Why do cats like sleeping in tunnels?

In the wild, cats seek out tight, enclosed spaces to rest in - burrows, hollows, gaps between rocks. A tight space gives multi-sided contact between material and body at once, which lowers alertness and allows for deeper sleep. A tunnel mimics this natural instinct - a cat goes inside, wraps themselves in the material, and cuts themselves off from visual and audio stimuli, and from household movement.

From my own experience in the cattery, tunnels are most often chosen by cats who are after a hideaway, but want something more enveloping than a cave. A cave shelters a cat from above and the sides, but has an open front. A tunnel encloses a cat from almost every side - only the entrance opening remains. A cat in a tunnel feels like they're in a burrow - warm, dark, snug.

The COCO model - what it looks like, and how it works

COCO is the only tunnel model in the PRASKA range, available in 2 color variants: COCO and COCO LOVE (in fabrics and faux fur from the LOVE NATURAL collection).

The COCO tunnel is shaped like a soft tube - pilling-resistant upholstery fabric on the outside, and premium faux fur on the inside, which retains a cat's body heat and gives a soft surface for paw-kneading. A cat enters through one opening, lies down inside, and rests wrapped in material. The structure holds its shape - the tunnel doesn't collapse under a cat's weight.

The premium faux fur inside also has a sensory function - cats readily knead it with their paws before falling asleep, a calming behavior inherited from the nursing period.

Tunnel, cave, or pouf - what's the difference?

Each of these shapes gives a cat a different level of isolation from stimuli. The choice comes down to your individual cat's preferences - not which one looks best in a photo.

An anti-stress pouf shelters a cat from below and partly from the sides - a cat sinks into the filling, but their head and back stay exposed. It works well for cats who like sinking into a bed, but want a view of their surroundings.

A cave (CAT CAB, HIDE'IN CAVE, BONBON) shelters a cat from above, the sides, and behind - the front stays open. It gives a sense of a hideaway while keeping a view of the surroundings.

The COCO tunnel encloses a cat from almost every side. Only the entrance opening remains. It's the deepest form of isolation - for cats after maximum wrapping and darkness.

From my own experience in the cattery, cats who have access to all 3 shapes choose between them depending on the situation - a pouf after play, a cave for a daily nap, a tunnel for deep, long sleep.

Which cats choose tunnels most often?

From my own observations in the cattery, COCO tunnels are most often chosen by:

Heat-loving cats - a tunnel retains a cat's body heat better than an open bed, a cave, or a pouf. A cat in a tunnel warms up with their own body heat in an enclosed space.

Cats sensitive to light - it's dark inside a tunnel. Cats who only sleep deeply in darkness choose a tunnel over an open bed or a cave with an open front.

Stressed cats - after a move, a vet visit, or in a busy household. A tunnel gives maximum isolation from stimuli and helps a cat settle more quickly.

Cats living in a multi-cat household - a tunnel on the floor or the couch gives a cat private space that other cats don't enter. In territorial situations, a tunnel works as a safe base.

Where should I put a cat tunnel?

The COCO tunnel can go on the floor, a couch, a wall shelf (if the size allows it), or in a queening box as bedding for a queen with her litter. It also works well in a carrier while traveling - a familiar burrow with a cat's own scent helps them get through the stress of transport.

As with any bed, it's worth placing a tunnel wherever a cat already tends to rest. Once it's accepted, it's not worth moving it - a cat comes back to the tunnel every day because it carries their scent.

How is a tunnel different from a cave?

A cave shelters a cat from above and the sides, but has an open front. The COCO tunnel encloses a cat from almost every side - only the entrance opening remains. It's a deeper form of isolation, for cats after maximum wrapping.

Which cats does the COCO tunnel suit?

Tunnels are most often chosen by heat-loving cats, cats sensitive to light and stimuli, stressed cats, and cats living in a multi-cat household. If your cat hides under a blanket, in a closet, or under a bed, a tunnel can replace those spots with a safer, more comfortable alternative.

Can the COCO tunnel be washed?

Yes. The COCO tunnel is sewn from certified upholstery fabric. It can be washed following the instructions included with the product.

What's the difference between COCO and COCO LOVE?

COCO is the base version, with a choice of fabric and faux fur color. COCO LOVE is the version in fabrics and faux fur from the LOVE NATURAL collection - warm, muted tones.

Does a tunnel work in a carrier?

Yes. A COCO tunnel carrying a cat's own scent can help reduce stress during travel - a cat lies in a familiar burrow instead of on the smooth plastic of a carrier.

Will a large cat fit in the COCO tunnel?

The COCO tunnel is designed for small and medium cats. For large breeds (Maine Coon, Ragdoll), a better choice would be the BONBON cave or an anti-stress pouf.