Choosing the Most Suitable Bedding for Hamsters

Although hamsters are small in size, they require significant care. They need food, water, exercise, social interaction, and a suitable habitat. Your hamster needs a safe space to live, play, and explore. An ideal hamster habitat usually consists of a comfortable, dry, and light-regulated aquarium or cage. Hamsters love digging and nesting, which means they also require a thick layer of bedding.

There are various options for hamster bedding. The type of bedding you choose depends on several factors, such as the species of your hamster, what is safe for them, the availability of products at your local pet store or online, and your budget. Below is an overview of the most common types of hamster bedding, along with the pros and cons of each option.

Types of Hamster Bedding

Hamsters need safe substrate materials that allow them to dig and nest effectively in their habitat. When purchasing bedding for your hamster, consider the following options: 

• Aspen Shavings

If you prefer wood shavings over paper bedding, aspen shavings are considered the only safe wood bedding for hamsters. Compared to other bedding materials, aspen shavings offer several advantages, such as excellent odor control and affordability. One downside is that they tend to stick to the fur of long-haired hamsters, such as long-haired Syrian hamsters. However, this is purely a cosmetic issue and will not harm your pet.

• Paper Bedding

Paper bedding is widely available in various fun colors like blue, pink, green, and purple. Although it is more expensive than aspen shavings, it’s a great option for pet owners who want to create a colorful cage environment. You can also make your own paper bedding using materials like tissue paper or white paper. However, avoid certain types of paper, such as shredded newspaper, as they can be dangerous for your hamster.

• Soft Pellet Mixes

Some hamster care brands offer soft pellet mix bedding. This biodegradable bedding is made from recycled materials and is considered safe for hamsters. However, some versions of soft pellet mixes may not be sturdy enough for your hamster to tunnel and nest in. If you choose to use a soft pellet mix, consider adding a layer of aspen shavings or paper bedding for extra support.

• Paper Pellets

Paper pellets are another safe bedding option for hamsters. These pellets are comfortable and don’t create much dust, which can be harmful to hamsters. However, similar to soft pellet mixes, paper pellets do not form tunnels or nests easily. Therefore, they should only be used in combination with other bedding materials.

• Toilet Paper

If you’re on a budget and need a quick bedding solution, toilet paper can work in a pinch. It’s an inexpensive and widely available alternative to paper bedding. The main issue with toilet paper is that it doesn’t control odor well. If you use toilet paper, you might find yourself changing the bedding more frequently.

• Timothy Hay

Timothy hay isn’t just a tasty treat for hamsters; it can also double as bedding. This hay has excellent absorbency and is flexible enough for your hamster to nest and dig. While it may be harder to find than other bedding materials, purchasing it in bales from local farmers can make it an affordable option.

Bedding to Avoid for Hamsters

While there are many great bedding options available for hamsters, some should be avoided to ensure your pet’s health and safety. When purchasing bedding, be sure to avoid the following:

• Scented Bedding

Some manufacturers still sell scented bedding designed to mask the natural odor of hamsters. Unfortunately, most scented bedding has an overwhelming smell that can irritate a hamster's sensitive nose, potentially leading to respiratory issues. It's best to avoid scented bedding and choose safer alternatives, such as aspen shavings or paper products. If you want better odor control, clean the hamster cage more frequently.

• Pine and Cedar Shavings

Pine and cedar shavings are often marketed as alternatives to aspen shavings. However, these wood shavings are not safe for hamsters. Pine and cedar shavings can be sharp and may cause injury to your hamster. They also have a strong odor that can irritate their respiratory system.

• Cat Litter

Some pet owners mistakenly use cat litter as bedding for hamsters. While cat litter is designed to control odors, it presents several problems for hamsters. First, it isn’t soft enough for your hamster to nest or dig. Your hamster may also decide to eat or stuff cat litter into its cheek pouches, leading to potential blockages or even death.

• Fluffy Bedding

You may come across a type of bedding called "fluffy bedding" while shopping. While it may look appealing, it increases the risk of injury or illness for your hamster. Fluffy bedding is typically made from synthetic fibers that can cause intestinal blockages if ingested. Additionally, your hamster may get stuck in the bedding, which could lead to injury.

 

With so many different types of hamster bedding available, it can be difficult to find the right one for your pet. If you want to provide a safe and comfortable haven for your hamster to play, exercise, and relax, choose bedding that best replicates its natural habitat.