Recommended Pet Rat Bedding
- This differs for everyone, however, rats are susceptible to respiratory problems, therefore, AVOID anything that has cedar or pine.
- Be careful with substrate bedding and take caution with dust.
- If you are not sure, just go with fleece.
Based on research, we have found these to be best for your pet rats.
OPTION#1. Anti-Pill Fleece fabric and U-HAUL
- Anti pill fleece and U-HAUL Furniture Pads are easier to clean and are considered the best by most people, especially if you are using the critter nation cage.
- And when using fleece for pet rats, throw in an old t-shirt that you don’t wear anymore so that your pet rats don’t chew on your fleece. They will chew on the t-shirt instead.
See video of chewed-up fleece: It can be avoided.
Chewed up fleece
- It’s crucial to read more about anti-pill fleece and U-HAUL furniture pads here to know how to prepare and use them properly.
Also, don’t just get any fleece fabric. (Non-pill or Anti-pill fleece is recommended.) Examples are:
- David Textiles 330 Anti-Pill Fleece Solid Fabric by The Yard 60″ Wide
- Creative Cuts Anti-Pill Fleece by the Yard
- David Textiles Anti-Pill Fleece Buffalo Plaid Fabric By The Yard 60″ Wide
- David Textiles Anti-Pill Fleece Nursery Plaid Fabric By The Yard 60″ Wide
Also Note:
If you go with fleece bedding, it’s advisable to use either of the following substrates in the litter pan/ box/ tray:
#1. Yesterday’s News Unscented Recycled Paper Pellet Cat Litter
US #1. Purina Yesterday’s News Unscented Cat Litter – 30 lb. Bag
UK #2. Yesterday’s News Cat Litter, Non-Clumping, Unscented, 13.2-Pound Bag by Purina Yesterday’s News
#2. Back 2 Nature Small Animal Bedding
US #1. Fibrecycle USA Inc. Back-2-Nature Small Animal Bedding 20 Liter
US #2. Small Animal Bedding Recycled Back 2 Nature 30 Litres
US #3. Fibrecycle USA Inc. Back-2-Nature Small Animal Bedding 10 Liter
UK #4. Back 2 Nature Small Animal Bedding – 30 L
UK #5. Back-2-Nature Bedding/Litter for Small Animals
#3. Disposable puppy/pee pads
US: AmazonBasics Dog and Puppy Pee, Potty Training Pads, Heavy Duty X-Large (28 x 34) – Pack of 25
UK: AmazonBasics Heavy Duty Pet and Puppy Training Pads, Regular -50-Count
Throw in a smooth pee rock in the litter pan as well.
Rats like peeing on smooth surfaces.
What if you want to use a substrate bedding in your Midwest critter nation cage?
If you opt to use substrate bedding, you will require some metal bass pans made by bass equipment company.
(Get this at Bass Equipment Company)
Metal pans will give your cages a place to pour your substrate.
See video of bass pans in critter nation cage.
Bass equipment critter ferret nation cage
Let’s take a look at some of the recommended pet rat substrate bedding materials
OPTION#2. Recycled Paper pellets (Purina yesterday’s news Unscented Paper Cat Litter)
See video on how this is used.
Those who do not like cleaning will definitely love these as they are changed out every 1.5-2 weeks.
You can have 1 or 2-inch-deep bedding.
Rat Cage Tour
Where do I get this bedding?
US #1. Purina Yesterday’s News Unscented Cat Litter – 30 lb. Bag
UK #2. Yesterday’s News Cat Litter, Non-Clumping, Unscented, 13.2-Pound Bag by Purina Yesterday’s News
OPTION#3. FiberCore Eco-Bedding Natural
See video on how fibercore eco-beding is mixed with purina yesterday’s news cat litter (option 2 above).
Rat Cage Tour
Where Do You Get FiberCore Eco-Bedding Natural?
US #1. FiberCore Eco-bedding Natural, 4.5lb
UK #2. FiberCore Eco-bedding Natural, 4.5lb
US #1. FiberCore Eco-Bedding Odor Control Pet
OPTION#4. Kaytee Clean & Cozy Small Animal Bedding (White in color) UNSCENTED or Kaytee Clean & Cozy Natural Small Animal Bedding (Brownish in color) UNSCENTED
- You can mix Kaytee clean & cozy with FiberCore Eco-Bedding Natural to save on money
- Also, you may or may not place a potty/pee/puppy pad underneath.
Where Do I Get This?
Before Purchasing this, read this to make a better and informed choice.
OPTION#5. Fitch Paper Pet Bedding for Small Animals
Fitch Paper Pet Bedding qualities
- healthy for your STO
- it is soft
- hides smells
- it is super cheap
- it is very absorbent
Watch A Review of Fitch Bedding
Fitch bedding review
Where Can I get Fitch Paper Pet Bedding?
US: Small Pet Select Unbleached White Paper Bedding, 56 L, Model Number: SMWB
UK: Fitch 20kg Bales Paper Pet Bedding for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Horses and other smaller animals
OPTION#6. Boxo Comfort Small Animal Bedding
Qualities
- great for burrowing as it is soft.
- It controls odors.
- It is a cheap and a better alternative to carefresh.
Watch Boxo Comfort and Kaytee Clean and Cozy in Use
Boxo comfort and kaytee clean & cozy
Where Do I Get Boxo Comfort Small Animal Bedding?
US #1. Boxo Comfort Small Animal Bedding, 51-Liter
US #2. Boxo Comfort Small Animal Bedding, 26-Liter
OPTION#7. Pillow Wad Eco-Nest
Where Can You Get Pillow Wad Eco-Nest, Large, 3 x 3.2KG bags?
UK#1. Pillow Wad Eco-Nest, Large, 3 x 3.2KG bags
US#2. Pillow Wad Eco Nest Pet Bedding (One Size) (Multicolored)
OPTION#8. Dr. Hemp All Natural Pet Bedding
Where Do I Get This?
