What are Good Space-Saving Toys for Cats in a Small Apartment

A cat tunnel can encourage hiding, chasing and pouncing without requiring permanent furniture.

For a small home, a short straight tunnel is often easier to position and clean than a large tunnel with several branches. However, some cats enjoy having several entrances.

Before buying, check:

• The complete size when the tunnel is open.
• The diameter of the entrances.
• Its size when folded.
• Whether the interior can be inspected and cleaned.
• Whether the wire frame is completely covered.
• Whether small attached toys can be removed.
• Whether the fabric makes a loud crinkling noise.
• Measure the open tunnel, not only its folded package. Make sure it does not block a doorway, heater or normal walking route.

Introduce it without forcing the cat inside. Leave both ends open and allow the cat to investigate. You can roll a familiar toy through the tunnel or play near its entrance.

Supervise the first play sessions. Put the tunnel away if your cat chews the fabric, reaches the internal wire or becomes caught in an attached string.

Some cats love tunnels immediately. Others use them occasionally or ignore them completely. A cardboard box may be a better free alternative for a cat that does not enjoy tunnels.

SMALL-SPACE TAKEAWAY

The best small-home tunnel is not necessarily the most complicated. Choose one that provides safe play, folds easily and has a real storage place when it is not being used.

SOURCES

Cats.com, “9 Best Cat Play Tunnels”: https://cats.com/best-cat-play-tunnels

Chewy customer experiences with collapsible tunnels: https://www.chewy.com/sungrow-3-way-tunnel-small-pet-toy/product-reviews/1592414