Paper-based bedding is widely considered the safest and most comfortable option for hamsters. Products made from unbleached, unscented paper fibers offer excellent absorbency, low dust levels, and a soft texture that supports natural burrowing behavior. Popular brands include Kaytee Clean and Cozy and Carefresh Natural, both of which expand to provide deep substrate layers.

Avoid cedar and pine shavings entirely. These softwood products contain volatile phenols and aromatic oils that irritate a hamster's sensitive respiratory tract and can cause chronic lung damage or liver problems over time. Kiln-dried pine marketed as pet safe has reduced but not eliminated these concerns, so paper bedding remains the better default.

Aspen shavings are an acceptable wood-based alternative because aspen is a hardwood that lacks the harmful phenols found in softwoods. However, aspen does not hold burrow tunnels as well as paper-based bedding and tends to be less absorbent.

Provide at least six inches of bedding depth, and ideally eight to ten inches in at least part of the enclosure. Hamsters are prolific burrowers, and shallow substrate prevents them from expressing this essential behavior, which can lead to stress and bar chewing.

Spot-clean soiled areas daily and replace all bedding every one to two weeks, depending on enclosure size and how quickly ammonia builds. Leave a small handful of used bedding during full changes so your hamster still recognizes its scent environment.

Never use fluffy cotton nesting material, as hamsters can ingest fibers or get limbs tangled. Offer plain unscented toilet paper or tissue strips as safe nesting material instead.