FAQ: Bedding for small pets

Hairless breeds have no coat to protect their skin, so soft fleece liners or gentle paper bedding without sharp particles suit them. Rough bedding can scratch the skin, and these animals' cage should be in a warmer spot.

A tank or enclosure can hold a much deeper layer of bedding, which is great for burrowing species. But because ventilation is poorer, highly absorbent bedding and regular cleaning of toilet spots are important so ammonia does not build up.

Platforms usually do not need bedding, but they should be solid rather than wire so they do not hurt the feet. Some owners cover them with fleece or mats that are easy to wash.

Put the wheel on a firm base, such as a tile or platform, or where the bedding is shallower, so it does not sink or wobble. Make sure the hamster cannot dig under the wheel and get stuck.

Check the bottle's seal and spout, replace it or put a saucer or tile under it on the bedding. Remove the wet patch straight away, as damp bedding moulds quickly and chills the animal.

Mouldy bedding shows white, green or black patches, smells musty and is matted and damp. Throw such bedding away immediately, as mould spores harm the animal's airways.

Yes, scattering dry food in the bedding encourages natural foraging, especially in hamsters, mice and rats. Just do not scatter fresh or moist food, as it spoils quickly in the bedding.

In the first days, it helps to use the same bedding the animal had at the breeder's or its previous home, and to bring a handful of the old if you can. A familiar scent helps it settle sooner, and you can switch bedding gradually later.

Yes, during quarantine a newly arrived animal is kept in a separate cage with its own bedding so any parasites or diseases do not spread to others. Clean it last and wash your hands after each clean.

Change the bedding before you leave so the sitter only needs to clean toilet spots, and leave spare bedding and clear instructions. Rabbits and guinea pigs must not be left without care for more than a day.

A small amount of safe dried herbs such as chamomile in the bedding can make foraging interesting. But strongly scented plants like lavender or mint in large amounts can irritate, so do not use them to perfume the bedding.

Yes. In a cool spot or a draught, a deeper, warmer layer of bedding is needed, while in a warm, sunny spot a thinner one, and the cage is better moved into the shade. The cage should not stand next to a radiator, in a sunny window or on a draughty floor.

Most plant-based bedding, such as paper, wood, hemp or flax, is biodegradable and can be composted. For the animal, though, what matters most is dust level, absorbency and safety.

Better not. Frequently switching to a different type of bedding changes the smell and feel of the surroundings, which can stress timid rodents. Once you find a suitable bedding, stick to it and introduce new ones gradually.

Sneezing after a bedding change often means the new bedding is dusty or scented. Switch to a lower-dust bedding, and if the sneezing continues, nasal discharge appears or the animal becomes lethargic, see a vet.

It is often convenient: highly absorbent pellets suit the toilet area, while soft paper bedding or hay suits the resting and nesting area. This keeps the bedding clean for longer, with only the toilet zone needing cleaning.

Pour bedding slowly and close to the floor of the cage rather than from a height, clean in a well-ventilated place and choose sieved bedding. Return the animal to the cage only once the dust has settled.

In an indoor rabbit's enclosure, part of the floor can be covered with a washable rug if the rabbit uses a litter tray. But the tray and resting area still need absorbent bedding, and rugs the rabbit chews should be replaced.

Fine bedding holds tunnels more easily and covers the floor better, while longer paper strips or shavings suit the nest and warmth. For many small pets it works best to have both kinds of material in the cage.

Usually it is too warm, or there is too little bedding to dig a burrow that will not collapse. Check the room temperature and increase the bedding depth, and if you also notice lethargy or appetite changes, see a vet.