Korean designer Seungji Mun created this concept for a feline-friendly sofa. Simply called the Cat Tunnel Sofa, it integrates a play tube for kitties into the design of the sofa structure. I think it’s pretty brilliant and I know a couple of kittens who would go out of their minds for this.
As a concept, it’s intriguing, but I do think there are some practical issues that need to be addressed. The number one concern I have is cleaning. Yes, there’s an opening on top, but there are still long stretches of tube that I’m pretty sure will be christened with a hairball or two almost immediately upon introduction. How are you going to clean that? Also, I have a rule that there are no places in my house where my cats can go where I could not reach them in case of an emergency (or an unwanted trip to the vet), so this would need some modification to work for me, but I absolutely love the basic idea.
via freshome | Catsparella | technabob
My initial reaction was *WOW!* but you’ve raised the concerns I would, Kate. Amazing design and I love the colors (not to mention all the potential fun to be had!) but those issues do need to be dealt with!
I think this is a GREAT idea! I would definitely buy this for my home and cats! It looks very comfy for all concerned! Does it come in other colors?
The cleaning is a simple matter. You could clean it the same way the hunter cleans his/her shotgun or riffle. At least the way they used to clean them. You tie a weight, like a couple washers on a sturdy string. On the other end of your string you tie a fabric mouse. To make the mouse, take some old ratty towels. Cut strips about two inches wide and tie several of the strips in the center. From the center hole toss the weighted end of the string in the tube. Gravity will let it fall to the lower level where you can reach in and grab the weights. You simply then pull your “mouse” thru the tube cleaning out any furballs. You could even wet the “mouse” if you wanted to scrub the inside of the mouse.
If you don’t want to play Suzie homemaker and make the “mouse” you could also purchase one of those brushes that they sell in big box stores to clean the lint out of your dryer vents.
Also if you’re afraid of you cat getting stuck, the plastic tube can be seperated at each joint. Just make sure that when its manufactured that each segment is 3 feet long. you could easily then reach in and push “chubby” out of the tube.
Looks like a lot of fun and cozy times for cat and cat affictionado, lounging and watching tv together.