One important part of being a cat owner is to make sure our kitties are getting the play time and exercise they need — especially if they are strictly indoor cats.
If you want to give your cat a fun way to keep active, cat tunnels are an easy solution. Cats enjoy cat tunnels and can benefit from them in several ways, which you’ll see in a moment.
After reading this post, not only will you have some great suggestions for which tunnel to buy for your furry friend(s), but also learn about why cats use tunnels, how it benefits them, and what to look out for when buying a tunnel for a larger cat breed.
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More Fun Stuff for Cats
Kitty City Large Cat Tunnel Bed
eenk Cat Toy Tunnel and Cubes BundleHIPIPET Soft Cat Tunnel Bed
Do Cats Use Tunnels?
I know this has happened to you too: You spend money on a toy (or bunch of toys that you think your cats will love, only to have them show little interest. Or maybe they liked it for about a week or two, but then after that they couldn’t care less. And you’re left with less money in your pocket and a corner of your living room filled with what now amounts to useless junk.
Well, I’m happy to report that cat tunnels are a great toy with lots of “play value” for even the fussiest of felines.
Cats like to participate in play that recreates the way that they would hunt for their prey in the wild. When your cat plays, it is working on its hunting abilities and natural predatory instincts. (This is, obviously, why so many cat toys resemble a cat’s natural prey – from birds to small rodents and other little critters.)
Because cats tend to hunt by stalking their prey, they’ll naturally enjoy having a toy that lets them hide and conceal themselves. (If you’ve ever had an empty box or bag in your house, you already know this.) It provides them with a sense of their natural hunting environment and gives them the upper hand through the element of surprise when attacking their prey.
Okay, so playful cats will love playing in tunnels … but what about more shy, skittish cats?
Good news — cats also enjoy the warmth and safety of a tunnel, so your shy kitty could eventually see their tunnel as a safe space to relax and unwind when they’re stressed.
Why Are Tunnels Good For Cats?
If you still aren’t convinced and need more reasons to purchase this fun toy for your pet, you may be interested to know all of the unique benefits that a tunnel offers your precious kitty.
When it comes to cats, it’s all about having fun! If you have a young cat, you know how energetic they are and how they want continual entertainment. For kittens, playtime is essential. A cat tunnel provides that stimulation by allowing them to explore, play, hide, and hunt.
In addition to having cats, I also have three kids — plus I’m a teacher. So I know a lot about the fact that play is the “work” of children. It’s more than just something they enjoy doing or a nice break from more important things. They need play. It’s essential for their well-being.
Well, it turns out that the same is true for cats — of any age.
Although we all know how lively our little kittens can be, even the most devoted cat lovers may overlook how crucial it is for adult cats to be engaged in play, exercise their natural curiosity, and remain healthy and active.
And — just like us — it’s not good for a cat’s health for them to just lay around the house all day. They need regular exercise!
And as I mentioned above, another great advantage that cat tunnels provide is a comfortable spot to nap.
If you’ve wondered if your cat does nothing but sleep all day, you’re not too far off. The average cat sleeps about 16 hours a day. As a result, it’s important that your cat has comfortable sleeping areas around your home.
An ideal napping spot is usually warm, relatively quiet, cuddly, and safe. If you have a lot of visitors, a shy kitty, or multiple pets, it’s even more imperative that your cat feels safe and secure when it is resting.
Giving your cat a comfortable cat tunnel is a terrific way to provide it with a secure and safe space. Cat tunnels with a lookout or peephole in the center are especially cool because even while your cat is inside its tunnel, these holes will allow it to keep an eye on its surroundings.
How Big Does A Cat Tunnel Need To Be?
The size of the tunnel you get depends on a few factors.
First, you need to think about how big your cat is. Even though cats are notorious for squeezing through small spaces, you’ll need to make sure that your larger cats can comfortably fit inside the tunnel without having to crouch too low or squeeze themselves in.
Ideally, your cat should be able to stand comfortably within the tunnel. This is true for any cats that you own. So, if you own more than one kitty, you should make sure that the tunnel can accommodate a few of your pets at one time.
Finally, you should make sure that the tunnel is long enough to provide a good amount of play space for your cat. Short cat tunnels aren’t as much fun because larger cats may not be able to crawl through them or feel completely hidden.
Now that you know why a tunnel makes an awesome cat toy (and/or bed), let’s look at some specific options.
HIPIPET Soft Cat Tunnel Bed with Removable Mat
HIPIPET Soft Cat Tunnel Bed with Removable Mat
The HIPIPET cat tunnel is a fantastic tunnel and bed combo for large cats or a household with multiple cats. This roomy toy has tons of space and measures 50” L x 22” W x 11” H. It also comes in two super cute designs to match the aesthetic of your home.
At both openings of the tunnel, there are some hanging toys to keep your cat entertained and active while enjoying the comfort of their new tunnel. The tunnel is versatile and can be used for play, exercise, sleep, comfort, and for some peace and quiet.
The tunnel and bed are made from durable canvas materials, making them scratch-resistant and perfect for even the most feisty felines. It is also filled with soft and comfortable polyfill stuffing, so it is the ideal space for an afternoon catnap.
The tunnel is foldable, making this toy easy to store or carry. It’s also lightweight, so you can move it into your cat’s favorite spot without any fuss. Cleaning this tunnel is also a breeze because the mat bed is washable and removable.
Reviewers liked how cats could easily share it — either one kitty could take a nap while the other plays in the tunnel, or both kitties could play in the tunnel together.
They also liked how the shape made it easy to put in the corner of the room, so you’ll not constantly having to trip over it or walk around it.
Pros:
• Good for multiple cats
• Great for larger breeds
• Versatile
• Removable and washable bed
• Easy to store and carry
• Scratch-resistant
• Lightweight
• Hanging toys included
Cons:
• Slightly more expensive than some of the more basic cat tunnel models
Interactive Collapsible Tube and Foldable Cubes Playground for Cats
Interactive Collapsible Tube and Foldable Cubes Playground for Cats
The eenk cat tunnel is an all-in-one play center for your cats. Not only does the eenk include a tunnel, but it also comes with two fun, detachable cubes. If you live in a small room or apartment or your cats prefer to play with the tunnel and cubes separately, these cubes are simple to remove.
On the other hand, if you want to use all three elements of this cat tunnel, it comes with easily attachable velcro fasteners for a quick and simple setup. Because of the size of this play palace, the eenk can accommodate larger or multiple cats.
This cat tunnel bundle comes with straps to keep the tunnel in place once it is folded up, as well as a handled storage bag for easy transport. So whether you want to use this tunnel in your home or take it with you on the road, traveling with this lightweight toy will be a breeze.
With the combination of fun and vibrant colors and exciting crinkle paper, this tunnel will stimulate all of your cat’s senses and will keep it entertained for hours. If you have a cat that is more rambunctious, this may also be the tunnel for you.
The eenk is made out of tear-resistant and durable polyester material and is propped up by a steel frame to ensure that it is sturdy and won’t collapse in on your pets.
Pros:
• Includes tunnel and play cubes
• Detachable cubes for space-saving or more versatile play
• Comes with a handled storage bag
• Easy to store and transport
• Includes fun crinkle paper and bright colors
• Tear-resistant and durable
• Sturdy
• Easy to setup
Cons:
• It may take up a lot of space when the cubes are attached
12 inch Large Collapsible Cat Play Tunnel with Ball
12 inch Collapsible Cat Play Tunnel with Ball
If you’re looking for a simple cat tunnel without all of the added extras of included beds or play cubes, the LeerKing may be the best option for you. This awesome cat tunnel comes in two sizes: M (26.3” L x 11.8” W x 11.8” H) and L (51.2” L x 11.8” W x 11.8” H).
If you have one large cat, the medium should work well for you. But, if you have more than one playful pet, the larger version is an ideal choice.
This cat tunnel is soft and durable and is gentle enough to keep little paws comfortable while also keeping its shape and frame intact. Additionally, this tunnel comes with a steel frame and remains stable even when your kitties are playing.
The inside of the LeerKing tunnel also makes a soft crinkling noise to add an extra layer of fun during playtime. You can also leave your cats unattended for ages with their new tunnel because it includes a soft dangling ball for them to play with.
There are two holes in the center of the tunnel, allowing for your cats to poke their heads out and observe their surroundings at all times.
The LeerKing is easy to fold and store and is even easier to clean. All you need is to wipe it down with a damp cloth and let it air dry. Then it will be good as new again!
Amazon reviewer Paul DeHart said this tunnel was perfect for large cats:
I did a lot of research to try and find the perfect tunnel for my 16lb cat. I had purchased a tunnel from Walmart for her when she was a little kitten, which she loved, but now she is way to big for that tunnel. She absolutely LOVES this upgrade! It is so much nicer and super spacious. She has plenty of room to go inside and it is also much longer than the one she had before.
She loves to poke her head through the holes on the top. The holes are also perfect for sticking toys down inside for them to hunt and attack. My cat even loves to sleep in this tunnel! Very sturdy too. My cat loves to jump on it and it has held its shape perfectly. High quality, nice color and material, easy to close and store …
Pros:
• Available in two different sizes
• Good for big breeds
• Good for multiple cats
• Includes holes in the center of the tunnel
• Sturdy steel frame
• Easy to clean
• Easy to fold and store
Cons:
• There is no travel or storage bag included
Kitty City Large Cat Tunnel PopUp Bed
Kitty City Large Cat Tunnel PopUp Bed
This gorgeous cat tunnel has a built-in bed to keep your cat happy, whether it’s playtime or nap time. The Kitty City comes in two different prints and measures 38″ L x 12″ W x 12″ H.
The coolest thing about this tunnel and bed combo is that you can zip it up to form a doughnut shape with the cat bed in the center or unzip it to have a standalone tunnel with the bed attached to the side of it.
If you use the tunnel while it is zipped up, your cats will have two separate entryways to choose from. So, if your cat is mischievous and enjoys hiding, you can be sure that it will love this tunnel. Besides providing a great hiding spot, this tunnel also comes with a hanging catnip toy in the shape of a heart.
The Kitty City is collapsible and includes a soft plush bed that you can remove for easy washing. And it isn’t only good for bigger cats – it’s great for multiple cats, too. Your cats can enjoy chasing one another through the tunnel or even enjoy a nap together on the bed.
Amazon Vine Voice Reviewer Trebecca calls this tunnel/bed combo “the best thing ever:”
My cats absolutely love this thing! When I was putting it together, my 20 lb tabby (pink nose in the photos) immediately went inside the tube, and did not come out for over an hour!
It was easy to put together (even wit a 20 lb cat inside lol). The tube is a foot in diameter, plenty large enough for big cats. But, this entire thing set up is about 3 feet long. It is HUGE. make sure you have room …
The material it surprisingly soft, outside and inside the tunnel. And the light coloring allows light to filter through, which my cats like (I had a black tunnel that neither of them would go into).
My smaller 10 lb tabby (black nose) LOVES to run around the house, and now he has added running a few laps inside this tunnel to his run lol. Both cats play in this ALL THE TIME. Both on the inside chasing each other, or one on the inside and one outside batting at each other. They use the tunnel as a good napping spot, and also a spot to hide from the vacuum or guests they aren’t sure of …
Pros:
• Available in 2 different prints
• Good for big cats
• Good for multiple cats
• Collapsible
• The plush bed is removable and washable
• Zip or unzip the tunnel to suit your cats
• Includes a cute hanging toy
• Two entryways
Cons:
• One of the available colorways is more expensive
iCAGY Collapsible Tube Tunnel for Cats
iCAGY Collapsible Tube Tunnel for Cats
The iCAGY is one of the largest cat tunnels I found. It can even accommodate giant breeds like the gorgeous Maine Coon. Unlike most tunnels, this tunnel’s dimensions measure 36” L x 13” W x 13” H, so there is more than enough space for your bigger pets to enjoy their playtime.
The tunnels come with 3 pieces that are easy to assemble with the use of press studs and are made of high-quality felt that is soft on paws and will encourage play and provide a safe and cozy space for your pet to have a lazy Sunday afternoon nap.
Because of its material, the iCAGY is lightweight enough to move around the house. So, no matter where you are, you can take it with you and set the tunnel up for your precious kitty to play around with.
It also comes in two different colorways, including the colorful orange, blue, and grey variant, and a stylish-looking tunnel with two grey panels and one light green panel for a pop of color.
There are a few different peepholes throughout the tunnel for your cat to look out of, making for a more exciting playtime experience and allowing them to get up to all sorts of mischief. There are no wires in this frame, so rowdier cats may have difficulty keeping the tunnel in place while they are playing.
Amazon reviewer HLB described what makes this cat tunnels different from others:
What I love about this tunnel is that, unlike similar items, it does not contain any wires. The spiral wires found in most play tunnels make them easy to collapse and store and help them keep their shape; but in every such tunnel I have owned, those same wires eventually broke and/or started poking out of the material and turning into potential sources of serious injury. Other tunnels I tried consist of firm end parts with a soft material stapled to them, and one day I found the staples coming loose and essentially sticking out like barbed wire. Horrific.
The iCagey tunnel, by contrast, consist only of three pieces of thick felt that are held together with small, very flat push buttons. No wires to ever stick out, no metal staples. This construction does mean that the tunnel does not always hold a perfectly round shape, but this can easily be fixed by turning it over now and then. The cats certainly don’t mind, and have no trouble getting in there …
Pros:
• Easy to assemble
• One of the biggest cat tunnels on the market
• Lightweight
• Good for giant breeds
• Good for multiple cats
• Soft on paws
• Good sleeping spot
• Available in 2 colorways
• Lots of peepholes
Cons:
• Assembly required
• Made of felt
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