel might make her feel comfortable enough to come out and check her surroundings. You can even use strategically placed tunnels to ensure your pet can find her way to food, water, and the litter box even if she’s too scared to come out into the open. This might be a good strategy if you’ve introduced a new cat to the family and she needs to get used to her new home.
Things to Look for in a Cat Tunnel
As you shop for a cat tunnel, you’ll realize that there are a lot of options, and you can even find tunnels that come with a variety of toys that you can use right away to encourage your kitty to use the tunnel and play in it.
Soft-sided tunnels provide a cozy spot for your companion to lounge, and because they are collapsible, they are also easy to store away when they are not in use. Some have more than just two openings, and some will even have more than one tunnel so your cat can choose which direction she wants to take to go into and out of the tunnel.
Checking the dimensions is a good idea to be sure the tunnel will fit in whatever room you’re planning on using it in. And if you have more than one kitty that will be using the tunnel at the same time, getting one that’s big enough to accommodate all of them will be necessary. Plus, you also want to ensure the tunnel will be large enough for your cat to run through it comfortably, as well as turn around in it.
No matter what type of tunnel you decide to purchase for your cat, it’s always best to keep an eye on your pet while she is using it. That way, you can rest assured that she is staying safe the entire time. And if you notice that the tunnel is looking worn out or damaged, it is probably time to replace it with a new one.
Let’s Look at Some of the Many Cat Tunnels That Are Available
Now that you’ve read a bit about how you can use tunnels to enrich your cat’s environment and give her a new place to hang out and play, if you think that you are ready to start shopping for one, check out our recommendations below. The following list of tunnels, which are sorted in no particular order, is designed to give you a better idea of the many different options that are out there.
1. Editor’s Choice: eenk Cat Toy Tunnel and Cubes Bundle
The only thing that could make zoomies even better than they already are is having a place to sneak in, hide, and pounce during all that fun play! And with this creative design, it’s all possible. This cat tunnel stands out as it has a pop-up tent on both ends, which serves as a cute little nook for rest, napping, or just preparing for the next round of running. What’s even better, they are super adorable as they feature 3D ears and faces of a cat and a mouse. Adorable! Made out of a tear-resistant strong polyester over an easy-open sprung-steel frame, this cat tunnel is easy to customize thanks to handy velcro fasteners. This play set for cats includes a play tunnel tube and two detachable cubes which you can easily adapt to your needs and preferences. On top of that, this bundle includes a carry bag for easy storage. The tunnel measures 50” by 10”, and the tents are 20” by 20” each.
2. Runner Up: EGETOTA Cat Tunnel for Indoor Cats
We all know how cats can be possessive over their favorite places in the house and how quickly feline fights occur in situations when one trespass on the other’s “territory”. If you have more than one cat in your home, it’s best to go for a larger cat tunnel that could comfortably accommodate everyone’s needs – such as this 5-way tunnel design. There are four tunnel “legs” that measure 23.62” by 9.8” and a central hole for peeping out and jumping in, so multiple cats can have fun in it without disturbing one another. And to make things even more fun, there’s a dangly plastic ball at the tunnel entrance for your pets to swat at and try to grab. The tunnel is made of soft and smooth polyester and boasts a tear-resistant nylon durable construction over the fully-enclosed steel frame so you can rest assured that this tunnel is both safe for your pet and durable as well. Easy to store, this collapsible tunnel comes with its own carrying bag and it’s easy to clean to boot.
3. Best for Kittens: HIPIPET Cat Tunnel Bed for Indoor Cats
While suitable for cats of all ages, this tunnel bed design is particularly great for kittens as it has everything a young kitty could need bundled up into one place. Kittens are tiny balls full of energy, but while they are quite active, they also quickly burn it off and need a place to nap to “recharge” and this tunnel gives them exactly that. At both tunnel entrances are dangly balls meant to entice your kitten into play, and the canvas fabric is scratch-resistant and sturdy enough to withstand rowdy kitten play. But it’s the center of the tunnel that makes it stand out: a hammock and a cozy bolster bed for your kitten to snooze away the day when playing becomes too tiring. And since the tunnel measures 50” by 22” by 11” and is well-made, you can rest assured that it will serve your kitten well even after they become adults.
4. Best Expandable: Speedy Pet Collapsible Cat Tunnel
With an expandable cat tunnel, the sky’s the limit! Well, sort of. You can start with just a simple classic tunnel and then work your way up to a bona fide maze if your kitty shows interest in it. Measuring 26” in length and 11.8” tall, this sturdy cat tunnel is already big enough, but you can extend it up to 51” thanks to the ties and connectors at each end of the tunnel. Made from durable fabric with faux fur trims and details on a solid sprung steel frame with protective ends, this cat tunnel is far from flimsy: it’s sturdy and thick enough so if you have cold floors, this is the one to go for. To enrich your kitty’s time in the tunnel even more, this design includes two peepholes and one dangling ball your cat can swat at. Collapsible and easy to store, this cat tunnel will be your kitty’s new favorite spot – at home or when you travel!
5. Best with Toys: All Kind Cat Toy Variety Pack, 25-Pack
The nice thing about the All Kind Cat Toy Variety Pack is that it comes with 25 assorted toys, along with a colorful tunnel. If you want to give your feline friend a way to get more exercise while having loads of fun, this set is a good way to go.
This tunnel is a solid choice whether you have one cat or more than one, and it is also great for cats of all ages, from kittens to seniors. The toys include everything from fuzzy mice, catnip toys, and crinkle toys to balls and a wand that you can use for interactive play with your pet. Using these toys can be a great way to introduce your cat to the tunnel, especially if she seems a little apprehensive about walking through it at first. And to make sure that every kitty (and their owner) finds a perfect match for their style, this tunnel is available in blue or pink color.
6. Best T-Shape: T-Style Cat Tunnel
If you are looking for a little more than a single tunnel, this T-style cat tunnel is a great choice. With 3 separate tunnels coming together into one, this is the perfect option for multi-cat households or those with overly energetic cats that need a little more space to explore. The fun multi-colored design is sure to bring a smile to your face as you watch your cat(s) play.
This tunnel folds down in seconds for storage and sets back up just as easily with the sprung-steel frame allowing you to pull it out for playtime and store it away when not in use. Made from ultra-strong, tear-resistant polyester, it is built to withstand the wear and tear of regular cat play. This fun tunnel includes a movable ball hanging in one of the entrances and a peek hole in the middle to interact with you or other cats during play.
7. Best Crinkle: Frisco 47-in Foldable Crinkle Play Tunnel with 2 Windows
The Frisco Foldable Crinkle Play Tunnel with 2 Windows is just a single long tunnel, but it can also provide hours of fun or relaxation for your pet. It measures nearly 4 feet long, so there is plenty of space for a single cat or multiple kitties to play and enjoy some privacy, and it’s also long enough to make running through it loads of fun as well. Plus, it makes a crinkle sound as your companion walks through it too.
This tunnel features two lookout holes at the top, which your cat can use to check out what’s going on outside of the tunnel, or to jump into and out of the tunnel, especially if she’s chasing other kitties during play. Plus, there’s a soft ball that hangs from the top of the inside of the tunnel, too, so even if you forget to add more toys, that will be there to get your cat interested in getting some exercise.
The frame is spring-loaded and lightweight, so you can fold it easily when you need to store it away. And the soft brown fabric is designed to make it blend in with the rest of your home décor.
8. Best Collapsible: Pet Magasin Collapsible Cat Tunnel Toys, 2-pack
If you want to buy more than one tunnel at the same time, check out the Pet Magasin Collapsible Cat Tunnel Toys. These are made with a durable material and crinkly fabric that will make noise as your pet walks through. And because it is spring-loaded, it will quickly and easily pop open when ready for use, as well as fold up easily for storage.
One tunnel is longer than the other, but both of them feature a little ball that hangs down from the top and will entice your cat to swat at it. Plus, the longer tunnel boasts a hole in the middle of it so your cat can look out of it as well.
The great thing about getting two tunnels as a set is that you can set them both up in the same room, or you can opt to place them in different areas of your home. Or, you might even choose to set them up together to make one really long tunnel that your cats can play in. Also, as this cat tunnel is manufactured with high-quality materials to endure even the most aggressive of kitty playing, it is a great choice if you want something super durable or have a rowdy pet that tends to destroy flimsier, cheaper tunnels.
9. Best Mesh: Jackson Galaxy Cat Crawl Mesh Tunnel Cat Toy
If you like Jackson Galaxy products, check out his Cat Crawl Mesh Tunnel Cat Toy. It’s a fun color, and it is made of a mesh material that is soft and see-through. If you think your cat would prefer being able to see her surroundings at all times, rather than being totally hidden away, this tunnel may be the right choice.
Like so many other tunnels for cats, you can easily pop this one open and then fold it down flat when it is time to store it away. The metal wiring provides plenty of support while it’s open and being used, and you’ll be able to see what your kitty is doing inside the tunnel while she runs through it and plays.
10. Best Durable: KONG Active Nylon Tunnel Cat Toy
Another popular brand in the world of pet products is KONG, so it’s worth checking out the Active Nylon Tunnel Cat Toy. Measuring 24” long, it has enough space for your cat to play, run, hide, and nap. And when your cat is done using this tunnel, if you don’t want to keep it out at all times, it will collapse for easy storage.
What’s also nice about this tunnel is that there is a peek-a-boo hole in the middle of it, so your feline friend can pop her head through it while she’s inside the tunnel. And the material also makes a crinkle sound that is designed to pique your companion’s curiosity.
11. Best Snag-Resistant: Vesper Cat Tunnel
The Catit Vesper Cat Tunnel is a nice option when you are looking for something that is a little different from the other tunnels on this list. This product is made from a material that is snag-resistant, so you can rest assured that it will stand up to your cat’s claws when running and playing. Plus, the high-quality fabric doesn’t attract cat hair either, which is definitely a plus.
This tunnel features an accordion-like design, so you can set it up however you’d like, and then you can fold it and store it away when your cat is done using it. It also comes with a plush ball to encourage your kitty to exercise through play, and there is a hole in the center that your kitty can look out of as well. And it even comes with a comfortable cushion, which has a removable cover that makes keeping it clean a snap.
12. Best with Bed: Kitty City Large Cat Tunnel Bed
The only thing that could make a cat tunnel better is adding a bed to it- after all that zooming around, a nap would be most welcome, so why not do it all at the same place? Kitty City Large Cat Tunnel Bed boasts unparalleled versatility as this construction consists of two-semicircular tubes and one round bed, allowing you to set it up as you wish or switch it around to keep the fun going after a while. You can zip together the tubes to create a circular tunnel with the bed in the middle (which is what most cats prefer), remove the bed and place something else in the center e.g. their favorite scratcher post, or make two half-moon tunnels for double the fun. There are plenty of possibilities either way, which makes it particularly suited for finicky cats.
There are two entryways so your pet always has easy access in and out, and for added appeal, this tunnel bed also boasts hanging catnip toys at the entry points that your kitty can swat at during play. Kitty City Large Cat Tunnel Bed measures 38” by 12” by 12” and it will be big enough for most adult cats to play around in and snooze. Despite having a bed and being quite spacious, this large cat tunnel collapses down for easy travel and storage.
13. Best with Lights: Twinkle Chute Lighted Cat Tunnel Toy
Yet another option when you are looking for something different is the Petlinks Twinkle Chute Lighted Cat Tunnel Toy. That’s right, this tunnel has battery-powered lights. If your pet is bored by the standard cat tunnel, this one might be just what you need to grab her attention and get her interested in using tunnels again.
Measuring 35” long, this fun tunnel can be the perfect place for all of your kitties to play, hide, nap, and run. In addition to the material that makes a crinkle noise when your pet walks on it, this product has touch-activated lights that are designed to make playtime even more entertaining. Plus, it has a peephole in the center, so your cat can look out the top or the side of the tunnel while playing.
14. Best with Catnip: Four Paws Super Catnip Crazy Pants Cat Tunnel Toy
Finally, there’s the unique Four Paws Super Catnip Crazy Pants Cat Tunnel Toy. If your kitty is a fan of catnip, this is a great option, as there is catnip in the lining. Plus, its creative design is a lot of fun not only for your kitty, but for you as well because this product is made to look like a pair of pants.
This colorful tunnel is made of durable polyester. It features three entryways that all of your cats can use during playtime. And the crinkly material makes sounds that are sure to get your kitty ready to pounce.
A Tunnel Might Be Your Cat’s New Favorite Way to Play!
You won’t know if your unique feline companion likes using a cat tunnel until you let her give it a try. In addition to the options discussed above, there are a lot of other tunnels out there for you to choose from, so it can be surprisingly easy to find one that your fur baby will love. And if she is a fan, you can buy different types of tunnels to keep things interesting and continually give her something new to explore and play in.
How do you clean a cat tunnel?
Any place your cat spends a lot of time needs to be regularly cleaned to keep everything tidy and odor-free, and the same goes for cat tunnels. Unfortunately, unlike cat beds or toys, you can’t just toss a tunnel in the washing machine and call it a day! Cat tunnels are cleaned with a damp cloth, soaked in warm soapy water – scrub any stains if needed, but usually just a bit of soapy water does the trick, and the cloth will pick up any loose hair and dust. After cleaning, air dry the tunnel as leaving it damp or wet could lead to mildew.
Are tunnels good for cats?
Cat tunnels are an excellent form of enrichment for felines that live indoors, as they give them a safe place to run around, explore, hide, pounce, and exhibit other cat-like behaviors without having to go outside. A cat tunnel is a great choice for any age from kitten to senior, and will provide both mental and physical stimulation your cat needs to stay happy and healthy. Furthermore, tunnels are great for cats that like to have their privacy and seek out hidden nooks to nap in – the cave-like tunnel will be a perfect place to hide and snooze after all that playing and zooming around
How big does a cat tunnel need to be?
The main dimension to look for in cat tunnels is the width – you want to make sure your kitty won’t get stuck inside it. Most cats will do well with 9” or 10” diameter, but if you have a chubby kitty, you might want to look into one of the extra large models that are 12” or wider. As for the length of the tunnel, that’s up to you and your cat: if your pet is more active, then a larger or multi-tunnel is a better choice, but if you have limited space, even a small, single tunnel will do just fine.
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Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.
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