Safe bedding and litter for small pets (what to use, what to avoid)

Quick answer

Choose dust-free, absorbent bedding and avoid strongly scented or oily woods. Spot-clean daily and keep a consistent “toilet zone” to reduce odor.

Good default choices

• Paper-based bedding: good absorption, usually low dust
• Aspen (not aromatic): commonly used, decent odor control
• Hay as a top layer (for rabbits/guinea pigs): comfort + foraging

Common “avoid” list

• Cedar (aromatic oils)
• Strongly scented bedding
• Very dusty bedding
• Clumping cat litter for small pets (risk if ingested)

Set up a simple toilet zone

• Put litter/bedding in the corner they naturally choose
• Add hay above or next to the litter area (especially for rabbits and guinea pigs)
• Don’t remove all scent at once; partial refresh helps reinforce habits

Odor control that actually works

• Daily spot-cleaning
• Enough bedding depth for absorption
• Weekly partial refresh
• Good ventilation

Odor is usually a cleaning or enclosure-size issue, not something “fixed” with perfume products.

FAQ

How often should I change bedding?

Spot-clean daily. Do partial refresh weekly. Full changes depend on species and enclosure size.

What if my pet sneezes a lot?

Dust is a common trigger. Switch to a lower-dust bedding and confirm ventilation. If symptoms persist, talk to a vet.

Is pine bedding okay?

Some people use kiln-dried pine, but if you want the safest default, stick to paper or aspen.

Next step

Want a cleaning schedule that matches your enclosure size and pet type?