How to Use Fabric Bedding for Rats

Rats make social and intelligent pets. But unfortunately, rats are prone to respiratory illness, and a major cause of respiratory problems in rats stems from using wood chips as cage bedding. All wood chips contain oils, which place stress on a rat's lungs. Instead, rat owners must use a different type of bedding. One popular bedding material is paper-based bedding like CareFresh, but this can be very expensive. A less-expensive, more-comfortable alternative is fabric rat cage bedding. Bedding materials can be found around the house, and the only long-term cost involves the cost to launder the bedding.

Things You'll Need

  • Old T-shirts
  • Old bedsheets
  • Unwanted cotton clothing Newspaper (optional)
  • Laundry hamper
  • Color-safe bleach
  • Unscented laundry detergent
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Instructions

    • 1

      Collect appropriate bedding material for use in the rat's cage. Bedding material can usually be found around the house by cleaning out the closets and linen closet. A trip to the thrift store is another good alternative to find cheap, cotton fabric for use as bedding in the rat's cage. Seek out old T-shirts, cotton clothing items and bedsheets. Cotton material is ideal for use as bedding in a rat's cage because it's absorbent and soft. Select items that have a tight weave, like a T-shirt or sheet; this prevents the rats from catching their toenails in the fabric.

    • 2

      Launder all bedding material before placing it inside the rat's cage. Rats have very sensitive respiratory systems, and perfumes, for instance, can be overpowering to the rat's sensitive nose. Avoid using detergents with strong odors.

    • 3

      Cut large items, like bedsheets, into smaller sizes. An 18- to 24-inch square is an ideal size for rat bedding. Most clothing items like T-shirts can be left as-is. Also look out for small tubes formed by the sleeves of a child's shirt; slice these so the rat won't get stuck inside the sleeve.

    • 4

      Wash and disinfect the rat's cage. Wood chips and recycled paper bedding leave behind dust and debris. Cleaning the cage removes dust and any traces of food, urine or feces.

    • 5

      Place newspaper on the bottom of the cage. This step is optional. Some rat owners prefer to keep newspaper on the bottom of the cage to catch any excess moisture, and it can be used to cover dangerous wire cage flooring. Many rats also enjoy the newspaper, which they will shred to create a "nest."

    • 6

      Fill the cage with fabric bedding. For rats who are not litter-box-trained, the fabric will absorb urine. The rats will also use some of the fabric as bedding material to create a warm nest where they'll cuddle up and sleep. Place two or three layers of fabric flat on the floor to absorb urine. Then place several pieces of bunched-up fabric throughout the cage.

    • 7

      Change the rat cage bedding daily. Whether it's CareFresh or fabric, the bedding in a rat's cage must be changed daily to prevent skin problems in rats and respiratory infections. Give the fabric a quick sniff; if it smells fresh, it's okay to remain inside the cage. Change newspaper daily, too. Place the soiled rat cage bedding in a laundry hamper situated near the cage.

    • 8

      Launder the fabric rat cage bedding. Two rats will create about one load of laundry each week. Use an unscented laundry detergent and a color-safe bleach to ensure cleanliness.

    • 9

      Inspect the clean rat bedding for holes or loose threads when removing and folding the rat laundry from the dryer. Cut off loose threads to avoid entanglement. Holes, if they are present, must be large enough for the rat to pass through to avoid entanglement. If necessary, use scissors to cut a slit to widen the hole. Eventually, some pieces of fabric may need to be replaced due to an abundance of holes.