Tunnel toys can be used in a range of ways, including solitary play; play with other cats and play with the cat’s owner. They can be bought or made with cardboard boxes and paper bags. They have a range of benefits including:
· They provide a place to hide and somewhere to leave and retreat into as part of a chasing game.
· They provide a space to explore, which the owner can put crinkle toys, ping pong balls, sponge balls etc. in to discover.
· Timid cats, or cats new to the household, can venture out of the tunnel to chase or play with a toy with their owner whilst having the safety of the tunnel to return to if necessary.
· Tunnel toys also provide somewhere safe and secure to hide if anything frightening happens when the cat is alone at home e.g. sirens, a thunderstorm, a person knocking on the door etc.
As with other cat toys tunnels can help to relieve boredom and provide mental stimulation preventing destructive behaviour e.g. scratching and fighting with their conspecific housemates. As they provide a safe play and hiding space they can reduce anxiety and nervous behaviour e.g. hiding under the bed or on top of a wardrobe; fear aggression and spraying.
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