Published Sep 7, 2025
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Most cats enjoy dashing through tunnels after one another, or hiding inside and peering out of the peep holes before pouncing on anything that moves. Cat play tunnels can be very enriching, as they encourage natural behaviors like hiding and sneaking up on ‘prey.’
In this article, we’ve gathered nine of the best cat tunnels on the market and broken them down by price, versatility, and more. I purchased and tested each one myself and provided honest reviews to help you choose the best one for your cat.
At a Glance: Best Cat Play Tunnels To Buy
Lesure 2-in-1 Cat Tunnel Bed
- Plush bed and crinkle tunnel combo
- Great for multi-cat homes
- Comes in six fun patterns
Happy & Polly Elves In The Rainbow Tunnel
- Fun rainbow design with a plush exterior
- 46” and folds into a U-shape to save space
- Crinkle sounds and two toys to encourage play
SMARTYKAT Crackle Chute
- Noisy crackling sound is satisfying for cats
- String ties encourage play and make the tunnel easy to fold and store
- At just 35” long, it’s great for entertaining cats in small spaces
Coziwow Collapsible Cat Tunnel Bed
- Quieter than other play tunnels, for humans or cats who don’t like crinkling sounds
- Bed and awning can be removed for play, storage, or cleaning
- Comes in five unique styles
Tempcore Cat Tunnel Tube with Toy
- Tunnels are short and don’t take up too much space
- Affordable price
- Comes with a wand toy to encourage play
Frisco Foldable Play Tunnel with Mesh
- Simple and affordable play tunnel
- Mesh fabric makes the tunnel more breathable
- 11” entryway that’s perfect for larger cats
LUCKITTY Cat Tunnel Tube with Plush Ball Toys
- Cute star pattern that glows in the dark
- Quiet compared to other play tunnels
- Comes in four styles
CATTASAURUS Peekaboo Cat Cave
- Sturdy and holds its shape well, even with cats crawling atop it
- Comes in eight colors and three different styles (large, jumbo, and calming)
- Zips apart for easy storage or cleaning
Poen 21 Pcs Cat Tunnel for Indoors With 20 Cat Toys
- Five long tunnels sprawl out in different directions for your cat to explore
- Comes with various toys to help you learn your cat’s unique preferences
- Includes a bag for easy storage
Why Trust Cats.com
I’m a lifelong cat owner who currently has seven senior cats. I’ve raised six of them since they were kittens, so I’ve gotten to observe their play styles throughout their life and get a good idea of what cats like to play with.
Though most cat tunnels have similar features, I purposefully chose a range of products for this article. I looked for cheap but quality tunnels, tunnels with beds attached, and tunnels that go in multiple directions. Reading customer reviews and considering my own experience then helped me to choose the best tunnels possible.
9 Best Cat Play Tunnels
Our rankings are based on a variety of factors. While our overall best pick is the Lesure 2-in-1 cat tunnel bed, every cat and human has their own unique preferences. With this in mind, we’ve broken down our recommendations by the most budget-friendly, the best tunnel and bed combo, the best three-way tunnel, and more.
#1 Overall Best: Lesure 2-in-1 Cat Tunnel Bed
The fun patterns of the Lesure 2-in-1 Cat Tunnel Bed caught my eye immediately. It comes in six fun designs, and the versatility doesn’t end there. You can also set the bed up in various ways, from a donut bed design to a U or S-shape.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
My cats loved using this as a bed, either laying in the center or hiding out inside of the tunnels. They also enjoyed playing inside, sometimes even while another cat was trying to sleep!
The tunnel bed comes vacuum-sealed. Once it fluffs up, it contains a cozy, plush bed. The interior of the tunnel is lined with a crinkly material that cats love, and there are plush ball toys hanging from each of the entrances.
The tunnel is easy to condense for storage purposes, and the bed cover can be taken off and cleaned in a washing machine. When fully assembled, it takes up about as much space as your average cat bed.
What We Liked:
- Crinkly inside and plush outside for the perfect play and napping experiences
- The multifunctionality of the tunnel bed is perfect for multi-cat homes
- Comes in six fun patterns
What We Didn’t Like:
- The plush exterior of the tunnel may be difficult to clean
#2 Runner Up: Happy & Polly Elves In The Rainbow Tunnel
The Happy & Polly Elves in the Rainbow Tunnel features a plush, wavy rainbow exterior and a bright yellow, crinkly lining. At just over 46 inches in length with two peep holes, it’s the perfect size for cats to play or nap in.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
It also folds into a U-shape that takes up less space in your home while still allowing your cats to run and pounce. It features a plush ball on each side to encourage play.
My cats loved running through this tunnel during playtime. Mama cat even hid inside of it in an attempt to sneak up on me when I walked into the room. Unfortunately, the crinkling gave her away!
What We Liked:
- Plush rainbow exterior brightens up your cat’s play area
- 46” tunnel folds into a U-shape if you don’t want the full tunnel taking up space
- Crinkly inside and two plush ball toys encourage cats to play
What We Didn’t Like:
- Plush exterior may be difficult to clean
#3 Best Budget: SMARTYKAT Crackle Chute
I’ve found SMARTYKAT to be a reliable brand for cheap, quality items. This play tunnel is on the shorter side at 35 inches long, with 9.5 inch entry holes. It’s made of a material that crackles when your cats play, and is much noisier than the others on this list. This is a pro for many cats, but may get annoying for their humans. One of my cats was afraid of the noise as well.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The tunnel also features string ties at the end that my cats loved playing with. Mama cat spent more time pouncing on these than she did inside the tunnel, but my other cats enjoyed running through and peeking out of the opening in the center.
The strings can also be used to collapse and tie the tunnel when not in use. If your cat tries to eat them, like one of mine did, you may need to cut them off or allow supervised play only.
One thing that I disliked about the tunnel is that the company ships out a random color option. I don’t see mention of this in the listing, but I received a teal tunnel rather than the red pictured. While I do like this color better, and the cats don’t care what color their tunnel is, it would be nice for cat parents to have options!
That said, this is still a great choice for cat parents on a budget. For the price, I was impressed!
What We Liked:
- At 35”, it takes up less space than longer play tunnels
- Comes with string toys on one end to encourage play
- Crackle noise keeps cats coming back for more
What We Didn’t Like:
- Colors shipped out at random
- Basic tunnel with little versatility
- Cats may try to eat the strings at the end of the tunnel
#4 Best Tunnel and Bed Combo: Coziwow Collapsible Cat Tunnel Bed
The Coziwow Collapsible Cat Tunnel Bed comes in five colors and features a U-shaped tunnel, an attached bed, and a cute awning. It was easy to assemble with zippers, though you do have to pay attention to which is the top and the bottom. I put it together upside down the first time!
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The polyester lining crinkles some, which cats tend to enjoy, but it’s on the quiet side compared to most other play tunnels. The exterior and bedding is lined with cotton fabric, and the bed is machine washable.
You can also remove the awning or use the tunnel on its own if you or your cat prefers. My cats personally didn’t use the bed while the cover was attached, and I wish there were supports to hold it up so that they could crawl inside more easily. That said, it would be good for a cat who likes to crawl beneath blankets and cover up!
What We Liked:
- Tunnel is quiet and doesn’t crinkle excessively
- Bed and awning can be removed for playtime and reattached for napping
- Comes in five color options with different awning designs
What We Didn’t Like:
- Top awning flops without support, which may stop cats from using the bed with it attached
#5 Best Three-Way Tunnel: Tempcore Cat Tunnel Tube with Toy
This three-way tunnel from Tempcore comes in 25 different designs. Some have a plush exterior, while others are covered in a thin polyester fabric. While I enjoy the many fun, bright patterns, there are also a handful of neutrals to choose from that may blend in better with your home decor.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The tunnels are fairly short, measuring 14 inches each, so it won’t take up a ton of space in your living room. My cats enjoyed sneaking, pouncing, and playing with the ball toy included in one of the tunnels.
It also comes with a separate wand toy, which I was skeptical of at first since it’s quite short. However, my cats absolutely loved it! Its wiry design makes it easy to push through the tunnel to encourage play, and it flops around with unpredictable motions that get cats excited for play.
What We Liked:
- Short tunnels won’t take up too much space in your living room and collapse easily for storage
- Comes with a wand toy that my own cat were obsessed with
- Affordable and does its job well
What We Didn’t Like:
- Nothing!
#6 Most Breathable: Frisco Foldable Play Tunnel with Mesh
Another simple, cheap option is the Frisco Foldable Play Tunnel with Mesh. This one is 32 inches long with a large 11” entryway and a single hanging ball toy to encourage play. The mesh fabric on either end is great for added ventilation on hot summer days or for your cat to peer out as they sneak up on their ‘prey.’
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Orwell - For English author George Orwell, responsible for dystopian classics like 1984 and Animal Farm. Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
It was fun getting to see a top-down view of my cats playing inside of the tunnel, and they enjoyed the crinkly fabric. If you buy multiple Frisco tunnels, you can also connect them using the hook and loop fasteners located at the end.
What We Liked:
- Simple, affordable play tunnel
- Mesh fabric supports your cat’s play and comfort
- 11” entryway is larger than most cat tunnels
What We Didn’t Like:
- Multiple reviewers report that the tunnel falls apart quickly with regular use
#7 Best Glow-in-the-Dark: LUCKITTY Cat Tunnel Tube with Plush Ball Toys
This glow-in-the-dark tunnel from LUCKITTY comes in four styles: an S-shape, a three-way tunnel, a donut tunnel bed, and a straight 42.7” tunnel. After being exposed to light, the tunnel glows for approximately 3-5 hours.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
KaKatelynn Sobus / Cats.comtelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The tunnel crinkles some, but is quiet compared to most others. The outside is plush and soft, with two holes at the top and a plush ball toy on either end for your cat to play with. My cats enjoyed playing in this one, and it also seemed more comfortable for them to sleep in than some of the more crinkly play tunnels on our list.
What We Liked:
- Glows in the dark
- Comes in four styles, including a donut bed or a 42.7” tunnel
- Quiet compared to other play tunnels
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only glows in the dark if charged with strong light
#8 Best Cat Cave: CATTASAURUS Peekaboo Cat Cave
My cats have used and loved this bed/tunnel combo from CATTASAURUS for almost a year. They all enjoy the round tunnel, and my smaller cats like sleeping in the bed at the top. I like that they can climb into the top bed without disturbing any cat who may be hiding below!
Shannon Perry / Cats.com
Shannon Perry / Cats.com
Shannon Perry / Cats.com
Unlike the other tunnels on this list, the Peekaboo Cat Cave is firm and solid with very little give to it. It zips apart for easy storage or cleaning, though unfortunately it’s too stiff to fit inside of a washing machine and is hand-wash only.
It comes in eight color options, and you can also buy a two-pack of the cat caves at a discounted price. The tunnel comes in two sizes: large and jumbo. The one pictured above is the large size.
What We Liked:
- Sturdy tunnel bed holds its shape better than most play tunnels
- Eight colors to choose from, plus “calming” options with fuzzy white bedding on top
- Comes in two large sizes
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not machine washable
#9 Best Tunnel and Toy Set: Poen 21 Pcs Cat Tunnel for Indoors With 20 Cat Toys
This tunnel and toy set from Poen is great for new cat parents who want to try out different toys at a decent price. It’s also great for people who have a designated space for their cats to play, since the tunnel system is very big! Each of the five tunnels is nearly 30” long, but luckily, you can collapse the tunnel and store it away when you aren’t playing with your cat.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The tunnel comes in three colors, and the toys are the same in each. It also comes with a storage bag. My cats found it super exciting to navigate through the tunnels, especially using the included wand toy, which is the same as the one included with the Tempcore tunnel.
However, I do want to note that many of the included toys shouldn’t be given to your cat without supervision until you know how they’ll behave with them. For instance, I had to take away the two rainbow balls, as my cat tore them apart and the foam could be dangerous if eaten.
What We Liked:
- Five-way tunnel system is fun for cats to explore
- Comes with 11 styles of toys to help you learn your cat’s unique preferences
- Included bag for easy storage
What We Didn’t Like
- Toys should only be used with close supervision as cats may destroy or try to eat them
- The tunnel system takes up a lot of space
How to Choose the Best Cat Play Tunnel
Cat play tunnels are fairly similar to one another, so it’s hard to go wrong when choosing one! However, here are a few factors to consider before buying:
Space
First, you’ll want to think about how much space you have and how you want to use the tunnel. Do you want it to be out in your living room at all times, or will you bring it out occasionally during playtime?
Large tunnels are great for people with dedicated play spaces for their cats or for bringing out during playtime and then storing away. Small tunnels, especially those that can be folded into U shapes, are better if you don’t have a dedicated space for your cat but still want to provide fulltime tunnel access.
Luckily, most tunnels collapse easily into much smaller, easy to store packages. That said, some tunnel beds will take up more space in your storage closet.
Cat Size
Next, think about the size of your cat. Most play tunnels are around 9-10” in diameter and can fit an average-sized cat with ease, but they might be small for larger cats.
It also depends on how willing your cat is to explore a tight space, as some are more comfortable than others.
Durability
When it comes to play tunnels, durability often goes hand in hand with cost, though not always. It also depends on the age of your cats, how active they are, and how rough on their things. I have two boys who love to tear things apart like teething puppies, so I always expect more wear and tear on toys that they enjoy!
Another aspect to think about is whether you can clean the play tunnel, and how easily. Most have an inner lining that can be wiped down if your cat makes a mess inside, but tunnels with fuzzy fabric on the outside can be more difficult to clean. Some tunnel beds have washable bedding while others need to be handwashed.
Sound Effects
Does your cat love the crinkle of plastic? They might like a tunnel that makes similar noises! These materials can be a big draw for cats.
On the other hand, some cats may fear noisy tunnels and some humans dislike the crinkling. Before buying, think about whether a noisy or quiet tunnel would work best for you and your cat.
Budget
Lastly, think about your budget! While tunnel beds are often more expensive, they’re also dual purpose and are some of the most used items in my own home.
However, some of the cheapest tunnels on this list, like the SMARTYKAT crackle chute, were among my cats’ favorites. You don’t have to spend a lot of money for your cat to have a fun experience. After all, we’ve all been in the situation where our cats prefer the box to the shiny new toy we just bought for them!
