What Can I Use for Rat Cage Bedding?

Once you've picked out the perfect pet rat, set up its cage. Since the rodent enjoys tunneling, digging and creating a sleeping area on the bottom level of its cage, choose a soft bedding made of small, movable pieces. Fill the cage bottom with 1 to 2 inches of substrate and schedule weekly cage cleanings to control odor.

  1. Wood-based Options

    • Dried wood shavings give the pet rat's cage a natural, outdoor feel. Choose oil-free aspen wood shavings. If you prefer a different wood type, then make sure the bedding contains no essential oils or preservatives. The oils in cedar and pine wood shavings can make pet rats sick, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

    Paper Bedding

    • If you prefer a more-absorbent bedding, look for paper pulp-based bedding. Some paper bedding looks like crushed cotton balls and offers better urine absorption than dried wood shavings. Paper-based bedding also comes in pellet form. When the animal soils the pellets, they break down into a soft material, making it easy to see which area of the cage needs spot cleaning. Avoid using shredded newspapers, unless the print uses natural vegetable dyes.

    Recycled Ideas

    • Look for recycled options when browsing bedding options at the pet store. Recycled newspapers made into pellet bedding gives the newsprint one more use. Shredded cardboard offers an economical and absorbent bedding that rats enjoy tunneling through. Choose a recycled bedding that wasn't processed with chemicals or treated with colorful dyes to make it more appealing.

    Nesting Bedding

    • If your pet rat enjoys building a nest, then include extra soft bedding materials in addition to the main substrate. Shredded toilet paper, paper towels and napkins create soft, warm nesting material. Choose paper products free of dyes and fragrances to keep your pet safe -- or, offer fragrant alfalfa hay. The rat can chew the dried plant for a fibrous snack or arrange it into a nest.

    Bedding Features

    • No matter which type of bedding you choose, rats require a dust-free, fragrance-free option. The rodent has a sensitive respiratory system, which can easily get irritated by bedding. If you have to wave away the dust when pouring the bedding into the cage, then choose a new bedding. Avoid dusty ground corn cob bedding or scented options. If your pet rodent begins wheezing or sneezing upon using a new bedding, then remove the offensive bedding and call a local veterinarian for guidance.