What Kind of Litter to Use for a Rabbit?

Rabbits make entertaining and affectionate pets if kept indoors. Although they like to toss their toys around, rabbits do prefer to stay clean and will only go the bathroom in a certain spot. You can train your rabbit to use a litter box or to go only its cage. Picking the right litter is important for your rabbit's health and to control the smell of rabbit urine.

  1. Wood Pellets

    • Wood pellets are pieces of sawdust compressed into pellets about half an inch long. Wood pellet stoves use the pellets for fuel, but these inexpensive gems make excellent litter for your rabbit. The pellets expand to absorb a good amount of liquid and control the smell of the rabbit urine for three to four days. The pellets also break down easily in the compost bin.

    Recycled Newspaper Bedding

    • This type of bedding consists of used newspaper that is converted into little clumps about the size of pea gravel. The bedding absorbs urine well, but its ability to hold down the urine smell is not the best. This type of litter is best if using a litter box that you clean out each day.

    Simple Stuff

    • Shredded newspaper and hay will work as litter and bedding. Neither is very absorbent and both do a poor job at controlling odor, but if you need bedding or litter in a pinch, these will suffice. This type of litter needs to be changed every day. Both make excellent compost once used.

    Litters to Avoid

    • Wood shavings should never be used around a rabbit because the oils are irritating to the rabbit's respiratory system and can cause liver damage. Clay-based cat litter and clumping litters should never be used around a rabbit because, if ingested, they can block your rabbit's digestive system. Corn cob litter also will cause blockage if eaten by your bunny.