Are you looking for bedding options for your pet hamster but unsure about what you should choose? Well, don’t worry!
This guide covers all the safe bedding options for hamsters and the ones to avoid. Read on to learn more!
Why the Right Bedding Matters for Your Hamster
It is essential to provide your hamster with safe bedding. It contributes to their comfort, absorbs moisture, and helps control odors in their habitat.
Proper bedding choices contribute significantly to your pet’s overall happiness and longevity.
Safe Hamster Bedding Options
When it comes to hamster bedding, these are the types of hamster bedding that are considered safe.
Aspen Shavings
Aspen bedding is safe wood-based bedding. It is a popular choice among hamster owners. It provides good absorbency and helps with odor control.
The one downside of aspen shavings is that they tend to stick to the long fur of certain species of hamsters, such as long-haired Syrian hamsters.
Paper Bedding
Paper-based bedding is soft, absorbent, and free from harmful chemicals or dyes. It is considered safe for hamster lungs.
Although pricier than aspen, this white bedding helps control odors. It also provides a comfortable nesting material for your hamster.
Hemp Bedding
Hemp bedding is natural and made from the hemp plant’s stalk. The biggest perk of this layer of bedding is that it’s durable and safe for hamster cages.
It is absorbent, reduces odors, and is less likely to cause respiratory issues than other bedding materials.
Soft Granule Blend
The soft granule bedding is made of recycled materials and is generally safe for your hamster.
It is made from natural materials and is designed to be dust-free, reducing respiratory issues.
Toilet Paper
Toilet paper is a great alternative to paper bedding. It is cheap and readily available.
Before using, ensure it is plain, unscented, and dye-free. Shred it into smaller, manageable bits to prevent choking.
You may need to change the paper towels frequently as they are super absorbent and may get too damp.
Timothy Hay
Timothy soft hay is generally a good choice for safe bedding as it provides a natural, comfortable environment.
It also gives your hamster extra material to munch on. The hay is fairly absorbent and is resilient enough to allow your hamster to create a nest and burrow.
Unsafe Hamster Bedding
The unsafe bedding for hamsters are:
Scented Bedding
Scented bedding can contain toxins and be dangerous for your hamster. Therefore, it should be avoided at all costs.
These bedding can overwhelm the pets and lead to stress or respiratory problems.
Pine and Cedar Shavings
Pine and cedar wood shavings contain oils and chemicals that can irritate your pet’s respiratory system.
Over time, breathing in these substances can lead to serious health issues.
Cat Litter
While some people find it tempting to use cat litter, it is extremely harmful to hamsters. It has a very rough texture and chemicals that can make your hamster sick.
Cat litter can be dusty and might cause breathing difficulties. If eaten, the litter can also lead to digestive distress or blockages.
Fluffy Bedding
Fluffy bedding might look perfect for a cozy nest, but is not safe to use.
The long, fine fibers can wrap around your pet’s limbs, leading to injuries or circulation problems. They might also ingest these fibers, which can cause internal blockages.
Give Your Hamster a Section Of Deep Bedding
Provide your hamster with deep bedding, as it reduces stress. This allows your hamster to thrive and exhibit natural behaviors.
A hamster can burrow in bedding with a depth of at least 6 inches, but a section of 10 inches is more suitable.
Choosing the Best Bedding for Your Hamster!
Now you are clear about what the right bedding for your hamster is.
Remember, the best bedding types allow your hamster to burrow and nest while keeping it safe and sound.
