The Best Cat Tunnel Bed

What to Look For

Not all cat tunnels are built the same, so we had three key features in mind to help you decide on the option for you: Are there multiple entryways for your cats to explore? Are there soft and insulating materials that invite your cats for a nap? Is it easy to store away when not in use? Our overwhelming favorite was the large plaid cat tunnel from Kitty City. This donut-shaped design offers plenty of room to roam and packs down for compact storage when playtime is over. If you want a smaller option for a single cat, check out the soft cuddle cave from Spot. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.

Kitty City Large Plaid Cat Tunnel Bed

Round and round

This cozy tunnel offers a cozy spot for your feline friend to rest and play.

Best Overall

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Curious felines are sure to find a world of their own inside Kitty City’s cozy adventure tunnel. This handsome plaid tunnel bed stands with a sizable 40-inch diameter, giving adventurous paws plenty of room to frolic and explore. Don’t be put off by the size, though, as this nifty collapsible design quickly folds flat for easy storage and transport.

Pros:

• A washable plush bed sits at the center, offering a secluded rest spot for the weary.
• With two entryways, this tunnel promises not to be too claustrophobic for timid explorers.
• This package comes with extra hanging catnip toys included: the perfect way to goad your cat to investigate.

Cons:

• We found that the zips can be a little difficult to attach in place.

Kitty City Cat Tunnel

In and out

We think this is an ideal option if you own multiple cats as it features more than one entryway.

Runner Up

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Our cats love tunneling around for the sense of adventure it brings, so why limit their navigations to a single entryway? This three-pronged tunnel design comes with four individual openings for your cat to explore. And with a tunnel diameter of 11 inches, the large passageways are suitable for cats of all ages.

Pros:

• The collapsible tunnel design quickly compresses for compact storage.
• These openings can be interconnected with a range of other Kitty City play areas, leaving you room to expand.
• The durable tube lining is impervious to claws and easy to wipe down in the event of an accident.

Cons:

• The central peephole isn’t well supported, meaning it could collapse under the weight of a large adult cat.

Luckitty Large Cat Tunnel Bed

Snuggle central

If your cats love to curl up in warm places, this soft plush design is worth considering.

Best For Indoor Cats

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Get ready for snuggle time with this premium plush-lined tunnel bed from Luckitty. This cozy design brings warmth and comfort galore with its soft exterior coating and central pillow, and insulating tunnel lining, offering a comfortable abode for kittens and cats alike. We especially love the two zipper attachments; you can attach the tunnel in a loop or arrange it as a single passageway depending on the demands of your space.

Pros:

• The zippers can be partially opened for increased ventilation when temperatures rise.
• The tunnel comes with a cute fuzzy ball to suspend from the entryway.
• Thanks to the wide 12-inch diameter, it’s also suitable for smaller dogs.

Cons:

• The buttons that attach to the central cushion could pose a choking hazard to some animals.

Kitty City Outdoor Two Way Play Tunnel

Into the great wide open

This outdoor adventure course could offer indoor cats a taste of the open air.

Best For Outdoors

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Cat tunnels can be a great way to introduce indoor cats to a burrowing adventure, but they can also serve as a secured space for the purely house-trained to roam outdoors. This durable weatherproof design from Kitty City comes in a range of configurations for outdoor use. This allows you to take your pick to find an option that suits the scale of your backyard.

Pros:

• This versatile design attaches to other Kitty City outdoor tunnels, so you can construct an adventure playground to suit your cat’s tastes.
• The secure zipped doors are easy to open but leave no easy openings once closed.
• The tunnel can be secured to soft ground with a range of steel pegs included in the pack.

Cons:

• This black mesh isn’t the most eye-catching design we found, and there aren’t any other color options available.

SPOT Ethical Pets Sleep Zone Cuddle Cave

Room for one

This mini cave is lined with the softest plush, perfect for a snug abode.

Best For Small Spaces

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While some kitties might be drawn to a tunnel with the promise of dashing and pouncing, some may just need a good cat nap. This downscaled faux-suede cave offers a private and warm venue for lazy cats to get their beauty sleep. Thanks to the thick and soft plush interior, they’re sure to feel pampered.

Pros:

• The durable padding should stand the test of time without clumping or losing resistance.
• We appreciate that this tunnel is machine washable, making clean-ups a breeze.
• Choose between a range of classic colors to find the cave that compliments your cat’s coat.

Cons:

• Large adult cats might not find enough room inside this modestly-sized tunnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to let my cats play in a tunnel unattended?

We love our cats for their inquisitive spirit, even if it can sometimes get them into trouble. We recommend supervising your pets for the first session using any new toy to ensure they can enjoy its bounds safely. While most of the cat tunnels we reviewed pose no obvious safety hazards, some contain components that could present choking hazards to those who like to explore with their fangs first.

How can I clean my cat tunnel between uses?

Even the most gracious felines aren’t immune from the occasional accident. Plastic tunnels are easy to wipe down with a soapy wet cloth, and the fabric options we reviewed are machine washable for easy cleaning. We recommend cleaning down your tunnel regularly to prevent a build-up of fur and other nasties inside.

About the Author

Jack has always had feline companions. Currently, he's the proud parent of two characterful cross-breeds that he adopted nearly ten years ago. The neighborhood outdoor cats also seem to love him, probably because he gives them toys and games when they visit his garden. With a lifetime of cat ownership behind him, Jack hopes to help offer insight and information to help cat owners make the right health and well-being choices for their cats.

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