Tunnels (tunnels) for cats: types and selection criteria

In caring for their furry pet, cat breeders often resort to buying a play tunnel. This device is specially designed for active cats seeking to explore all places in the human home.

The design of the cat tunnel is a play tube or sleeve with holes. Today, these elements of the arrangement of the play area can be very diverse.

There are several ways to classify cat tunnels. For example, they differ in the material of manufacture. On the shelves of specialized stores for cats today, you can purchase products from fabric, fur and even plastic. In addition, tunnels are often provided with linings, which are typical or deliberately rustling - this attracts the attention of cats who adore such things.

In addition, different types of structures themselves can be distinguished into separate lines. Depending on this, they can be straight or curved. By the type of direction, modifications are divided into vertical and horizontal. This is convenient, since the owners will be able to choose the most unusual options for their pets, taking into account the temperament and level of activity of their cats. Moreover, products may differ not only in inner diameter, but also in length.

Also, designs differ in size and number of levels. Along with single-level modifications, the buyer has the option of purchasing a tunnel consisting of several levels, equipped with additional hoses with holes.The material of the product can be hard or soft, while the shape provides for a wide main tube and smaller sleeves.

According to the type of purpose, the products differ in the presence of built-in toys. For example, these can be hanging balls or rattles located at the entrance to the tunnel.

The shape of the devices is different. For example, you can often find a standard cylindrical or similar to two (three) pipes welded together. Other items look like giant dog bones, with holes at each end of the pieces.

Also on sale you can find foldable options that can be transformed into comfortable sun loungers. The number of holes, as well as their size, can vary. Some tunnels can be bent by turning the pipe more than 300 degrees. Other variations include placement on the wall or on the upper tier of the game complex. They are additionally equipped with steps.

Manufacturers of accessories for cats offer customers both standard and unusual tunnels for pets of different sizes and weights. For example, manufacturers produce designer models in the form of original toys. In more familiar versions, the tunnels have a spectacular print and vibrant color. Some varieties are made of mesh material, while others have fur edging.

The tunnels look original in the form of giant mice with paws and a muzzle located above the entrance. Special attention should be paid to transforming products that can bend - this allows the cat to climb from one floor to another. Other varieties can transform by changing shape.

Some products have a step at the entrance, others are made in the form of a huge capsule. Still others, during transformation, turn into houses, while the fourth do not have a rigid frame that holds its shape. These varieties are good for cats that love difficulties, because pets in them are happy to make their way with their muzzles.

Color solutions for cat tunnels can be very diverse. They are not limited by the wishes of the buyer, therefore, on the shelves of stores today you can buy products in any shade of the palette, including white, pink, orange, sand and products with bright contrasts.

When buying a play tunnel, a cat owner has to think through a number of nuances. For example, the key is the size of the animal itself. Whatever difficulties the cat likes, he should freely walk inside the tunnel without getting stuck. Wherein the structure itself must be reliable... No matter how the animal uses it, it should not create situations in which the pet can get stuck inside.

If there is not enough space in the house, you have to limit yourself to small structures. In this case, you can choose a combined type of product. For example, it can be a sofa-tunnel. If such a decision does not suit the owner, it is worth taking a closer look at the modifications of the vertical type. Without losing functionality, they are distinguished by their compact placement.

The product is selected taking into account the space allocated for it. Tunnels are not placed on the aisle, because at some point in time the owner may be distracted and, continuing to walk by inertia, step on the tunnel with the animal inside. It is better if the fabric of the tunnel is dense and the frame is rigid.

The number of holes also matters: the more, the better. A pet can sit in ambush for a long time, so air access is extremely important for it. Their diameter must be sufficient for the animal to jump out of the tunnel if necessary. The edges of the holes should be edged with soft material.

Don't underestimate the age of your furry pet. For an active young cat who does not know boredom, it is worth choosing a complex structure, consisting of several levels or connected pipes with turns. It is better for an old cat to buy a soft plush tunnel of short length. In it, the animal will be able to relax and take a break from the attention of the household.

The playful pet needs options with hanging toys. In addition, they will be happy to study the rustling materials. You can choose an option consisting of contrasting textiles, in which individual sections are made of rustling fabric. Cats also like some sliding materials that resemble the surface of a floor covering. You can buy a product that tapers towards the end, which has a different diameter of the two main entrances.

Those who are thinking about practicality should pay attention to the choice of color. The color scheme can also be based on the conformity of the product to the general concept of stylistics. In this case, the tunnel will not be knocked out against the general background of the interior, creating the effect of its harmonious fit into the existing environment. It is not at all necessary that the color of the material exactly repeats the color scheme of the interior - it is quite enough for it to be related.

In the conditions of small apartments, you can make a choice in favor of a folding tunnel. If you suddenly need to accommodate guests, the product can turn into a ring in a few moments. Such tunnels are also convenient in that they provide for carrying and cleaning. The nylon versions can be taken outdoors in fine summer weather, where cats can hunt and explore the world around them.

For a comparison of the three types of rustling tunnels for cats, see the following video.