Tunnel for a cat: how to choose and make it yourself

I first saw this entertaining thing for tails at a cat shelter. The charming little boy Ronnie was hiding in it.

And I really wanted to repeat it at home, especially since the design looked elementary and sewing it together was not particularly difficult. This is what I did in my spare time. Just at home, a piece of lining fabric and a cable (quite thick and holding its shape well) got dusty.

First of all, I decided to decide on the diameter of the future tunnel. A small plastic basin was ideal for this size.

When the issue with the diameter was resolved, I estimated the number of cable inserts along the length of the tunnel. I stopped at four.

To make the tunnel more interesting for the cats, I added another side hole.

I trimmed off the excess fabric from the sides. And from one such piece I made the edging of the cut out window.

First I basted it, and then I edged it around the window.

This is what happened

Next, I sewed the fabric in width commensurate with the diameter of the future tunnel.

Now the hardest part remains, so to speak. Sew and insert cable circles.

I decided to start with the central elements. To do this, I folded the fabric this way.

After I turned the fabric inside out, I stepped back 2 cm from this turned edge and sewed a seam. But not along the entire length (i.e. the width of the tunnel)! Leave 8-10 cm so that you can insert the cable through them.

Next, turn the fabric back right side out. The seam from the front side looks like this

And so that the stitched fabric inside does not dangle, we lay another seam, sewing it, so to speak) along the face. It probably looks like a linen seam. Here we are already laying a seam along the entire width of the tunnel.

It turned out something similar to a cable channel for our cable)).

We do the same for the second central cable.

Also, do not forget to leave 8-10 cm unfinished for pulling the cable through this hole.

Now let's move on to the edges. Everything is simpler here. We simply fold the fabric in two folds and sew a stitch, also without finishing 8-10 cm.

When these procedures have been completed, we begin to pull the cable through the remaining holes. As we insert it, we round it.

I decided to put the ends of the cable on top of each other (for greater reliability) and simply wrap them with electrical tape. Like this:

The hole was sewn up by hand, because... It's inconvenient on a typewriter.

This is what happened in the end.

I hope the sewing process was clear. If so, ask questions.

We measure and cut parts

We used a pencil to mark the PVC and cut it all with a pipe cutter. If you don't have one, you can easily use an electric jigsaw.

You should have the following details:

• three PVC pipes, cut to 25 centimeters;
• 12 PVC pipes, cut to 23 centimeters;
• 21 PVC pipes, cut to 30 centimeters.

We cut a large cardboard tube in half, making two tunnels with a diameter of 60 centimeters. We measured 60 cm, made a mark on the cardboard tube and cut it with a utility knife. You can also use a handsaw.

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List of required materials and tools

In order to make a tunnel for a cat, we will need the following materials and tools:

• three PVC pipes;
• eight 3-way PVC elbow fittings;
• eight 4-way PVC fittings;
• two 5-way PVC cross fittings;
• durable cardboard tube for making a tunnel;
• carpet;
• pipe cutter or electric jigsaw;
• rubber hammer;
• roulette;
• pencil or marker;
• utility knife;
• hand saw;
• glue.

All these materials are not difficult to find. The material costs of a device for a pet will be insignificant compared to the prices of ready-made houses that are sold in pet stores.

Popular models, description, characteristics

1. Trixie tunnel for cats beige plush - the best model for medium-sized cats;
2. Triol play tunnel for cats made of nylon;
3. Triol 3005NT play tunnel - a model for those who have children;
4. PAWZ Road S-shaped collapsible tunnel for animals - the best model from the aliexpress website;
5. Speedy pet leopard triple tunnel - a model for owners of several cats;
6. Triol Scratching post “Tunnel with a toy” is the best model for kittens.

Compact soft tunnel for cats made of plush fabric. Can be used as a cat house or bed. Dimensions: length – 60 cm, diameter – 22 cm. Suitable for kittens and small cats. The design is discreet - there is a brown cat's paw print on the beige plush. A rustling material is sewn under the fur lining to attract the animal's interest. The tunnel keeps its shape thanks to the rings sewn into the plush.

• Pro: compact size.
• Minus: no windows.

Price: 1004 rub. More details about the product

A bright and long play tunnel made of practical and lightweight nylon for kittens and active cats. Has two windows and a fluffy bell for cat games. It rustles thanks to the sewn-in filler. The fabric has wide stripes of red and gray. Keeps its shape thanks to the built-in metal frame. Can be used indoors and outdoors. The exit from the tunnel can be tightened with ribbons.

Dimensions: length – 130 cm, diameter – 25 cm.

• Plus: easily folds into a ring for storage and carrying.
• Minus: no sleeves.

Price: 846 rub. More details about the product

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This popular model of original design is an excellent playground for cats and a designer decoration for your apartment. The tunnel is made of soft beige plush in the shape of a lying dog. The shape of the product is supported by sewn-in MDF rings. The toy has two windows that imitate the paws of a dog. The color is nice peach. The tunnel rustles thanks to the gasket sewn into the product.

Product dimensions: length – 100 cm, diameter – 25 cm.

• Plus: children like the design of the toy.
• Minus: light fur gets dirty quickly.

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Price: 2036 rub. More details about the product

A collapsible long tunnel with an original S-shape made of nylon. Available in three colors: brown, gray and blue. It has a curved shape, two windows, and a rustling texture. The shape of the tunnel is supported by metal rings. The toy folds into a ring for storage and transportation.

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Product dimensions: length – 120 cm, diameter – 25 cm.

• Plus: can be purchased on Aliexpress at a discount.
• Cons: not durable.

Price: 1278 rub. More details about the product

A toy in the shape of a trefoil - three pipes (length 55 cm, diameter 25 cm) sewn together, in the middle there is a window directed upwards. The leopard-print fabric is very durable, the seams are well stitched. There are rustling inserts between the material and the lining. The shape of the product is supported by a strong spring that can withstand the weight of large cats. The tunnel has fastenings that can be connected to similar products, expanding the playing space.

• Plus: suitable for several cats playing together.
• Cons: high price.

Price: 2821 rub. More details about the product

A fun play set for kittens - a small slide with a tunnel made of MDF with sisal coating and carpet edging. At the top of the slide there is a soft toy attached to a spring, and a tassel is suspended inside the tunnel. The kitten sharpens its claws while playing.

Product dimensions: tunnel diameter – 26 cm, scratching post length – 26 cm.

• Plus: natural antibacterial sisal coating.
• Disadvantage: high cost.

Price: 1505 rub. More details about the product

Range

A variety of tunnels are presented in the form of different designs, dimensions and materials of manufacture.

• compact models - primarily performing the functions of a shelter and sleeping place for a pet, their length is limited to 30-50 centimeters, are made of soft and cozy fabrics, and are available on the website in the assortment of the Fauna Int and IPTS brands;
• play structures - give animals more space, are made from soft and rustling fabrics that provoke the cat to play, are equipped with additional moves and branches, are presented in the Triol, Ferplast, Zolux, Trixie and Dezzie lines;
• modular tunnels - can be used independently, as well as as part of labyrinths and playgrounds, have spacious dimensions with a stroke diameter of 40 cm, are additionally equipped with toys and scratching posts, you will find the most complete range at Kitty City.

Durable and high-quality materials are used to make play tunnels for cats:

• plush is a soft and warm fabric that does not cause allergies;
• nylon is a traditional dense and durable fabric that can withstand active movements;
• polyester is a hypoallergenic material for making rustling structures, it is wear-resistant and durable.

Also, most models are available in several color options, allowing you to choose the most suitable design for your interior.

Assembling the top and bottom parts

For the bottom and top layers we will need:

• (4) 2.5cm PVC elbow fitting;
• (2) 2.5 cm PVC tee;
• (4) 2.5 cm PVC pipe, cut to 23 cm;
• (3) 2.5 cm PVC pipe, cut to 30 cm for each layer.

We connect PVC pipes and fittings. We focus on the photos presented in the article.

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How to choose?

When purchasing a play tunnel, the cat owner has to think through a number of nuances. For example, the key one is the size of the animal itself. No matter what difficulties the cat likes, he must move freely inside the tunnel without getting stuck. At the same time, the design itself must be reliable . No matter how the animal uses it, it should not create a situation in which the pet could become stuck inside.

If there is little space in the house, you have to limit yourself to small structures. In this case, you can select a combined type of product. For example, it could be a sofa tunnel. If the owner is not satisfied with this solution, it is worth taking a closer look at vertical type modifications. Without losing functionality, they are compact in placement.

The product is selected taking into account the space allocated for it. Tunnels are not placed on the passage, because at some point in time the owner may get distracted and, continuing to walk by inertia, step on the tunnel with an animal inside. It is better if the tunnel fabric 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 access to air is extremely important for it. Their diameter must be sufficient so that the animal, if necessary, can jump out of the tunnel. The edges of the holes should be edged with soft material.

You should not underestimate the age of your furry pet. For an active young cat who does not know boredom, it is worth choosing a complex design consisting of several levels or connected pipes with turns. For an old cat, it is better 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 household members.

It is recommended to choose textiles that will be pleasant to the touch (without rustling pads sewn inside).

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

Customer Reviews

Tatyana: “I’ve been planning to buy a tunnel for a cat for two years, but I couldn’t choose everything. Finally bought the Trixie Spieltunnel with sleeves. The cat had already grown beyond the age of a kitten, but immediately showed interest in the toy. He runs in and freaks out inside. Sometimes you have to lure him out of there with treats.”

Sania: “I bought a collapsible S-shaped tunnel for my cats on Aliexpress at a discount for ridiculous money. I have two of them. Now they don’t even need a mistress. They hide there, run after each other, jump out unexpectedly from the windows - they hunt me and each other.”

Vladislav: “Our cat is already an adult. She is 6 years old. They thought that things like tunnels were no longer interesting to her, so they didn’t buy them. Our friends gave us a plush Trixie tunnel, so she sleeps in it and hides in it when there are guests in the house. She never liked noisy companies.”

Varieties

Cat tunnels can be classified according to several criteria. For example, they differ in the material they are made of. On the shelves of specialized stores for cats today you can buy products made of fabric, fur and even plastic. In addition, the tunnels are often equipped with linings, which can be standard 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 are straight or curved. According to the type of direction, modifications are divided into vertical and horizontal. This is convenient, since 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. In this case, products may differ not only in internal diameter, but also in length.

Design and color

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 bright color. Some varieties are made of mesh material, while others have a fur edging.

The tunnels look original in the form of giant mice with paws and a muzzle located above the entrance. Transformable products that can bend deserve special attention - this allows the cat to climb from one floor to another. Other varieties can transform, changing shape.

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

The color schemes of tunnels for cats can be very diverse. They are not limited by the desire of the buyer, so on store shelves today you can buy products in any shade of the palette, including white, pink, orange, sand and products with bright contrasts.

At the same time, modifications with patterns in the form of cat’s paws decorating the outer part of the tunnels are especially popular among buyers.

DIY cat toys: From simple to interactive

How to make a soft toy for a cat

To prepare the material for the ears, the fabric is folded with the wrong side inward, interlining is placed between the layers and ironed.

When the stuffing is completed, the tail blank is inserted into the remaining hole with the raw edge. Everything is sewn together with a hidden seam.

Another option for a soft toy

It is not advisable to use tape in this situation, as it is less secure and may pose a health hazard to the cat if it swallows it.

What is an interactive toy

They are intellectual entertainment where the cat has to go around an obstacle to get to the treat.

This interactive toy is easy to make with your own hands. This woodpile will look original next to cat furniture.

A complex labyrinth made from improvised means

To take care of their pet, some owners buy comfortable carriers, clippers, closed trays, collars , and in order to entertain them, they build complex game labyrinths.

Although it will take more time to make such a toy for a cat with your own hands, you will only need available materials for it.

You can see ideas using egg containers, parts cut out of plastic bottles, yogurt cups and much more.

The simplest and most accessible

A ball of thread. It is unlikely that any kitten (or even an adult cat) will remain indifferent to it. To prevent the ball from unwinding and the kitten from getting entangled, it is recommended to secure the end of the thread.

In order to make a tunnel for cats with your own hands, you need to be patient and time. It is necessary to purchase a special corrugated blank, which must be larger than the size of the cat so that he can walk through it completely calmly and without obstacles. Nowadays you can find a large number of different pipes in different colors on the market, so the choice will depend only on the wishes of the cat’s owner. Then you should connect one end of the pipe to a regular cardboard box. This can be done using special metallized tape. You can make a few more holes in the box and attach pipes to them,

How to calculate how much rope is needed for a scratching post?

Now let’s remember school mathematics and calculate the amount of rope depending on the length of the pipe. Let’s calculate using my example:

1. We measure: Pipe diameter 10 cm.
2. We multiply: pipe diameter x pi number - i.e. it turns out 10 x 3.14 = 31.4 cm - this is the length of the rope that will be needed for one circle. Taking into account the thickness of the rope, it turns out a little more (for me it was about 38 cm per 1 turn).
3. We calculate: The thickness of my sisal rope is 8 mm. It turns out that for about 10 cm of the length of the pipe - 10 circles of rope, since there are small gaps between the circles of rope (here it all depends on the thickness of the rope you take), i.e. 10 x 38 = 380 cm (3.8 m of rope per 10 cm of pipe length).
4. Let's calculate: The length of my pipe is 2.3 m. If we assume that there is 1 circle per 1 cm of pipe length, we get 2.3 m per pipe = 230 circles (if the rope is 6 mm thick, there will be more circles): 38 cm (length of rope for 1 lap) x 230 laps (number of laps of pipe) = 8740 cm = 87.4 m of rope for my entire pipe. It took me about that much sisal rope.

It is better to take a rope with a small reserve!

I wrapped the end of the rope a little with thread to prevent fraying. We screw the end of the rope to the pipe with a screw and begin to wind it. I will say right away that this is not an easy matter. You need to do it together. One holds the pipe, the other pulls it tightly, and this should be done as tightly as possible to the pipe. After every 10-15 laps, be sure to “compact the rope down” with a hammer and screw the rope with a screw (we do this from the side where it will not be visible). If you don't compact the rope properly, it will slide down after a few days.

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We attach the corners to which the shelves will be attached to the pipe at the required height, and hide these corners under the rope.

I lined the end of the pipe with fur. When finishing winding the rope, you need to go a little deeper into the fur and secure the rope well with screws.

Step 9. We cut holes in advance for the corners in the shelves and thread the corners that we have on the pipe into them.

Step 10. We secure the pipe well. And enjoy the result!

I made shelves on the wall and the side of the cabinet along its entire height, now the cats have the opportunity to also be on the cabinet. I still had some fur and padding polyester left, so I made a bed and put it on the closet.

Now our cats are exploring their new spaces!

Tunnels for cats

The production itself is simple. You will need a regular corrugated pipe of large diameter, just enough for your cat to fit inside. Fortunately, manufacturers produce them in different colors, and you can create a fairly pleasant-looking gaming room. Next, the corrugated pipe can be attached using metallized tape to a cardboard box, which cats love as a house. To do this, you need to cut several entrances and exits into the box. In this simple way, you can make a tunnel of any shape and size yourself.

Similar materials

Mouse Lion Scratching Post || cat house

When a cat lives in a house, especially if it is a small apartment, the owners of these cute animals constantly have to deal with their inexhaustible activity, curiosity and desire to explore all accessible and even hard-to-reach places in the human home.

Cognitive games of meowing pets lead to objects flying from shelves, the plaintive meowing of an animal stuck in a closet or behind a sofa, and other destructive consequences, which have long been excellent material for the plot of short animated films.

Fortunately, there is an easy way to avoid the mess that cat play can bring into your home - go to the pet store and buy interactive toys for your furry or non-furry pet, including a cat play tunnel. Tunnels are able to fully satisfy the ineradicable love of these animals for heights, help them cope with the irresistible instinct of the hunter and the craving for research.

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Cats are always up to something, which is why the owners of one of them decided to transfer her energy into a peaceful direction. They built a secret cat tunnel in a private home in San Francisco so that their furry friend can walk around the entire room without ever stepping on the floor or computer keyboard. After all, she has her own shelter in the steampunk style.

This design looks absolutely stunning, reminiscent of Kathryn Bigelow's early work. Using the right materials and tools, you can build something similar for your cat - in this article we'll show you how to do it. Checked: everyone will have fun.

First, think about where exactly to build the cat tunnel. The Californian design bureau Because We Can, whom the cat's owners contacted to implement their plan, decided to build a tunnel around the perimeter of the room, hanging it on large hooks.

When looking for a suitable place, think about what your cat likes to do. Most of them love to hide, peek out from hiding places, jump on tall pieces of furniture and look down on everything. This lifestyle was taken by the designers as a basis when developing the project.

The entrance to the tunnel is located above an old chest that has been in this room for a long time. There is nothing easier for a cat than to jump on a chest and then dive into a secret hole.

Laid at the junction of the walls and ceiling, the tunnel forms many so-called viewing platforms, from where the cat can spy on its owners.

Windows, reminiscent of embrasures or portholes, allow the cat to “follow the object” (that is, the owners) from a hiding place.

After circling the room, the tunnel emerges onto the top shelf of a high shelving unit. Fortunately, st.

First, think about where exactly to build the cat tunnel. The Californian design bureau Because We Can, whom the cat's owners contacted to implement their plan, decided to build a tunnel around the perimeter of the room, hanging it on large hooks.

Why is this necessary?

Throughout their “evolutionary life,” these animals seek shelter in order to feel protected from large predators. In an open area, a cat is practically unable to relax and fully rest - to do this, it needs to hide in a safe place. Of course, our pets do not experience such constant stress; they are able to sit comfortably in a chair, on the kitchen table, and even on their owner’s head. However, they sometimes get nervous, not finding a quiet place where they could hide from troubles and wait out some time. A tunnel for a cat is simply necessary, especially if the animal has a shy character or has just arrived in the house.

Wild cats need shelter not only for protection from predators, but also for hunting. A pet, no matter how lazy it may be, is also a hunter. And deep down, each of them dreams of catching valuable prey. If there are no suitable objects for this, the owner’s feet are used as they pass by the cat sitting in ambush.

Pets rarely walk outside, so they don’t move enough, which can harm the animal’s health. Boxes, cabinets, tunnels are objects that help maintain the required level of activity for the cat.

Necessity or game?

Cats love to hide under chairs, behind the TV, on the closet, and even in bags and boxes. We habitually believe that a pet is simply playing with us, splashing out its natural energy. However, in fact, this is not a joke at all; hiding in dark corners, the animal realizes its hunting instincts within the framework of the means available to it. It is in order to give the pet the opportunity to fully satisfy the needs of life that a cat tunnel is needed in the house.

Covering tunnels with carpet

The next stage is to cover the tunnels with carpet. We chose a gray shade. It matched perfectly with the color of our cat's coat. Buy a covering measuring 3 m x 6 m, because you need to cover two 60 cm long tunnels from the inside and outside. If you don't want to cover the inside, you can simply buy a 3m x 3m to cover just the outside of the pipes. We decided that it would be better to have leftovers than not have enough material to create such wonderful houses for our cat.

We chose a natural fiber carpet. It cost much more than synthetic in the store, but there was nowhere to go. I didn't want to constantly clean our pet's houses. With natural carpet there will never be any problems with cleaning, I guarantee you that. Loop natural carpet does not accumulate pet hair like other types of pile. Moreover, it will be convenient for the cat to sharpen its claws on it.

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We place the tube in the middle of a 120 cm x 150 cm piece of material so that the sections wrap around it. Leave two and a half centimeters at the ends. This is necessary so that the edges of the tunnel are also completely covered with carpet and are not visible. Wrap the carpet around the pipe and make sure it completely covers its circumference.

We make several marks along the carpet, 2.5 cm more than where it overlaps. We cut the carpet so that it completely covers the pipe with a slight overlap. We apply liquid nails to the back of the carpet only where the carpet backing touches the pipe. We start along the first end of the pipe. We use liquid nails. Do not spare them, because the carpet must fit tightly and securely to the tunnel. Then we apply liquid nails along the pipe until we reach the second end. We cut off the carpet remnants. Glue the seams. It is necessary for the structure to dry for 2-3 hours.

In order to proceed to the next step, you need to place the tunnel on the table. We find the place where the two seams meet, measure about 15 cm and cut the carpet into strips. We apply liquid nails to the strip, stretch it and pull the carpet into the pipe.

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We cut another strip and apply liquid nails, pull and pull the carpet into a pipe, align the edges with the first strip that we glued. We continue to follow the same pattern until we reach the last strip. We will have to cut this strip along the edges to match the first and last strip we glued. We turn the pipe over and do the same on the other side. If there are any gaps, you can take the carpet scraps and glue them inside.

Tunnel - Safe Haven

Where do owners find their pets: in suitcases, on the shelves of wardrobes, under the bathtub, beds, in shoe boxes. Very often, animals choose completely unsafe places. They get into bags and packages, into an open oven (especially if it is warm), into a microwave oven or into a washing machine. Cats have a natural need for warmth and protection, and their instinct constantly tells them to be vigilant while sleeping.

To prevent your pet from being tempted to hide in the wrong place, it is better to provide it with a safe, secluded cat house, where it can curl up and take a quiet nap. Pet stores offer an endless variety of sleeping places and cat shelters: beds, houses, tunnels. Making a house yourself is quite difficult. It's better to buy it. You can make a bed with your own hands.

How to choose a play tunnel for a cat

Pet stores offer several design options, but the best option for this toy is, of course, a multi-level model that has a composite design that allows it to be easily transformed.

When purchasing, it is important to pay attention to its size. It is better to choose a play tunnel consisting of at least five parts; in this case, you can not only assemble a toy that does not interfere with people, but also fully satisfy the play needs of the animal. The material must be durable and pleasant to the touch. Particular attention should be paid to the strength of the material when purchasing a vertical tunnel, along which the animal will certainly climb, climbing up and releasing its sharp claws.

What is the structure?

There are 2 types of play tunnels for cats:

• vertical;
• horizontal.

The first have the advantage that they take up little space and enable four-legged animals to realize their natural instincts - to climb to heights. On the “floors” of the wall structure there are toys that the fluffy will enjoy spending time with. The second option combines 2 things that minke whales love - play and several places to rest. Labyrinths can have many branches for travel.