FAQ: Supplies for small pets

Ramps instead of high shelves, soft fleece mats, low bowls, a litter box with a low entrance and a water bottle hung lower are useful. That way the animal can reach what it needs more easily, even with sore joints.

Very early: mice and hamsters at around 4–6 weeks, guinea pigs at around 1–2 months and rabbits at 3–6 months of age. That is why young animals of different sexes must be separated in time.

Do not disturb the nest or touch the babies in the first weeks, and provide plenty of food and water. Separate the male straight away, as the female can get pregnant again the same day, and consult a vet.

Young herbivores get junior food and alfalfa hay, and small animals need narrower bar spacing and lower levels. Even so, choose an exercise wheel to fit the adult animal's size.

Ask the seller or breeder for the exact date of birth. If there is none, a vet can estimate the approximate age from size, teeth and coat.

Yes, shelters and animal welfare organisations often have rabbits, guinea pigs and other rodents. Their sex is usually already known, rabbits are often neutered, and the carers can tell you about the animal's character.

Larger packs are often cheaper per kilogram or litre, but only if you have a dry place to store them and will use them up before the quality deteriorates. Before buying, compare the unit price with how much you use.

Check the dimensions, which species the product is meant for, the materials, delivery cost and time, and the return terms. Read the description carefully, as a photo often does not show the size.

A label saying ‘for rabbits’ or ‘for guinea pigs’ does not mean the cage is spacious enough. Check the floor area in centimetres, the height and the bar spacing, and compare them with the size recommended for your pet.

A ‘for small animals’ label is very general, so look for the specific species in the description. This matters especially for food, wheels, cages and bedding, because the needs of different species vary a lot.

Note how long a pack of food, hay and bedding lasts, and order in advance before you run out. That way you avoid a sudden food change and can combine orders into one delivery.

A bottle can unexpectedly break or start leaking, and if the usual food ran out you would have to switch suddenly. A small reserve helps avoid stress and digestive upsets.

Some are, such as ceramic bowls, carriers or fleece blankets. But dog and cat food, treats, parasite treatments and shampoos are not suitable for small pets, and some can be dangerous.

Wire or undersized wheels, fluffy nesting cotton, scented or cedar bedding, sweet honey treats, exercise balls and cages that are too small are often criticised. Before buying, check whether the product suits your pet.

Prices are collected about daily, and each product shows when its price was last checked.

Prices are collected about once a day, so the shop may have changed it since the last check, the time of which is shown next to the product. The final price is always the one you see on the shop's website.

The product page on zoogidas.lt shows the price history, so you can see whether the current price is lower or higher than before.

Many popular plants, such as dieffenbachia, ivy, oleander or monstera, can be poisonous. The safest approach is to keep all houseplants out of the animals' reach.

Cats and dogs are predators, so even a calm dog or cat stresses a small pet. The cage must be sturdy with lockable doors, and never leave the animals together unsupervised.

Yes, small animals' airways are very sensitive to smoke, aerosols, air fresheners and scented candles. Do not smoke in the room where the animal lives, and air it regularly.