Bedding for small pets
Bedding for small pets — rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and similar — mostly falls into a few main types: paper-based bedding like Safe Bed Paper Shavings and Carefresh Sea Glass Pet Bedding, natural fibre options like Rosewood Naturals Soft & Safe Bedding, and washable fleece such as Back 2 Nature Animal Bedding. Which one suits your pet depends on their species, how messy they are, and whether you want something disposable or washable.
Paper and shredded bedding
Paper-based bedding is soft, absorbent and generally low-dust compared with older wood shaving products, which matters for small pets with sensitive respiratory systems. Carefresh Sea Glass Pet Bedding and Safe Bed Paper Shavings are both this type — good for burrowing species and easy to spot-clean, since you can simply lift and replace the soiled patches.
It's disposable rather than washable, so factor in how often you'll be changing it and buying more, particularly for a pet kept in a larger enclosure that goes through bedding faster.
Fleece and washable options
A washable fleece bedding gives you an ongoing cost saving over disposable bedding once you've bought it, and some pets find it more comfortable to lie on than a loose, shifting material. It needs regular washing to stay hygienic, and doesn't suit every species equally well — burrowing animals in particular often prefer something they can dig into.
Have at least two sets if you go this route, so one can be in the wash while the other is in use, rather than leaving your pet without clean bedding on wash day.
Choosing what suits your pet
Match the bedding to what your particular species actually does — a rabbit or guinea pig that burrows and digs benefits from a deep, loose material, while a hamster building a nest does well with something soft they can shape and shred, like Rosewood Naturals Soft & Safe Bedding.
Whatever you choose, check it regularly for damp patches and change those areas promptly, since damp bedding is uncomfortable and can lead to skin problems if left.
In this section
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
- Is paper bedding better than wood shavings for small pets?
- Paper-based bedding is generally lower in dust than traditional wood shavings, which matters for small pets prone to respiratory irritation. Both can work well; paper tends to be the gentler, if slightly pricier, option for a sensitive pet.
- How often should I change my small pet's bedding?
- Spot-clean soiled patches every day or two, and do a full bedding change at least weekly, more often for a heavily used enclosure or a pet prone to dampness. A consistently damp or smelly area is a sign it needs changing sooner.
- Can I use washable fleece bedding for a rabbit or guinea pig that likes to burrow?
- You can, but a burrowing species often gets more natural enrichment from a loose, diggable bedding than a flat fleece liner. Some owners combine the two — fleece as a base layer with a digging area of loose bedding on top.
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.