DIY toy guide
DIY Cat Tunnel
A cosy ambush corridor from old clothing or wire
Build a collapsible cat tunnel from an old pair of trousers, a wire hoop, or a reinforced fabric sleeve. Cats love to dash through and ambush from.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- 15–20 minutes
- Cost
- Free–£3
🧺 You will need
- An old pair of wide-leg trousers or a large fabric tube (e.g. cut-off trouser legs sewn together)
- 2 wire coat hangers or 2 circular wire hoops (from a craft store)
- String or zip ties to secure hoops inside fabric
- Scissors and a needle and thread (or strong safety pins)
🔧 How to make it
- Reshape each wire hanger into a circle approximately 25–30 cm in diameter by straightening the hook and bending the wire into a hoop.
- Slide one hoop inside each end of the trouser leg or fabric tube.
- Secure each hoop at the fabric opening using 4 evenly-spaced zip ties or stitches through the fabric and around the wire.
- Ensure the hoops keep the tunnel entrance open and circular.
- Place the tunnel on the floor and encourage your cat inside with a treat trail or feather wand.
- For a crinkle sound, line the inside with a layer of tissue paper before inserting the hoops.
💡 Tips
Add a small hanging pompom at each entrance to increase appeal. A partially collapsed middle section creates a "squeeze" zone cats love. Place the tunnel where your cat already naps for quick adoption.
Safety: Ensure all wire ends are completely tucked inside the fabric and cannot protrude. Check hoops regularly — wire fatigue can cause sharp points to develop.
📝 Notes
Machine wash the fabric when needed (remove wire hoops first). Replace wire if rust develops.