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Best Cat Tunnels in 2022

Last Updated: January 6, 2022
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By Petside
Published 09:11 am
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Contents
  • The 11 Top-Rated Cat Tunnels of 2022
  • 1. Tempcore Triple Cat Tunnel
  • 2. Kitty City Large Cat Tunnel Bed
  • 3. SmartyKat Crackle Chute Tunnel
  • 4. Speedy Pet Collapsible Cat Tunnel
  • 5. Outback Jack Outdoor Cat Tunnel
  • 6. PAWZ Road Leopard Cat Tunnel
  • 7. Pet Craft Supply Magic Mewnicorn Tunnel
  • 8. WESTERN HOME Indoor Cat Tunnel
  • 9. LUCKITTY Plush Cat Tunnel
  • 10. Blnboimrun Cat Tunnel
  • 11. HIPIPET Cat Tunnel Bed

Cat tunnels are a staple toy in any feline household. Whether you have one cat or a whole bunch of them, a cat tunnel made of durable polyester or plush fabric can create hours of fun for your fur babies. But with so many variations of cat tunnels available on the market, it's hard to decide which one would be right for your home. In this guide, you'll find 11 of our top cat tunnel choices so that your cat's next toy is the best one possible.

 

The 11 Top-Rated Cat Tunnels of 2022

1. Tempcore Triple Cat Tunnel

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Key Features

    3-way tunnel

    Folds down in seconds

    Includes attached toys

    Tear-resistant material

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Tempcore Triple Cat Tunnel
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If you’re looking to keep your cat entertained, Tempsore’s Pet Cat Tunnel is an inexpensive and easy solution. This 3-way tunnel is made of tear-resistant polyester, which can be wiped clean in moments if your indoor cats happen to make a bit of a mess. Due to the size, it’s more suitable for kittens, but larger cats aren’t going to turn their nose up at the added cat toys which can be accessed without getting to the center of the tunnel.

With four colors to choose from, this collapsible cat tunnel is sure to be a delight to most cats. Hanging toys, like the ones on this tunnel, are particularly enticing to cats because they move with the slightest of touches. This tunnel would be perfect for a multi-cat household so they can play a little game of hide-and-seek while also enjoying a hanging toy or two.

2. Kitty City Large Cat Tunnel Bed

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Key Features

    A bed and can tunnel combo

    Circular tunnel

    Two entryways

    Hanging catnip toys

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Kitty City Large Cat Tunnel Bed
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A unique product from Kitty City is this Cat Tunnel Bed. The combination of a round cat tunnel and a comfortable cat bed is surely something that you haven’t seen in your local pet store! Both pieces are zipped together, which makes for easy installation in any room of your home. The cat bed is comfortable enough for your kittens or adult cats to sleep in or to use as a vantage point while other cats are in the tunnel.

It’s endless fun for your feline friend and for you! There’s no better boredom-kicker than watching your cats be silly, after all. Cats love toys like this because they allow multiple cats to play hunting games with each other and the crinkly fabric of the tunnel creates the best kind of distraction. Plus, you have the choice to leave the tunnel open or close it into a circular shape.

3. SmartyKat Crackle Chute Tunnel

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Key Features

    Great Crinkly fabric

    Meets child safety standards

    Collapsible

    Perfect for playtime

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SmartyKat Crackle Chute Tunnel
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SmartyKat’s Crackle Chute Tunnel is a collapsible cat tunnel made from fabric that makes lots of crinkly sounds when it’s in use. These kinds of sounds mimic the same noise that a cat might hear from hiding prey, which excites them and makes them want to find the thing making those sounds.

It’s a simple long cat tunnel, sure, but it’s also very inexpensive, which is great for households with multiple cats that might be looking to purchase a couple of them to use throughout the house. Cats love tunnels, and this one is an excellent example of the kind of interactive cat toys that felines need to have fulfilling playtime indoors.

4. Speedy Pet Collapsible Cat Tunnel

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Key Features

    Option to extend the tunnel

    Steel spring-loaded frame

    Folds down quickly

    Luxurious design

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Speedy Pet Collapsible Cat Tunnel
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Another cat tunnel that’s made with crinkly fabric, but a bit different from the others that we’ve mentioned. This is the perfect cat tunnel to add some extra comfort to your cat’s daily playtime, thanks to its soft, suede, and faux fur design. Speedy Pet’s Tunnel could be considered an extra-long cat tunnel, standing at 11.8 inches with 26 inches of tunnel length!

There’s a cute, little pom-pom toy at the entrance of this long tunnel, where your cat can lie down and bat it for more interactive play. To make the product even longer, you can attach two tunnels or more together using the ties and connectors that are featured at each end of the product.

5. Outback Jack Outdoor Cat Tunnel

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Key Features

    Great for cats and small animals

    Introduce your cat to the outdoors

    Plenty of space for large cats

    Netted mesh material

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Outback Jack Outdoor Cat Tunnel
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Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, this tunnel is quite unique compared to other tunnels you usually see on the market. It’s designed to offer a tent-like experience to cats, acting as a playhouse for more than one cat or a place for not-so-active cats to just laze around. It’s not really meant as a hideaway tunnel because the netted material design is transparent, but that won’t deter most adult cats from running straight to their new plaything.

This single tunnel can help get your cat interested in the outdoors without fully exposing them to open space. Both sides of the tunnel can be closed, so it really is more like a tent for cats. The tunnel diameter is 17 inches, giving your furry friend more than enough space to look out at their surroundings without feeling trapped.

6. PAWZ Road Leopard Cat Tunnel

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Key Features

    Durable, soft fabric

    Easy to store

    Longer tunnel for more fun

    Hanging toys

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PAWZ Road Leopard Cat Tunnel
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A stylish tunnel that any feline would feel at home in, this leopard print cat tunnel from PAWZ Road Store is perfect for a modern home where a pop of color is always welcome. The straight tunnel is a good length of 51 inches and has a sprung steel frame that can be easily pushed together and put away if you need the space back.

The leopard print on this product is actually a durable and soft faux fur that crinkles every time a cat touches it. Your furry friends are sure to enjoy using it to practice their hunting skills or just as a place to nap. We all know every cat loves to nap, after all!

7. Pet Craft Supply Magic Mewnicorn Tunnel

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Key Features

    3-layer polyester material

    Resists snagging and tears from cat’s claws

    Steel frame to help maintain shape

    Easy to fold away and store

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Pet Craft Supply Magic Mewnicorn Tunnel
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When it comes to tunnels for cats, there are none more creative than this Magic Mewnicorn Tunnel from Pet Craft Supply. The Magic Mewnicorn is one tunnel shaped like a unicorn that your cats can climb inside and have hours of fun with. This cat tunnel system has six separate entrances/exits – the two usual larger holes, and four smaller holes that represent the unicorn’s “legs”.

It’s made of a fairly durable material and allows cats to be the natural hunters that they are while playing games with each other. There is also, of course, some built-in crinkle crackle paper to encourage play and get your cats to check every peep hole looking for their fellows.

8. WESTERN HOME Indoor Cat Tunnel

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Key Features

    Made of durable polyester

    Tear-resistant

    Easy storage

    Hanging toy included

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WESTERN HOME Indoor Cat Tunnel
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A cat tunnel that offers a generous amount of space and four different color options, WESTERN HOME brings you their version of this common cat toy. This play tunnel is a decent size, with 36 inches of the tunnel for your cat to explore. There’s certainly enough space for a couple of cats to run through and be natural predators together. Cat owners have to remember that a cat’s hunting instincts are almost always going to come out during play, and tunnels like this can promote those instincts in a safe environment.

The tunnel is made of a durable material and includes a similar spring-loaded frame design to many other products that we’ve listed in this cat tunnel guide. This product is suitable for larger cats and smaller cats, thanks to the 11-inch diameter of the play tunnel. A single cat will find this toy very comfortable and spacious.

9. LUCKITTY Plush Cat Tunnel

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Key Features

    Perfect for all your cats to use

    Strong structure

    Pops out from folded in seconds

    Easy storage

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LUCKITTY Plush Cat Tunnel
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For a super funky cat tunnel, look no further than this rainbow explosion of a product from LUCKITTY! When your cat moves around a lot and loves running and playing, this larger tunnel could be exactly what you need to spice up the toy situation in your home. Cats need a good amount of stimulation – not too much, but not too little. Having long kitty tunnels like this around are perfect because they don’t take up a lot of space, and a new cat can use them to hide in while they’re getting used to their new surroundings.

You might think that one tunnel of this length should be enough if you only have one or two smaller cats at home, but instead of searching for cat tunnels for large cats, just consider the size dimensions for a moment. This wavy rainbow tunnel toy is over 47 inches long and 10 inches in height. The average height of an American Domestic Shorthair (one of the common cats of America) is 8 to 10 inches. So your kitty should be fine!

Though the rainbow look is fabulous, there are also other patterns available.

10. Blnboimrun Cat Tunnel

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Key Features

    S-shaped tunnel

    Protective ends

    Hanging ball and bell toy

    Keeps your cat active

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Blnboimrun Cat Tunnel
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Get ready for a fun tunnel with a lot to offer! This S-shaped tunnel from Blnboimrun is certainly one of the best cat toys out there. Not only is the tunnel a unique shape, but it also has other features to let your cat play in lots of ways. For instance – instead of the standard pom-pom or fluffy ball toy that most other tunnels have, this cat tunnel has a bell toy and a ball toy right next to each other.

Let your cat play with multiple toys at the same time and stimulate their need to hunt. Cats love having a couple of different toys to interact with, even though they may only focus on one at a time, having the option is always nice for them. This durable tunnel has a lot on offer, and the tear-resistant fabric ensures that you won’t be replacing it any time soon.

11. HIPIPET Cat Tunnel Bed

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Key Features

    3-in-1 cat tunnel toy

    Hanging toys attached to the tunnel

    Cat tent and bed included

    Washable bed mat

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HIPIPET Cat Tunnel Bed
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Is it a cat tunnel, is it a bed? It’s both! It’s also a tent! This amazing product from HIPIPET really covers all the bases, giving you the ability to have a three-in-one cat toy product right in your living room. The tent and cushion are both removable, so it’s completely up to you to decide how much of this toy you have out for your cat to play with each day. Simply unzip both pieces from the main cat tunnel, or leave them both on for your kitten to explore.

What we really love about this product is how versatile it is. For the price, you wouldn’t expect such a well-thought-out product, but it really does have everything your cat needs to either get rid of their afternoon zoomies or have a nap in the sun. The bed is particularly cozy, too, thanks to its fluffy polyfill stuffing.

Best Tunnels for Cats: Buying Guide & FAQs

What is a Cat Tunnel?

A cat tunnel is an interactive cat toy that is usually a long tube that cats can run through or hide away in. Cats enjoy these kinds of toys because they often come with multiple entrances and exits, which fuels their need to explore and hunt. Most cat tunnels also crinkle or rustle, which can be kind of noisy for us humans, but activates the part of your cat's brain that tells them there's something hiding nearby that they can stalk.

Things To Consider When Buying a Cat Tunnel

When you're considering buying one or two tunnels for your cat to enjoy, there are some features that you may want to look out for. A simple cat tunnel is fine, your cat won't really be able to tell how much money you've spent on their toy, after all! But there's nothing wrong with buying a slightly more luxurious toy if it has interesting features or can offer more for your money.

Material

  • Is it tear-resistant? Cat tunnels that aren't tear-resistant won't stand up to your cat's claws for long.
  • Are you personally happy with the material? Some cat tunnels use animal products like suede, would that be an issue for you?
  • Do your cats like the material? If there are any toys your cat has at home that they ignore, it might be because they don't like what it's made of or the sounds that material produces. We'd advise you to avoid these.
  • Is it nylon? Super inexpensive cat tunnels are made of thin nylon, this is a material to avoid because you'll end up replacing the tunnel very quickly.
  • Do you want your cat to be more comfortable while they're hiding in the tunnel? If so, go for a fleece-type fabric or a tunnel that uses faux fur.

Size

  • Your cat should be able to walk through the tunnel without feeling crowded.
  • It's suggested to look for cat tunnels with a diameter that's around 25cm/9.8 inches.
  • Larger cat breeds will need bigger tunnels. You wouldn't want to put a full-grown Maine Coon in a kitten's cat tunnel.
  • Length doesn't matter too much, but it's a good idea to look at tunnels that have a decent length to them. Don't buy tunnels that your cat will immediately come out the other side of.

Other Features

Additional features that could be included with a standard cat tunnel are the following:

  • Hanging toys: these are pretty standard, most cat tunnels have them.
  • Cat bed
  • Cat tent
  • Extra entrances/exits: such as a tunnel that has "legs".
  • Scratching surfaces
  • Crackling material: another standard addition.
  • Cat basket

Why Your Cat Can Benefit from a Tunnel

There are plenty of reasons that your cat would benefit from having their own cat tunnel. It's not just a great toy for them to interact with each day, it's also a stimulating piece of pet equipment that's perfect for any household. They take up barely any room, are very easy to store if you don't want it out all the time, and they also encourage your cats to play together.

But that's not all! A cat tunnel can also:

  • Provide a boredom-breaker for your cat
  • Encourage them to hunt
  • Give them different ways to chase each other
  • Activate their predator instincts
  • Let them hide away if they feel scared
  • Give them an extra place to sleep
  • Provide extra toys all in the same place

FAQs

Q: Do cats like cat tunnels?

A:

Most cats will have absolutely no issue with cat tunnels. They're great toys, but your cat may be a little anxious around one if they've never seen such a thing before. This typically happens with kittens or rescue cats. Give them time to get used to the sounds that the tunnel makes, and you'll soon see them having fun.

Q: How to use cat tunnels?

A:

The majority of cat tunnels are spring-loaded. This means that once you get them out of their packaging, you should be able to just let them go and they'll spring into their shape. From there, your cat can walk through the tunnel, play with any attached hanging toys, or just hide away in the tunnel until they want to come out.

Q: Can cats of all ages use tunnels?

A:

Give kittens a few weeks to open their eyes, start walking, and eat properly before introducing them to a cat tunnel. But from then, yeah! Any age cat would love to use a cat tunnel. Younger cats obviously spend more time playing in and around the tunnel, while cats in their senior years may just use it as a quiet place to nap.

Q: How do I stop a cat tunnel from collapsing?

A:

If your cat tunnel is collapsing it's probably broken. Cat tunnels have a kind of metal wiring frame that encircles the entire toy; this is what helps the tunnel keep its shape. A tunnel shouldn't collapse unless that metal structure has been damaged in some way. Consider replacing your cat tunnel.

Q: Can I use cat tunnels outdoors?

A:

Though there are some cat tunnels that are specifically marketed as outdoor cat tunnels, there's no reason you couldn't use any version of a cat tunnel outside. You'll probably want to avoid using cat tunnels made of plush fabric outside, though. These are a lot harder to clean off than nylon or polyester tunnels, which can be wiped clean.

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