Cats are naturally curious and enjoy exploring small spaces. A cat wall tunnel is a great way to encourage this behavior in your indoor cat. The cat tunnel shape allows them to explore, stalk, and chase toys or other cats, mimicking their natural hunting instincts. This encourages healthy physical activity and mental stimulation. All of this helps to keep your indoor cat healthy and happy.
What is a Cat Wall Tunnel?
There are two types of cat wall tunnels.
Wall Mounted Cat Tunnels
A wall-mounted cat tunnel is a type of cat tunnel that is attached to the wall, usually at a higher elevation than a traditional cat tunnel. These tunnels are designed to provide cats with a space to climb and explore while saving valuable floor space in a home.
Wall mounted cat tunnels can be made from various materials, including wood, PVC, and metal. They typically consist of a tunnel or tube mounted to the wall with brackets or screws. The tunnel can be straight or curved and may have additional features such as windows, shelves, or scratching surfaces.
Wall mounted cat tunnels are popular among indoor cat owners who want to provide their cats with a safe and stimulating environment while keeping their homes clutter-free. They can create a vertical space for cats to play and climb, and they are instrumental in apartments or homes with limited floor space. They can also be easily customized to suit your cats’ specific needs and preferences.
Cat tunnels between rooms that go through a wall
A cat tunnel that goes through walls is a specialized type of cat tunnel designed to allow cats to move from one room to another through a wall. These tunnels are typically made from durable materials such as PVC or metal, and they can be installed in walls during construction or added to existing walls later on.
The tunnels usually have two openings, one on each side of the wall, and a tube or tunnel connecting them. The tunnel is typically large enough for a cat to walk through comfortably, and it may be lined with carpet or other materials to make it more comfortable for the cat to travel through.
Cat tunnels that go through walls are a great way to provide indoor cats with a safe and stimulating environment. They allow your cats to explore different parts of your home while giving them a sense of security and privacy.
Why are cat wall tunnels good for indoor cats?
Cat wall tunnels can be beneficial for indoor cats for a few reasons.
- Physical Exercise: Indoor cats do not always have the same opportunities for physical activity as outdoor cats. A cat wall tunnel can provide them with a vertical play space to climb, jump, and explore, which can help them stay active and healthy.
- Mental Stimulation: Cats are natural hunters (you should see mine when an insect comes onto my balcony) and climbers. A cat wall tunnel allows them to engage in activities that mimic their natural instincts, keeping them mentally stimulated and reducing behavioral issues such as scratching or undesired behavior.
- Environmental Enrichment: Cat wall tunnels can provide a sense of adventure, curiosity, and exploration for cats, which is vital for their well-being.
- Scratching and Clawing: Cat wall tunnels with a scratching post encourage your cat to use these instead of your furniture or other household items.
- Comfort and Security: Cats like hiding places where they feel safe and secure. The tunnel-like shape of a cat wall tunnel can provide cats comfort and security.
- Freedom and Access: The cat wall tunnel enables your cat to move from room to room safely and securely and not get trapped in a room when a door is shut.
What types of Wall Mounted Cat Wall Tunnels are there?
Indoor Cat Wall Tunnel
A solid birch plywood wall mounted cat tunnel bed that comes with pre-drilled holes. Includes all mounting hardware required. I love the flexibility and durability of this product – it looks easy to install and is fun for cats.
A birch plywood cat wall tunnel furniture that can support large cats. Includes a pillow and fabric covering for the cave.
Cat cave looks very sturdy and has some awesome reviews too.
Outdoor Cat Wall Tunnels
Habitat Haven has some great examples of Outdoor Cat Wall Tunnels. These are connected along an outdoor wall such as the exterior of your home, or along a fence, allowing your cats to explore the outdoors safely. These are sold individually, allowing you to create a customized cat tunnel system based on your home, fence, or backyard size.
DIY Cat Wall Tunnel
Catio Spaces has excellent DIY Plans for cat tunnels. As a series of rectangle boxes, they can be combined in different configurations to suit your needs. Cats access the tunnel through a door, wall, or window.
What types of Cat Tunnels Through the Wall Are There?
Interior wall cat tunnels
Designed to fit all standard walls, this cute tunnel fits in between two interior walls to allow cats to move between rooms even if the door is shut.
Interior cat wall liner
Buildable wall liner. You can customize this to suit the thickness of your wall also add a cat door flap.
Exterior wall cat tunnels
Paintable wall liner with multiple sections that can be added together.
This durable, tinted door flap has a 2-way lock. It includes instructions, a cutting template, and hardware for easy DIY installation.
DIY Cat Wall Tunnels
Why build your own cat wall tunnel?
There are several reasons you might choose to build your own cat wall tunnel
Customization: Building your own cat wall tunnel allows you to customize the shape, size, and materials used to suit your cat’s specific needs and the layout of your home.
Cost-effective: Building your own cat wall tunnel can be more cost-effective than purchasing one pre-made, especially if you already have some of the materials to hand.
Fun DIY Project: Building a cat wall tunnel can be a fun DIY project, allowing you to use your creativity and skills to make something unique for your cat.
Quality Control: When you build your own cat wall tunnel, you have control over the materials used and the quality of the finished product. Giving you added satisfaction that it is safe and durable for your cat.
Personal Satisfaction: For me, this would be the biggy. Building something for my cat would give me a sense of satisfaction and a deeper connection with my pet – who would advise me all the way!
Having said all this, it’s important to note that building your own cat wall tunnel can take time and effort and will require some basic DIY skills and tools and probably a friend to help too. It’s also essential to ensure that the materials you use are safe for your cat and that the tunnel is sturdy and well-supported.
Your cat may have 9 lives, but let’s not use one if your tunnel falls off the wall!
If you’re uncomfortable building your own or don’t have the necessary skills, I advise purchasing a pre-made one and hiring a handyman to put it up.
How could I build a DIY cat tunnel wall?
Building a cat wall tunnel is relatively straightforward but requires some basic DIY skills and tools. Here is a general guide on how to build a cat wall tunnel:
- Measure and plan: Measure the space where you want to install the tunnel and plan the design. Consider the size of your cat, the space you have available, and the materials you want to use.
- Gather materials: Gather all the materials you will need in one place, don’t start and then keep having to go and get materials, as this will slow the process down.
- Cut and join: Measure, cut, and join the materials you use. Make sure it is the appropriate length, and your joins are strong.
- Attach to the wall: Attach your tunnel using brackets and screws or other suitable methods, depending on the materials you are using.
- Finishing Touches: Add finishing touches, such as attaching a fabric lining to the inside of the tunnel or a door or flap to one end if it’s a through-the-wall cat tunnel.
- Safety check: Once you’ve completed building the tunnel, ensure that it’s safe for your cat to use, that all the materials are safely attached, and that the tunnel is sturdy and well-supported.
It’s possible that some steps may vary depending on the type of cat wall tunnel you’re building. It might be best to consult a professional or research online on building a specific type of cat wall tunnel to ensure it’s done safely and efficiently. Here are some that I’ve found…. Along with a complete fun time waster!
How do I make a cat tunnel that goes through a wall?
DIYables has some great images of simple rectangle spaces built between walls to allow cats to free reign of the upstairs house. Check them out here. This video below also shows you how to build a smaller hole in the wall for a cat wall tunnel.
For cuteness overload, look at this video below (less than 1 minute long), where a cat builds its own tunnel in the snow! He has a fantastic time digging the tunnel and playing with snowballs.
Things to Consider Before Buying or Building a Cat Wall Tunnel
Before buying or building a wall-mounted cat tunnel, several factors must be considered to ensure the tunnel is safe and suitable for your cat’s needs.
- Your cat’s personality, age, and behavior: Not all cats enjoy climbing and exploring, so it’s essential to consider your cat’s personality, age, and behavior before investing in a wall-mounted cat tunnel. If your cat is elderly, injured, shy, or fearful, it may not enjoy using a tunnel mounted high on the wall. On the other hand, if your cat is active and loves to climb, a wall-mounted tunnel could be the perfect addition to your home.
- Available space: Wall-mounted cat tunnels require vertical space, so it’s important to consider the available space in your home before buying or building one. Ensure enough room to install the tunnel without interfering with other furniture, doors, or décor or creating a hazard where you might hit your head.
- Safety features: Safety is paramount when it comes to wall-mounted furniture. Ensure the tunnel has safety features such as non-slip surfaces, rounded edges, and sturdy brackets or screws. Additionally, ensure the tunnel is designed to prevent cats from getting trapped inside.
- Maintenance and cleaning: Finally, consider the maintenance and cleaning requirements of the cat tunnel. Ensure that it can be easily cleaned and disinfected and those components can be easily replaced if worn or damaged.
Where are the best places to buy a cat wall tunnel?
- Pet Stores – your local pet store and large pet supply chains often carry a variety of cat tunnels, including basic models and more elaborate designs.
- Online retailers – Online retailers such as Amazon, Chewy, and Petco have a wide range of cat tunnels available for purchase. Many of these I have suggested throughout this article and other articles about cat tunnels.
- Speciality Stores – Those that focus on cat-related products, such as The Refined Feline, and Cat Tree King also carry various cat tunnels, including custom-made designs.
- Etsy – this is my favorite. Here, you can find unique handmade cat tunnel designs by artisans and small businesses. I love supporting small businesses.
- DIY – You can also find some tutorials to make your cat wall tunnel by yourself
When looking for a cat tunnel, it’s important to consider the size of your cat(s), the space available in your home, and the type of materials you’re looking for. It’s also a good idea to read customer reviews to get an idea of the quality and durability of the products you are looking at.
Remember that the prices can vary widely, and the cheapest option may not always be the best quality or safest choice for your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Wall Tunnels
Will my cat use a cat wall tunnel?
Let’s be honest. Not all cats will be interested in using a cat wall tunnel. It will depend on the personality of your cat. Many house cats will enjoy them and find them a fun and stimulating addition to their environment. If your cat is active, curious, and playful, they are more likely to enjoy using a cat wall tunnel.
How do I choose the right cat wall tunnel?
When choosing a cat wall tunnel, consider your cat’s age, activity level, and the space you have available in your home. It’s also important to choose a high-quality, sturdy cat wall tunnel that is a safe, durable, and appropriate size for your cat.
How do I train my cat to use a cat wall tunnel?
Most cats will naturally be curious about a new addition to their environment and explore it independently, given time. My cats will usually be curious, sniffing something, even if it takes them a couple of weeks to give it a go. I recommend encouraging your cats by placing treats or toys on or around them. Treats usually do the trick with my boys.
How do I clean and maintain a cat wall tunnel?
Keeping your cat wall tunnel clean and well-maintained is important to prevent odors or the build-up of dirt, fur, and debris. How you clean it will depend on the material it is made of and the type of dirt you are cleaning. I like to use a vacuum to suck up all the dirt and debris and then wipe it over with warm water and a mild detergent (cats are very sensitive to smell, so be careful what you use). Check your tunnel every 3 – 4 months for worn or damaged parts and replace these as needed.
Can a cat wall tunnel damage my walls or furniture?
A properly installed and maintained cat wall tunnel should not damage your walls or furniture. However, it’s essential to ensure that the cat wall tunnel is securely attached to the wall and not placed near any fragile or expensive items that could accidentally get knocked over as the cat plays with the tunnel.
Is a cat wall tunnel safe for my cat?
A cat wall tunnel should be safe for your cat if it’s sturdy, well-supported, and has no sharp edges or loose parts that could cause injury. Ensuring the tunnel is large enough for your cat to move through comfortably is vital.
How wide should a cat tunnel be?
Your cat wall tunnel should be wide enough and tall enough for your cat to walk through comfortably. If you have multiple cats, you may want to make it bigger so they can pass each other if needed.
Can a cat door be installed through a wall?
Yes, it can. However, unless you are experienced in this kind of work, I would suggest engaging a professional, as it requires specific carpentry skills and tools.
Conclusion
Each type of cat wall tunnel has its own benefits, and it really depends on your cat’s specific needs and preferences and your space and budget as to what you end up getting. It’s essential to choose a high-quality, sturdy cat wall tunnel that is safe and appropriate for your cat’s age, size, and activity level.
I think a cat wall tunnel is an excellent addition to an indoor cat’s environment, as it allows them to engage in natural and stimulating activities, which can lead to a happier, healthier, and more content cat.
I’m an indoor cat convert and created My Indoor Cat to help other indoor cat owners make the best choices for their cats and kittens.
