If you’re a cat parent looking to add a dash of excitement to your feline friend’s life, a cat tunnel might just be the thing for you. Cats feel protected and secure in their comfortable, cave-like shape. And because they feel like they are hidden away, they can play with abandon. With a good cat tunnel, your cat can safely indulge in their natural instincts to hide, pounce, and play.
There are many perks to cat tunnels that meet the needs of all breeds. Whether you have a Persian or a Siamese cat, this cat toy can help them stay busy and interested. They provide a good mix of mental and physical activity — what’s not to love?
Ready to find the perfect cat tunnel for your furry companion? Below, we explore the best options available, ensuring you can choose a tunnel that suits your cat’s personality and your requirements.
Is a Cat Tunnel Good for Cats?
Absolutely! Cat tunnels offer numerous benefits for your feline companion:
Mental Stimulation
A good cat tunnel toy is great for keeping your cat mentally sharp and engaged. This is because they give your cats a fascinating area in which to explore and run around.
Stress Relief
The sense of security and privacy that an enclosed space like a tunnel provides can relieve tension and anxiety in cats, particularly for those who live in busy households or suffer from separation anxiety.
Exercise
Playing in a tunnel can provide a great workout for cats of all ages. Running, chasing, and pouncing — all help them to stay fit and healthy.
Satisfies Natural Instincts
Tunnels mimic the hiding and stalking environments that cats naturally seek out, allowing them to indulge in their instinctual behaviors safely.
Entertainment
Tunnels can be a source of endless entertainment, keeping cats engaged and happy, especially during periods of boredom or inactivity.
Social Interaction
If you have more than one cat, tunnels can help all of them play with each other, which can improve their social bonds and reduce their territorial behavior.
Where To Put a Cat Tunnel?
Choosing the right location for your cat’s tunnel is essential to ensure it gets plenty of use. Here are some tips:
Along Play Routes
If your cat has a favorite path they like to run or chase toys along, placing the tunnel along this route can enhance their playtime experience.
Near Windows
Cats love to watch birds and other animals. If you put the tunnel near a window, your cat can see what’s going on outside, which will keep them more interested and stimulated.
In Quiet Corners
For cats that prefer solitude, placing the tunnel in a quiet corner can offer a peaceful retreat where they can hide and relax.
Near Scratching Posts or Trees
Positioning the tunnel near other cat furniture, like scratching posts or trees, can create a fun and engaging play area.
In Multi-Cat Households
If you want to promote play and interaction among your cats and reduce territorial behavior, place the tunnel in a neutral area.
Outdoor Spaces
If you have a safe, enclosed outdoor area, consider placing the tunnel outside to give your cat a taste of adventure in a controlled environment.
Rotate Locations
To keep things interesting, periodically move the tunnel to different spots around your home. This will definitely get your cat curious and interested each time it gets moved around!
The Best Cat Tunnels to Buy in 2025
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BEST OVERALL
Tempcore Plush Pet Cat Tunnel
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Offers three spacious tunnels
Has a peephole and a cat tunnel toy
Durable construction
Has protective ends on the steel frame
Encourages exercise
But…
May not be suitable for very large cats
Treat your feline companion to the ultimate indoor playground with the Tempcore Plush Pet Cat Tunnel. Your cat will have plenty of room to run, jump, and hide in this three-tunnel wonderland with a peephole and a hanging ball toy. Made from ultra-strong, tear-resistant polyester wrapped around a sprung-steel frame, this tunnel is built to withstand even the most exuberant playtime.
Because it collapses, it’s easy to store and move, so your kitty will always have something fun to play with, whether you’re at home or on the go. In addition to the fun aspect of the cat tunnel toy, it has a soft material on the outside that your cat will love to snuggle up to. Moreover, your cat will be active and interested all day long thanks to its unique design and roomy interior.
BEST COLLAPSIBLE
Tempcore 3 Way Collapsible Cat Tunnel
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Provides ample room for cats to play
Made from strong, tear-resistant materials
Safe design
Has interactive features
Easy to store and transport
Stimulates a cat’s natural instincts
But…
The interior can be difficult to reach and clean thoroughly
Bringing home the Tempcore 3-Way Collapsible Cat Tunnel means gifting your cat a captivating plaything designed to spark endless hours of fun and adventure. As your cat navigates the tunnels, pounces on the dangling ball, and peeks through the peephole, they’ll be honing their natural instincts and staying active.
With its long-lasting polyester material and strong steel spring frame, this tunnel is made to last through rough play. Also, the edges are protected, which means there won’t be any risk of injury when your cat uses the tunnel. It is ideal for small living spaces or for traveling because it folds up quickly and effortlessly.
BEST TUNNEL BED
Kitty City Large Cat Tunnel Bed
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Combines a tunnel and a bed in one
Large size accommodates multiple cats
Has additional hanging toys
Easy to assemble and disassemble
Portable
Build to last
But…
Due to its large size, it may require a significant amount of floor space
The Kitty City Large Cat Tunnel Bed is the ultimate all-in-one playground and relaxation spot for your feline friend. The comfy sleeping area and fun cat tube make it perfect for your kitty to use for hours, whether they want to relax or have fun. They will love to lounge in the fluffy cat bed and run and pounce in the round cave.
The tunnel is easy to move around and can be quickly changed into a round or moon-shaped shape in order to provide more play options. The hanging cat toys, which come as accessories, also keep your cat physically and mentally active. This cat donut tunnel is easy to put together and take apart because it has a zip-up design.
BEST FOR OUTDOORS
Alicedreamsky Collapsible Tube Cat Tunnel
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Has three spacious passages
Interactive bells add to the amusement
Made from strong polyester fabric
Foldable design
Encourages independent play
Available in multiple color options
But…
The interactive bells might wear out or detach over time with frequent use
The Alicedreamsky Collapsible Tube Cat Tunnel is more than just a toy; it’s a stimulating environment that encourages exercise and mental stimulation. Thanks to its multiple play options, your cat can explore, hide, and pounce to their heart’s content. The hanging bells make it even more fun for your pet, getting them to move around and keeping them busy for hours.
Whether your furry friend is in the mood for a solo adventure or interactive playtime with you, this cat tube is designed to meet all their playful needs. With its comfortable, wear-resistant polyester fabric, you can use this cat tunnel outdoors easily. Plus, the protective ends prevent any accidental injuries when your cat is frolicking in it.
BEST COMBO
GONPETGP Cat Tunnel Cube Tent
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Provides exceptional stability
Waterproof and UV-proof canopy
Breathable design
Bed mat is anti-scratch, breathable, and odorless
Durable
But…
Premium price point
The 3-in-1 design of the Gonpetgp Cat Tunnel Cube Tent makes for an exciting playhouse that your cat won’t get enough of. It combines a tunnel, cubes, and a tent into one big amusement park! With its detachable design, you can easily rearrange the components using ropes to form different shapes, keeping your pet’s playtime fresh and exciting.
It is not only fun but also durable and easy to use. Made from strong polyester fabric, it features an easy-open sprung-steel frame that will last you many enthusiastic play sessions. And because of its lightweight and portable design, you can carry this playhouse with you wherever you go and let your cat have fun anytime, anywhere.
BEST STRAIGHT TUNNEL
LUCKITTY Geometric Straight Cat Tunnel
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Spacious design
Two vents allow for easy entry and exit
Made from strong and durable Oxford cloth and flannel
Can be connected to other tunnels
Waterproof exterior
Foldable design
But…
May not be suitable for smaller cats
Made from soft flannel and waterproof Oxford cloth, this straight cat tunnel from Luckitty offers a comfortable and long-lasting play experience for your cat. Its large size gives even the biggest cats plenty of room to move around and explore. It is also perfect for homes with more than one cat.
The sturdy spring steel frame allows the tunnel to pop out easily for playtime and retract just as quickly for convenient storage. The two vents on top not only offer ventilation but also allow for easy entry and exit for your kitty. Plus, the special linking buttons let you join more than one tunnel, making a bigger play area for your cat.
BEST FOR MULTIPLE CATS
SweetBin 4 Way Large Cat Tunnel
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Made from strong 210D Oxford fabric
Multiple entrances and exits
Spacious interior
Suitable for multiple cats
Includes a mouse toy, a bell ball, and crinkle paper
Connectable to other tunnels
But…
Can be challenging to clean
Featuring multiple entry and exit points that keep them on their toes, the SweetBin 4 Way Large Cat Tunnel is sure to become your kitty’s favorite thing in the house. Its durable construction and reinforced ends are the cherry on top — they make sure that cats of all breeds, ages, and energy levels can enjoy it for a long time.
There is no dearth of interactive features in this cat tunnel — a mouse toy, a bell ball, and a crinkle paper lining — all stimulate your cat’s natural instincts and curiosity. Ideal for multiple cat households, the tunnel’s pop-up design makes it easy to set up, and its collapsible nature means you can store it easily at home and carry it wherever your cat(s) and you go.
BEST S-SHAPED
PAWZ Road Cat Tunnel
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Spacious interior
Peek holes for interaction
Soft faux fur material
Interactive hanging toy
Expandable design
Folds for storage
But…
Not ideal for heavy chewers
With its playful S-shaped design, the PAWZ Road cat tunnel is a dream come true for hide-and-seek enthusiasts. At 46 inches long and 10.5 inches tall, this curvy tunnel gives cats plenty of room to dash, duck, and dart through at full speed. The way it’s shaped makes it fun to push around, and it’s also great for those sudden, playful pounces your kitty loves.
Two peek-a-boo holes give your cat the chance to pause and survey their surroundings mid-chase, making it just as much a lookout post as a hideout. Made with super soft faux fur, it’s a cozy spot for naps and perfect for those sudden bursts of energy. And, you can even connect it to other tunnels.
BEST MULTI-WAY
Depets Cat Tunnel for Indoor Cats
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Features a 5-way tunnel
Colorful and engaging
Made from tear-resistant polyester
Safe design
Space-saving and foldable
Portable and convenient
But…
Some users report some difficulty in folding the tunnel back in
If you’ve got a house full of curious kitties, this colorful 5-way cat tunnel from Depets is about to become their new favorite hangout. With five connected tubes in a fun S-shape design, it’s practically a kitty playground — perfect for multiple cats to hide, chase, and pop out of at full speed. The bright colors make your home feel more fun, and the peephole in the middle is great for sneak strikes or games of peekaboo.
A strong, bendable steel frame is attached to tear-resistant fabric to make this tunnel strong enough to withstand rough play while keeping your pets safe. It folds flat when not in use and even comes with a handy storage bag for easy transport.
How We Chose the Best Cat Tunnels
At CatTime, our experts curated this list of the best cat tunnels by assessing factors such as size options, durable and non-toxic materials, design, portability, ease of cleaning, and overall price. They further consulted with industry professionals to gain more insight into the top-selling products and read cat tunnel Amazon user reviews to bring our readers the clearest view. When you choose one of our recommended products, you can rest assured that you’re making an informed purchase from the best brands available on the market.
FAQ
Do cats enjoy tunnels?
Yes, cats generally enjoy tunnels — they are a great way to keep your cat entertained and active. Compared to cat tents, tunnels offer similar security and privacy, but they also pique their interest and hunting instincts.
Why do cats run through tunnels?
Cats run through tunnels for several reasons. They may be playing or pursuing prey, but they also like the sense of privacy and security that tunnels give them. Cats can play and satisfy their natural desires by going through tunnels.
Are cat tunnels safe?
Yes, cat tunnels are generally safe. They are usually made of non-toxic materials and pose no major health risk to cats. Just remember to choose a tunnel that is well-made and free of any sharp edges or loose parts.
How to use a cat tunnel?
To use a cat tunnel, simply place it in a quiet area and let your cat explore it at their own pace. You can also encourage them to play by tossing cat toys inside or playing peek-a-boo. Some cats may need a little time to warm up to the tunnel, so be patient and let them explore at their own pace.
How to attach a cat tunnel to a house?
You can use Velcro strips, command hooks, or even a small piece of double-sided tape. Be sure to choose a method that is secure and won’t damage your walls or the tunnel.
How tall should a cat tunnel be?
A cat tunnel should be tall enough for your cat to comfortably crawl through without bumping their head. A good height is typically around 10-12 inches, but this can vary depending on the size of your cat.
