The Best Cat Tunnel For Indoor Cats

It's no secret that cats love to squeeze themselves into small spaces. And if you own more than one, you've probably seen how much they enjoy chasing and playfully surprising each other from inside a cardboard box or from the laundry basket. A cat tunnel is a toy that encourages this type of instinctual play and keeps them entertained for hours. Plus, these collapsible tunnels let your kitty explore, hide from stressful situations, and curl up for a long, cozy nap. Of course, there are plenty of different tunnel designs and styles to choose from. From the classic single-tube choice to multi-tube options, there's a tunnel for every cat. To help you find the right one for your home and your furry friend, we've gathered a list of some of the best cat tunnels available today.

Tempcore Cat Tunnel

Triple the fun

With three tunnel channels and an attached toy, this cat tunnel is easily our favorite.
Best Overall

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Tell your kitty to get ready for hours of fun and exercise, because this toy delivers. The Tempcore cat tunnel features three spacious channels for your cat to explore, a peephole in the middle, and a hanging ball for extra fun and exercise. Designed to be durable, this tunnel is made with tear-resistant polyester and an enclosed stainless steel frame for structure. It’s also collapsible so you can take the entertainment anywhere you’d like and it’s offered in different colors like blue, red, and grey. So if you need a compact yet interactive toy for your cat, we’d recommend this cat tunnel by Tempcore.

Pros:

  • This tunnel pops open into position and is ready to go immediately — no tedious installation necessary.
  • It’s relatively lightweight, but sturdy enough to withstand hours and hours of play.
  • The middle part has a hole so that your kitty can look out and keep an eye on everything, which all cats love.

Cons:

  • Especially for larger cats, we wish this tunnel were a bit longer.

PetLike S Way Cat Tunnel

Simple and hassle-free

This model is the most simple to collapse, store, and take with you on trips with your furry friend.
Most Portable

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Sometimes you may need to tidy up for guests and temporarily store your cat toys. Or, you might enjoy taking trips with your little fur ball and may want to bring their toys with you. In such cases, we’d suggest this one-channel tunnel by PetLike. Because of the simple and streamlined design, this toy can collapse almost completely flat while being secured with the attached ties for easy storage until it’s time to play again. Made in an s-shaped form, this long tunnel features two peek-a-boo holes and one ball for tons of fun. It’s also great for your cat to lounge in when they want some space for themselves.

Pros:

  • This tunnel is particularly claw-resistant, so if you have a rambunctious, scratch-happy kitty, this is a great pick.
  • It’s durable and really holds its shape nicely over time.

Cons:

  • This tunnel may not be big enough for multiple big cats.

Western Home WH Cat Tunnels

Rambunctious kitten approved

If you have a new kitten with a love for chewing, this durable cat tunnel has you covered.
Most Chew Proof

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Some may think chewing and biting is only a puppy issue, but they would be mistaken. Kittens also have their bouts of gnawing and mouthing. But this tunnel by Western Home can handle it. Made with ultra-strong and tear-resistant polyester, this tunnel has a stainless steel frame to help withstand any damage your little guy or gal might try to inflict. It also has three connected tunnels and built-in crinkle paper to encourage interaction. Plus, it has a compact design that easily folds into most carrying bags for travel or storage.

Pros:

  • This tunnel easily doubles as a sleeping cave when kitty is worn out from playing.
  • It stands up well to clawing and rough play.
  • This tunnel has a roomy capacity — it can comfortably fit bigger cats and more than one cat.

Cons:

  • The string that the complimentary ball hangs on is not chew-proof.

Kitty City Large Cat Tunnel Bed

Mini playground for cats

As an interchangeable exploration tunnel and cozy cat nap haven, this model has it all.
Most Versatile

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This adorable cat tunnel is impressively versatile. Perfect for large cats or more than one cat, this tunnel features multiple entries, exit points, and a plush bed in the middle for napping. It also has zippers on each end so you can turn it into a full circle, a half-moon, or two separate tunnels. The entryways that are available when this tunnel is turned into a full circle have a super cute, cat-ear shape and offer hanging toys for your kitty to play with. Plus, you’ll have the choice between two stylish patterns. This tunnel is soft yet structured and is sure to provide endless hours of enjoyment.

Pros:

  • It’s not as much of an eyesore as other cat tunnels, with its sleek, chic design and chevron pattern. It blends in well with your existing decor.
  • Unlike some other tunnels, the one isn’t made of crinkly fabric, so it doesn’t make as much noise.

Cons:

  • This one is on the pricier end.

Pet Craft Supply Magic Mewnicorn Cat Tunnel

Cute and fun

With a fun unicorn-theme design, this cat tunnel offers extra tubes for your fluff ball to run through.
Most Unique Design

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This darling cat tunnel is in the unique shape of a unicorn, adding a touch of whimsy and color to your cat’s play area. It has six entryways and exit points, a three-layer polyester material that resists snagging and tears, and a steel frame to maintain the tunnel’s shape. The smaller tunnels that are meant to be the unicorn’s legs are great for playing hide and seek, while the dangling plush tail is perfect for batting and swatting. It’s also made with built-in crinkle paper to encourage curiosity, and it folds down in seconds for easy storage.

Pros:

  • The “legs” (side tunnels) act as a stabilizing feature, so that the tunnel doesn’t roll when your kitty darts through it.
  • It collapses and expands easily, so you can store it when it’s not in use.

Cons:

  • There is a good amount of crinkle paper, which may make it a bit noisy.

Our Tips and Tricks

When you’re looking for the perfect indoor cat tunnel for your precious kitty, there are some key considerations to have in mind. First, it’s important to get a tunnel that’s perfectly suited for your cat’s size — some tunnels are designed for kittens, while others are designed for multiple adult cats to play in (and if you do have more than one cat, it’s best to get a product that’s made with three tunnels instead of just one). Look for a tunnel that’s crafted with truly durable fabric, like scratch-resistant nylon or polyester. And, a collapsible tunnel is best since it can be installed and taken down in mere seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when purchasing a cat tunnel?

We suggest you look for a design that suits your home. Some tunnels are quite longer than others and have different styles that may or may not fit your current decor or space. We also recommend you think about if you’d like a tunnel with crinkle paper, which be noisy. it’s also good to look for added features like complimentary toys, peepholes, or plush bedding so your cat gets the most out of their new little playground.

Why should I get a cat tunnel?

Tunnels make a great toy that lets your cat implement their instincts. Cats love to hide, hunt, stalk, and jump, so a tunnel is the perfect stomping ground. They also allow your kitty to get a bit of exercise in, sleep in while feeling safe, and helps them stay entertained throughout the day.

About the Author

Chelsea is a doting caretaker for her firefighter husband and her two adorable cats. As a matter of fact, she's grown up with cats and is passionate about helping cat owners keep their pets healthy and happy. She's also an animal and environmental advocate, so you can always trust her to recommend the best products for your pets and the planet.

Why Trust Us

Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.