I just got a pet Rat. I am allergic to the pine/cedar type bedding. I am thinking I might try clay cat litter. Any suggestions? I am afraid that little Gilda with eat the clay. She is a cute little thing.
I have heard this as well..I have had several hamsters over the years and have always used shredded newspaper and paper towels...Very easy just tear it into strips..It's cheap, easy to clean and if you put it in a plastic bag and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda then shake it up it will as be deodorized...The little critters love it because they can burrow throw it and use it to build little nests.Originally Posted by Arlyn
You should never use cedar or pine anyway, the oils that hide the odors will actually destroy the lungs of small animals.
I used carefresh bedding and gave them fleece blanket pieces (rat sized) to cozy up into.
That's interesting; I have used pine (never Cedar, as it can burn their little paws, when wet), for as long as I have owned little rodents, and I have had rats live well into their 7th and 8th years...I had a mouse that lived 8 years...he was my first mouse, too. My two gerbils, that I have now, are over 2 years old...Originally Posted by Arlyn
You should never use cedar or pine anyway, the oils that hide the odors will actually destroy the lungs of small animals.
I used carefresh bedding and gave them fleece blanket pieces (rat sized) to cozy up into.
That would be carefresh.tried this 'cotton type' stuff earlier this year,
Thank you Punky. That was helpful. I am using feline pine right now. I am so glad I asked about the clay. Does not solve my pine allergy problem, but Lots of good smart advice. Sorry to say that she is an only rat, I do spend my time alone with her all day. Her and my Kitty while the husband is at work. Good thing is that my cat is older and seems to have lost her hunting instincts. We seem to be a happy family. As others have mentioned I would never leave them alone unsupervised any way.Originally Posted by Punkygirl0101
I do rodent rescue (mainly deal with rats) and have been involved with many rat rescues. And am a rodent enthusiast.
Please do NOT use pine or cedar bedding. They ARE bad for ALL small animals.
Also, NEVER use clay cat litter. It is FAR too dusty for rats, and any other rodent. They have very delicate respiratory systems.
The only safe shavings are aspen (I use that). You can also use feline pine and yesterdays news. Don't use newspaper, doesn't hold odors at all and is messy!!
For my rats cage (They have a really large ferret cage) I line the shelves with fleece, and then they have their litter boxes with aspen. Its very easy to litter train rats, but you CANNOT use cat litter!!
And I wanted to mention, rats are EXTREMELY social animals and its not fair for them to live alone. They THRIVE off of rat companionship. And even if you could spend the entire day with your rat, its still unfair for them to live alone.
That would be carefresh.