Safe bedding for pet rats

Bedding matters more for rats than for many pets, because their airways are easily irritated. Here's what to use, what to avoid, and how to keep the air in the cage clean.

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What do the RSPCA and PDSA recommend?

The PDSA suggests lining the cage floor with a paper-based rat bedding or a fleece liner that can be washed regularly, and says never to use cedar or pine woodchips or newspaper. The RSPCA recommends non-aspen wood chips, cellulose-based chips or shredded filter paper, and advises against dusty materials such as sawdust and any bedding made of aspen.

For nesting, the RSPCA suggests white tissue paper, hay, shredded paper and paper strips. Both charities warn against cotton wool and similar fluffy products: the PDSA notes that it can wrap around tiny toes and cause gut blockages if eaten.

How often should you clean a rat cage?

Check the cage every day and remove droppings, soiled bedding and uneaten food. Once a week, do a full clean — the PDSA suggests scrubbing the cage with a pet-safe cleaner. The RSPCA advises against cleaning in the middle of the day while your rats are asleep, and suggests leaving a handful of clean, unsoiled nesting material behind.

Rats prefer to keep their toilet area apart from where they sleep and eat, so most of the daily mess collects in one or two corners. Clearing those every day keeps the ammonia smell down between full cleans.

What if my rat is sneezing or wheezing?

The PDSA lists runny eyes, a runny nose, a head tilt, difficulty breathing, snuffling, wheezing and weight loss as signs of respiratory disease in rats, and says viruses, bacteria, diet and housing can all contribute. If you notice any of them, take your rat to a vet as soon as possible — respiratory infections can get worse quickly. A low-dust bedding helps, but it doesn't replace treatment.