How to Train Your Cat to Use a Doughnut Tunnel Bed
Bringing home a new bed for your cat is always exciting—until your furry friend completely ignores it and goes back to sleeping in the cardboard box it came in. Sound familiar?
If you’ve just introduced a cat tunnel bed, especially the adorable and cozy cat donut tunnel, and your cat isn’t sold on it yet, don’t worry. Training a cat to use a new bed might take a little patience and creativity, but with the right steps, most cats will warm up to it (literally and figuratively).
This practical guide is designed especially for new cat parents who want to help their feline fall in love with their donut tunnel.
Understanding Why Cats Might Hesitate
Before we dive into the how-to, it helps to understand the why. Cats are naturally curious, but they’re also cautious, especially with unfamiliar objects.
A cat tunnel bed is soft, enclosed, and a little mysterious—three things cats usually love. But if your kitty hasn’t used one before, it may take time to realize that this strange circular tunnel is the perfect napping spot.
Reasons your cat might be hesitant:
- It's in a noisy or high-traffic area
- The scent is unfamiliar
- It looks like a toy rather than a resting spot
- They don’t recognize it as "theirs" yet
With a few simple changes, you can overcome these roadblocks.
Step-by-Step | How to Train Your Cat to Use a Donut Tunnel Bed
1. Pick the Right Spot
Start by placing the cat donut tunnel somewhere quiet and calm. Cats love routine and familiarity, so choose a location near where they already nap. Avoid placing it near loud appliances or areas with heavy foot traffic.
Pro tip: Sunlight is a plus. Cats naturally gravitate toward sunny spots.
2. Let the Bed Smell Like Home
Cats rely heavily on scent for comfort. If the cat tunnel bed is brand new, it might smell too sterile or foreign. Rub a cloth that smells like your cat (or you) on the bed, or place a blanket or item from their current favorite nap spot inside.
This signals to your cat, “Hey, this smells safe—maybe I’ll give it a try.”
3. Use Familiar Toys or Treats
Gently introduce the tunnel bed during a play session. Toss a favorite toy into the tunnel to encourage exploration. If your cat steps inside—even for a second—reward them with praise or a small treat.
You can also place a few treats inside the tunnel to encourage them to investigate and associate the bed with positive experiences.
4. Encourage But Don’t Force
The key to success is patience. Never push or force your cat into the bed. That can create fear or negative associations. Let your cat explore the tunnel on their terms.
If your cat gets close, interacts with the tunnel, or shows interest, offer verbal praise or a treat. Small wins build trust.
5. Make It Extra Cozy
Add a soft blanket, a small cushion, or something warm inside the tunnel bed. The cozier it feels, the more likely your cat will be to settle in. You can even sprinkle a little catnip (if your cat reacts positively to it) to increase interest.
Cats are heat-seekers, and the enclosed shape of a cat donut tunnel helps trap warmth, which is a big selling point for most felines—once they give it a chance.
6. Be Consistent
Keep the tunnel in one place for at least a week. Moving it too soon can confuse your cat and slow down the process. Stick to consistent cues, like placing a toy or treat in the tunnel at the same time each day.
Many cats will begin to explore it naturally once they no longer see it as “new.”
7. Model Behavior with Other Items
If you have more than one cat or even a dog who’s bed-trained, cats will often mimic what they see. When one pet starts using the tunnel, the other might follow suit.
For solo-cat homes, you can encourage interest by placing your hand inside or gently swishing a toy around to make it more interactive.
Signs Your Cat is Getting Comfortable
Even if your cat doesn’t curl up in the tunnel bed immediately, look for these encouraging signs:
- Sniffing or pawing at the tunnel
- Sitting nearby while watching it
- Reaching inside with a paw
- Napping next to it (a sign they’re warming up)
These behaviors often mean your cat is considering the tunnel bed and just needs a bit more time.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
Training your cat to use a cat tunnel bed—especially a cozy cat donut tunnel—is more than just helping them get comfortable with new furniture. It encourages healthy independence, provides a safe personal space, and supports natural behaviors like hiding, napping, and play.
It also gives you peace of mind knowing your cat has a cozy, dedicated zone for comfort, especially during stressful events like storms or guests visiting.
Final Thoughts
New cat parents often expect their pets to immediately love every toy or bed they bring home. But with cats, a little patience goes a long way. By using scent cues, gentle encouragement, and smart placement, you can help your feline feel right at home in their cat donut tunnel.
Once they realize it’s warm, private, and oh-so-snuggly, there’s no turning back. That weird circular thing you brought home? It’s about to become your cat’s favorite hangout.