The Best Cat Tunnels
Our TOP Pick
(4.7 / 5)- Durable material of tear-resistant polyester
- Comes with 3 different tunnels
- Durable and safe with the sprung steel frame and protective ends
- Affordable
(4.7 / 5)Are you ready to get started? Let’s begin with a brief introduction to cat tunnels.
Here is a list of Top 5 Cat Tunnels in The Market
| Product | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
1. Prosper Pet 3-Way Play Toy Tube (4.7 / 5) | $ |
|
2. CO-Z Store Collapsible Cat Tunnel Tube  (4.6 / 5) | $ | |
3. SmartyKat Crackle Chute  (4.5 / 5) | $$ | |
4. eenk Cat Toy Tunnel and Cubes Bundle (4.7 / 5) | $$ | |
5. Outback Jack Portable Cat Tunnel (4.5 / 5) | $$$ |
What is a Cat Tunnel?
Basically, a cat tunnel is simply that – a cylindrical shaped structure made of a certain type of material and keeps its structure with a skeletal material. The fabric can be made of or nylon, or polyester, or any kind of material that’s water-repellent or waterproof. The skeletal material could be made of plastic or metal.
There are many variations of cat tunnels, with the most common being a straight cylinder, with others having two or three-way tunnels. There are also more elaborate cat tunnels which are integrated into other details such as a sandbox or scratching pad, and other details.
Related: Check paper tunnel in our store.
Why Do Cats Love Cat Tunnels?
Cat tunnels are popular toys for cats because of a number of reasons. Mind you, not all cats will develop a liking for the tunnel, as some may not respond positively to this new toy. But most cats do seem to have an innate desire to play with cat tunnels, with some cats loving their tunnels so much that they end up sleeping inside.
So why do cats love tunnels? It all boils down to their natural instinct to hide and protect themselves.
In the wild, cats hide to protect themselves from predators. They also love crawling and running into tight or small spaces because that’s where their prey is, such as mice and other smaller animals.
A toy tunnel simulates their environment in the wild, and although most cats today are domesticated, their natural biological instincts are still very much alive within them.
Cats love tunnels because it stimulates their natural desire for play and stimulation. They love hiding out in boxes or squeezing into tight spaces, and the tunnel is just perfect for this kind of pleasurable activity for cats.
It also provides them with their very own private and personal space. Sometimes, cats want to get away from it all just like us humans, and a tunnel can serve as their very own private space that’s away from the noise, large pets, and other humans.
It also provides them with a great place to sleep in, if the tunnel has a nice cushion or material. In the wild, cats hide when they sleep to protect themselves from potential predators, and sleeping inside the tunnel will give them that feeling of safety and security.
The Top 5 Cat Tunnels in the Market [Review]
1. Prosper Pet 3-Way Play Toy Tube
This 3-way play toy tube is great for multi-cat households, with its 10” tall by 17” deep size, and three cylinders. A peephole is found at the center, allowing for cats to look outside while they’re inside the tunnel.
It folds in seconds and super easy to store once your cats are done with their playtime. Its other winning features include a crinkle crackle paper inside the tunnels, and a bell toy hanging on one exit/entrance. The crackle provides an interesting and fun entertainment feature for the cats, while the hanging ball offers a fun toy in addition to the endless fun your cats will enjoy hiding and running after each other inside the tunnels.
What we liked
- Durable material of tear-resistant polyester
- Comes with 3 different tunnels
- Durable and safe with the sprung steel frame and protective ends
- Affordable
What we didn't like
- At only 17” deep with 3-way cylinders, it’s quite small for multiple cats to play in
2. CO-Z Store Collapsible Cat Tunnel Tube
With a hole in the middle, cats can observe their environment while also being safely tucked inside the tunnels. Great for multi-cat households, one cat can stay in each of the tunnels and enjoy playing around with other cats while inside. A great way to encourage exercise, the toy also features a hanging ball on the tunnel exit for more fun.
What we liked
- Durable and strong with a tear-resistant polyester
- Easy to Clean with a fabric that can easily be wiped with a damp cloth
- Easy to store as it collapses in seconds
What we didn't like
- It’s also quite short at only 13.5” long
3. SmartyKat Crackle Chute
A side opening is also featured, as well as a peephole at the center top so your cat can comfortably look outside without having to leave the tunnel.
Providing easy, fun, and hours of continued playtime, SmartyKat’s Crackle Chute is the perfect cat tunnel for the solo cat household.
What we liked
- Simple and no-fuss
- Durable and easy to clean
- Lightweight and Portable
- Affordable
What we didn't like
- May be too simple for cats who need more stimulation
4. eenk Cat Toy Tunnel and Cubes Bundle
The interactive crinkle collapsible tube and foldable cubes come with a handle bag for storage, making it easy to store.
With tear-resistant polyester, it’s durable and strong, and can withstand your pet’s scratches and run.
What we liked
- Comes in a vibrant design and color combination
- Great for multiple cats
- Esu to clean and store
- Collapsible and lightweight
What we didn't like
- With the cubes feature, it may be too big for small spaces, such as a studio unit or a small apartment
5. Outback Jack Portable Cat Tunnel
While this tunnel is specifically designed for outdoor use, pet owners can also use it indoors, although it’s quite long at 62” in length and 17” in height.
One of the great things about this toy is that it can be integrated with Outback Jack’s other products, such as their portable cat tent. You can attach this tube to the tent, which serves as your kitty’s playhouse.
What we liked
- Large, offering plenty of space for multiple cats or animals
- It-Also great for large cats
- Mesh material makes it breathable for outdoor use
- Can be integrated with Outback Jack’s other products
What we didn't like
- It’s quite large for indoor use
- If used indoors and your cat pees or defecates, the pee and feces will go through the mesh material.
Conclusion
Cat tunnels are amazing toys for cats and it offers them endless hours of fun and entertainment at home. While they can take up a lot of space, it’s all worth it knowing your cat is happy and healthy with the dose of exercise she gets from all that playing.
Play tunnels are mostly lightweight, portable, and easy to store and clean, making them a convenient toy to keep in your home.
If you want to encourage your cat to exercise, as well as giving her a toy she will enjoy, then maybe a cat tunnel is just what you need to buy for your pet kitty.