In caring for their furry pet, cat breeders often resort to buying a game tunnel. This device is designed specifically for active cats seeking to explore all the places of human dwelling.
What it is?
The design of the cat tunnel is a game tube or sleeve with holes. To date, these elements of the arrangement of the gaming zone can be very diverse.
At the same time, individual products are designed so that the animal can not only hide or play in them, but even relax and sleep.
Varieties
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 buy products from fabric, fur and even plastic. In addition, the tunnels often provide linings, which are typical or purposely rustling - this attracts the attention of cats who love these things.
In addition, it is possible to separate into separate rulers a different type of structures themselves. Depending on this, they are straight or curved. By type of direction, modifications are divided into vertical and horizontal. This is convenient, as the owners will be able to choose the most unusual options for their pets, given the temperament and degree of activity of their cats. Moreover, products may differ not only in internal diameter, but also in length.
Also, designs vary in size and number of levels. Along with single-level modifications, the buyer has the opportunity to purchase a tunnel, consisting of several tiers, equipped with additional sleeves with holes.The material of the product may be hard or soft, while the shape provides for a wide main pipe and smaller sleeves.
By the type of purpose, the products differ in the presence of built-in toys. For example, it can be hanging balls or rattles located at the entrance to the tunnel.
The form of devices is different. For example, you can often find a standard cylindrical or similar to two (three) pipes welded together. Other products are like giant dog bones, equipped with holes at each end of the parts.
Also on sale, you can find folding type options that can transform into comfortable sunbeds. The number of holes, as well as their size, may vary. Some tunnels can be bent by turning the pipe more than 300 degrees. Other variations include placement on the wall or upper tier of the gaming complex. They are additionally equipped with steps.
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 fur trim.
The tunnels in the form of giant mice with paws and a muzzle located above the entrance look original. Transforming products that can bend deserve special attention - this allows the cat to rise 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. The third ones transform into houses during the transformation, the fourth do not have a rigid frame holding the form. These species are good for cats that love difficulties, because the pets in them are happy to make their way in the face.
The colors of the tunnels for cats can be very diverse. They are not limited by the desire of the buyer, therefore, on store shelves today you can buy products in any shades of the palette, including white, pink, orange, sand and products with bright contrasts.
At the same time, modifications with drawings in the form of cat's paws decorating the outer part of the tunnels are especially popular with buyers.
How to choose?
When buying a game 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, it should pass freely inside the tunnel without getting stuck. Wherein the design 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 be limited to small structures. In this case, you can choose a combined type of product. For example, it could be a tunnel sofa. If this decision of the owner is not satisfied, it is worth taking a look at the modifications of the vertical type. Without losing functionality, they are compact in placement.
The product is selected taking into account the space reserved for it. Tunnels are not placed on the aisle, because at some point in time the owner can 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 stiff.
The number of holes also matters: the more there are, the better. The pet can sit in ambush for a long time, so air access is extremely important to him. Their diameter should be sufficient so that the animal, if necessary, could jump out of the tunnel. The edges of the holes should be edged with soft material.
Do not underestimate the age of a 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. An old cat is better off buying 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 gaskets sewn inside).
A playful pet needs options with hanging toys. In addition, they will be happy to study rustling materials. You can choose the 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 tapering to the end, having a different diameter of the two main entrances.
Those who think about practicality should pay attention to the choice of color. The color scheme may also be based on the conformity of the product with the general concept of style. 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 enough to be related.
In small apartments, you can opt for a collapsible tunnel. If you suddenly need to accommodate guests, the product can turn into a ring in a few moments. Such tunnels are also convenient because they include carrying as well as cleaning. Variants of nylon can be taken outside 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 next video.
