Carefresh small pet bedding
Carefresh makes paper-based bedding for hutches and cages, sold as an alternative to wood shavings or straw. We stock several finishes from the range — Natural, Confetti, Blue and Ultra — and the differences between them come down to colour and absorbency rather than one being a completely different product.
What the different finishes mean
Natural is the plain, undyed version and the one to reach for if you would rather not add any colour to the cage at all. Confetti and Blue are dyed for a brighter look, which matters purely for how the cage looks to you rather than anything to do with your pet's comfort.
Ultra sits above the others in the range and is generally sold as the more absorbent option, which is worth the extra cost for a cage that gets cleaned less often or houses a pet prone to damp bedding. For a cage cleaned out weekly, the standard Natural or Confetti bedding does the job without the upgrade.
Who it suits
Paper bedding like this suits rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and rats, and is a common alternative for owners moving away from sawdust or shavings because of dust or a pet with sensitive skin. It is soft underfoot and reasonably good at controlling odour between full cleans.
Change the whole layer of bedding regularly rather than topping it up, and keep an eye on any pet who seems to be chewing and swallowing large amounts of it — a little exploratory chewing is normal, but persistent eating of bedding rather than food is worth mentioning to your vet.
The range
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Adjustable Tortoise Harness and Lead
An adjustable harness and lead set sized for tortoises and turtles, for safe garden adventures.
£7.99
Four Flags Quick Ferret Muzzle — Grooming & Handling Aid
A temporary, reliable muzzle designed specifically for ferrets — useful for grooming, medicating, and routine handling.
£14.99
Hamster Exercise Ball
A clear rolling exercise ball that lets your hamster roam and stay active safely around the home, with ventilation slots and a secure lid. Supplied in a random colour.
£7.99
Rabbit No-Rinse Dry-Cleaning Foam
A no-rinse foam that gently cleans and freshens your rabbit's coat between full washes, no water needed.
£7.99
PawHut 12-Panel Small Animal Playpen for Guinea Pigs, 105cm, White
Twelve 45 x 35cm panels and multi-angle connectors that build a 105 x 105cm open pen at 45cm high, for evening floor time with guinea pigs or hedgehogs.
£35.99
Poultry Nappy Harness for Chickens, Ducks & Geese
A washable fabric nappy harness for house poultry, catching droppings to keep your home clean.
From£7.99
Hanging Cage Hammock for Small Pets
A soft sherpa-lined cage hammock that gives small pets a warm, lofted spot to curl up.
From£8.99
Selective Timothy Hay
UK-grown Timothy hay for rabbits and other small animals, for unlimited daily feeding
£9.99
Small Pet Carrier Shoulder Bag with Bubble Window
A ventilated travel carrier bag for hamsters, guinea pigs and other small pets, with a clear bubble window and breathable mesh panels. The adjustable shoulder strap makes outings and vet trips easy.
£13.99
Selective Naturals Woodland Loops
Dandelion and rosehip flavoured loop treats for rabbits, guinea pigs, degus and chinchillas
£3.99
Selective Naturals Orchard Loops
Apple-flavoured loop treats for rabbits, guinea pigs, degus and chinchillas
£3.99
Selective Naturals Meadow Loops
Pea-flavoured loop treats for rabbits, guinea pigs, degus and chinchillas
£3.99
Common questions
- What is the difference between Carefresh Natural and Ultra?
- Natural is the plain, undyed bedding, while Ultra is the more absorbent option in the range. Ultra costs more but is worth it for a cage that is cleaned out less often or a pet that tends to leave damp patches in its bedding.
- Is Carefresh bedding safe for rabbits and guinea pigs?
- Yes, paper bedding like this is a common choice for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and rats, and many owners move to it specifically because it is lower in dust than wood shavings or sawdust.
- How often should I change paper bedding?
- Most owners do a full change weekly, with spot-cleaning of wet or soiled patches in between rather than waiting for the whole layer to need replacing. A cage that smells before the week is up needs cleaning sooner, whatever bedding it uses.
- Is it a problem if my pet eats some of the bedding?
- A small amount of curious chewing is normal for most small pets. If your pet is regularly eating large amounts of bedding rather than their food, or seems unwell, that is worth raising with your vet rather than just changing the bedding brand.
- Is Carefresh suitable for a pet with allergies?
- Paper bedding is often chosen for exactly this reason, since it tends to produce less dust and fewer strong scents than some wood shavings. If your pet has a known sensitivity, introduce any new bedding gradually and watch for sneezing, sore eyes or skin irritation, and check with your vet if it does not settle.
Related
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.