Bedding affects your small pet’s respiratory health, comfort, and welfare. The wrong bedding can cause allergies, respiratory infections, and toxic reactions. Choose carefully based on your species’ specific needs.

Paper-Based Bedding

Recycled paper bedding like Carefresh and similar products is widely regarded as safe for most small pets. It provides good absorption, low dust, and comfortable texture. Unscented varieties are always preferred to avoid respiratory irritation.

Aspen Shavings

Kiln-dried aspen is the only wood shaving considered safe for small pets. It provides natural odor control and comfortable burrowing substrate. Avoid other wood shavings; cedar contains toxic plicatic acid, and pine contains harmful aromatic phenols.

Hemp Bedding

Hemp bedding is highly absorbent, naturally odor-controlling, and low-dust. It is gaining popularity as an environmentally sustainable option that performs well for most small pet species. It composts quickly compared to paper alternatives.

Fleece Liners

Reusable fleece liners over absorbent layers are popular for guinea pigs, rats, and rabbits. They reduce ongoing bedding costs and waste. They require regular washing and may not satisfy the burrowing instinct of hamsters and gerbils.

Species-Specific Needs

Hamsters need deep bedding for burrowing, at least 6 inches. Gerbils need even deeper substrate for tunnel construction. Guinea pigs do well with moderate bedding or fleece systems. Rats prefer a solid floor with fleece or paper bedding.

Bedding to Avoid

Cedar and pine shavings, corn cob bedding which grows mold, cat litter, scented products, and anything with artificial dyes should never be used. These products cause respiratory issues, digestive problems, or toxic reactions in small animals.