Ferrets are lively and playful pets known for their curious nature and mischievous antics. As responsible ferret owners, providing them with a comfortable and safe living environment that meets their unique needs is crucial. Choosing the right bedding and substrate is of utmost importance among the various considerations for their well-being.
Selecting suitable bedding and substrate for your ferret’s habitat entails understanding their natural behaviors, comfort requirements, and potential health concerns.
This introduction will explore the key factors to consider when choosing the best bedding and substrate options for your ferrets, ensuring they enjoy a healthy and enriched living space.
In this article, I have added six of the best ferret bedding available today.
Six Best Ferret Bedding – My Top Picks
| Top Products | Litter and Bedding Type | Top Features |
|---|---|---|
| #1. Carefresh Small Animal Bedding, Natural | Paper | Natural and eco-friendly |
| #2. Kaytee Clean & Cozy Small Animal Bedding | Paper | Ultra-soft and comfortable |
| #3. Vitakraft Fresh World Ultra Strength Small Animal Bedding | Paper | Super absorbency with ultra-strength and durability |
| #4. Kaytee Clean & Cozy Extreme Odor Control Small Animal Bedding | Paper | Extreme odor control |
| #5. Small Pet Select Premium Paper Small Animal Bedding | Paper | Dust-free and hypoallergenic |
| #6. Kaytee Aspen Small Animal Bedding | Aspen, wood | Easy to clean with excellent odor control |
#1. Carefresh Small Animal Bedding, Natural
- Made from natural, reclaimed paper
- Minimizes risk of respiratory issues and allergies
- Easy to clean
- Soft and comfortable for your pet
This amazing bedding by Carefresh is literally a Godsend. I mean, I cannot stop raving about it. The product is paper-based, which is actually the safest kind of bedding for your ferret. It is completely dust-free, so you do not need to worry about your ferret getting sick.
The Carefresh Complete Pet Bedding has great absorbing properties and is great at controlling odor.
The best thing:
This product is ridiculously soft and really comfortable for your little fuzzy ferret buddy. It is super easy to clean, and you do not have to clean your ferret cage every day. It is available in different sizes, and you can buy 10 liters, 14 liters, 23 liters, 30 liters, 50 liters, or 60 liters. Depends on how many ferrets you have.
2. Kaytee Clean & Cozy Small Animal Bedding
- Highly absorbent with odor-control properties
- Dust-free bedding prevents allergies
- Easy to clean
- Environmentally-friendly
Kaytee Pet Products are known for their high quality, and well this animal bedding is no different.
The Clean and Cozy Bedding has great odor control properties and has a negligible amount of dust. It is really absorbent and can absorb two times more liquids than normal wood shavings.
The best thing about this product is that it is made up of soft granules that will make your ferret very comfortable in its cage. This product is available in different sizes, 12.3 liters, 24.6 liters, 49.2 liters, and 85 liters.
This amazing bedding by Kaytee is definitely one of the best ferret bedding on the market today. You can also use this bedding for other small animals, such as guinea pigs, rats, and hamsters.
The product is safe for all small animals. All you need to do is fluff the product with your hands, and it turns into a cloud. The white color of the bedding makes it easy to spot the more soiled areas.
3. Vitakraft Fresh World Ultra Strength Small Animal Bedding
- Guarantees superior odor control
- Long-lasting performance
- Exceptional absorbency
- Soft and comfortable for your pet
This is another amazing product that is made up of 100 percent recycled paper.
So this fantastic bedding is not just safe for your ferret but also eco-friendly. This product from Vitakraft has everything that you need in good ferret bedding. It has a negligible amount of dust, is non-toxic, is super easy to clean, and is unbleached.
This ferret bedding contains an odor-blocking formula that ensures that your ferret’s cage smells fresh for up to two weeks. The granules in this ferret bedding are extremely soft and absorb about three times their weight in liquid.
The product is available in two different sizes. You can buy the 975 inches one, or if you are looking for something larger, then the 2130 cubic inch will suffice. In a time where it is nearly impossible to find bedding that won’t make your ferret sick, this product is defiantly a miracle worker.
4. Kaytee Clean & Cozy Extreme Odor Control Small Animal Bedding
- Reduces risk of bacterial growth
- Safe for animals with sensitive respiratory system
- Provides a cozy and comfortable surface
- Extreme odor control
This is another incredible bedding by Kaytee.
The best thing about this bedding is that you can also use it for other animals excluding ferrets such as gerbils, Syrian hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas, Rabbits, Rats, and Dwarf hamsters.
This product is about two times more absorbent than wood shavings and is ideal for ferrets. It has a negligible amount of dust, and its odor-control properties are impressive. You do not have to change the bedding for up to two weeks.
The Kaytee Extreme Odor Control Bedding is available in two different sizes, 40 liters and 65 liters. This product is designed to neutralize the pungent ammonia orders, which will help keep your ferret’s cage smelling fresh.
No one likes to sleep in a stinky bed, and nor does your ferret. The product is made up of small granules of wood.
5. Small Pet Select Premium Paper Small Animal Bedding
- Made of 100% natural paper fibers
- Reduces risk of bacterial growth and odor
- Neutralizes unpleasant smell
- Easy to clean
Small pet select is a great company with amazing products, and this natural paper bedding is no different.
The best thing:
The bedding is not just good for ferrets, but it’s great for rabbits and guinea pigs as well. The product is made up of all organic materials and does not include any kind of artificial additives or harmful chemicals.
The small granules of natural paper bedding are very soft and comfortable for ferrets. This product is made up of paper, as the name suggests, which means that it’s completely safe to use and does not have any side effects. It is made from pure unbleached printed paper.
This ferret bedding absorbs three times more liquids as compared to its package size. This product is available in two different sizes, 56 liters, and 178 liters.
6. Kaytee Aspen Small Animal Bedding
- Natural and sustainable
- Suitable for a variety of purposes
- Safe and non-toxic
- Superior absorbency
Seems like Kaytee makes the best bedding for ferrets.
My product list is full of Kaytee products, but you can’t really blame me. The quality of Kaytee’s bedding is just amazing. This product by Kaytee is all-natural and only contains organic materials. It has no artificial additives or fragrances added to it.
The product has no aromatic oils or inks. You can buy this hardwood bedding in 4 different sizes, four cu ft., 8 cu ft., 1200 cu in, and 3200 cu in. You can also use this bedding to layer the bottom of the cages of other small animals, such as rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits.
The aspen shavings in the product are specifically processed to remove excess dust and wood debris found in other kinds of bedding.
Aspen bedding is biodegradable and can be easily disposed of. The Aspen bedding is much easier than paper bedding to spread as well as clean up.
A Buyer’s Guide
Ferrets have claws, and they do not shy away from using them. The bedding of ferrets should be durable so that it is not damaged when ferrets dig into it using their claws.
They do this in order to locate the perfect spot. The bedding of ferrets needs also to be soft because they love to snuggle up in soft material. If they do not find the material soft enough, they will find another place to sleep, which will probably be your sock drawer. The most popular and common type of bedding material for ferrets among ferret owners is a fleece.
Fleece is not only very soft but also very affordable and cheap. It is also very durable, so it has all the characteristics of amazing bedding for ferrets. Most of the ferret bedding throughout the world is made up of fleece.
When buying bedding for your ferret, several factors should be considered to ensure their comfort, health, and overall well-being. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
- Comfort: Ferrets spend a significant amount of time in their bedding, so prioritize their comfort. Look for bedding that is soft, cozy, and replicates their natural burrowing behavior.
- Absorbency: Ferrets are prone to accidents and can have strong odors. Choose bedding with excellent absorbency to effectively manage moisture and control odors, keeping their living space clean and fresh.
- Dust-Free: Ferrets have sensitive respiratory systems. Opt for bedding that is low in dust to minimize the risk of respiratory issues and allergies.
- Allergen-Free: Some bedding materials may cause allergies or skin irritations in ferrets. Consider hypoallergenic options to ensure the bedding is gentle on their skin and doesn’t trigger any allergic reactions.
- Safety: Avoid bedding materials that may pose a choking hazard or be harmful if ingested. Stay away from cedar or pine shavings, as they can emit aromatic oils that are toxic to ferrets.
Why Do You Need Good Bedding for Your Ferret?
It’s very important to provide your ferret with good bedding.
- They need a soft place to rest and sleep.
- It will provide them with comfort and warmth.
- It absorbs urine and helps keep the ferret cage clean for a longer period.
- Wool blankets or polar fleece are recommended for bedding, especially when it comes to kits (baby ferrets).
- Ferrets need a place where they can remain free from diseases and feel secure and safe.
- Investment in good ferret bedding will help you save money that you will need later if your ferret gets sick from poor cage conditions.
Types of Ferret Cage Bedding
Here are the different types of ferret cage bedding you can consider:
Wood Shavings Ferret Bedding
Wood shavings are actually the most common type of bedding material used by ferret owners over the years.
Today, the case is a little different.
Ferret owners nowadays are much more conscious about their little fuzzy friends and what is better for them.
Beware!
Not all kind of wood shavings is safe for your ferret. For example, wood shavings of Cedar contain oils that make your ferrets really sick. It may suit other small animals, but for ferrets, it’s a BIG NO!
Some ferret owners favor Aspen as it is budget-friendly. It might become a problem if your ferret needs a trimming.
Wood particles can cause the hair of your ferret to get matted, which can cause pain in the crotch area. So wood shavings are something you should definitely avoid.
Wood shavings do not absorb urine and water. It becomes really challenging to keep the ferret cage clean as you have to replace their bedding again and again. Ferrets are just like your children, and you don’t want your kid sleeping in a bed that smells like feces.
Pine Shaving and Cedar Chips as Ferret Bedding
Pine shavings and cedar are actually two of the most common ferret bedding materials out there. Recently, there have been some concerns among ferret owners regarding the safety of these materials.
Are pine shavings and cedar really toxic for ferrets?
Concerns about Pine Shavings and Cedar Chips
The only reason that pine shavings and cedar ships are popular among ferret owners is that they have great odor-absorbent properties.
They also possess insecticidal properties that help them repel insects and bugs, and even lice. Softwood shavings include aromatic hydrocarbon phenols, which make them smell good.
Unfortunately, these two materials have a rather drastic effect on the sensitive respiratory system of ferrets. They cause problems such as allergic response, inflammation as well as asthma, or even changes in the liver.
Effect of Pine Shavings and Cedar Chips on Ferrets
Many studies have been conducted by experts to test the effect of wood shavings on ferrets. Studies showed that ferrets that were housed on wood shaving showcased dramatic changes in their liver enzymes.
This effect was seen on lab animals, so the consequences of wood shavings on pets are not very evident. It’s best to avoid ferret bedding made up of cedar chips and pine shavings.
Pine shavings, as discussed before release, volatile compounds, so materials such as kiln-dried pine that do not release any such compounds are safe for ferret use. Pine shavings and cedar chips have also been linked to skin irritation in ferrets. They cause allergies as well as itching.
Paper Ferret Bedding
When it comes to paper products, they are much more expensive compared to wood shavings. You might need to spend some dough to protect your ferret.
Paper-based ferret products are the best. But, you need to be careful while picking out a paper product as they all differ in quality.
Not all paper products are a great choice for your ferrets. Some of them have a rough texture that might do more harm than good. And some paper products are not that great at absorbing urine, and they smell extremely bad.
When picking out paper-based products, make sure that the paper bedding is dust free and does not cause any allergic reactions.
It is too dusty, it will cause respiratory issues, and is awful for your poor little fuzzy ferret. Cleaning such bedding will also be very tricky. Still, paper bedding is actually the safest ferret bedding that you can bet on.
Paper-based products come in all different sizes and colors so do not let such differences confuse you, as they are more or less all the same.
The packaging of paper bedding is rather tight, so even though it might seem like a small package, trust me, it’s good enough, as it will most probably expand when you will take it out and place in it the cage of your ferret.
Paper bedding absorbs all sorts of water contents, such as urine, plus it is also very easy to clean. It all really depends on the quality of your paper-based ferret bedding. Ferret paper beddings are also much more safe and comfortable as compared to wood shavings. While buying your ferret’s bedding, you should defiantly go for the paper-based one.
How to Convert Recycled Newspaper into Ferret Bedding?
Things Needed
- Shredded Newspaper
- Pair of scissors
- Large resealable container
What to do?
- Lay down your old newspaper on a flat horizontal surface.
- Open the pages of the Newspaper and then stack them on top of each other.
- Get some sharp scissors and begin to cut.
- Cut the newspaper stack in half and then rotate all the sections.
- Each strip should be about half an inch long.
- Keep on cutting several stacks of paper to create a large amount of bedding for your ferret.
- Pick up the newspaper cutting and place them inside the cage of your ferret.
- Store the leftover newspaper cuttings in a container.
- Monitor your ferret’s behavior for the first few days, to see whether it ingests the cuttings or not.
Why Use Newspaper Cuttings for Ferrets?
Newspaper bedding is safe for ferrets. It does not produce any dust that could otherwise affect the respiratory system of the ferrets.
It is Eco-friendly as you are recycling it multiple times, and this type of bedding is also readily available. Newspapers, on the other hand, are printed using ink that might be toxic for ferrets.
The ink loses its threat once it has dried. To be on the safe side, I would advise you to look for newspapers that are printed with soybean-based ink. Just look for the soy ink symbol outside as well as inside the newspaper.
Fleece Ferret Bedding
Fleece is another great option for ferret bedding.
It is not the most popular material out there, but the ferret owners that do use it, cannot stop raving about it.
Fleece is a very soft and comfortable material that your ferret will love sleeping in as much as you love yours. If this kind of bedding has a thick under-layer and is properly treated, it works as a fantastic absorbent.
You can reuse fleece, and it is much cheaper as compared to sawdust. Fleece is a great option in the long run. You can put two layers of towels as well as two layers of fleece underneath your ferret.
Sawdust Ferret Bedding
Sawdust is very cheap and a rather popular choice among ferret owners.
Unfortunately, it is ridiculously messy once it gets wet, and then you have to change it. And ferrets are really active animals, and they run around the house. When you have sawdust in your ferret’s cage, it does not stay there.
The ferrets will carry it everywhere, and you will find the sawdust in every corner of your house. This might be the cheapest option but the messiest one.
Cage Liners Ferret Bedding
Cage liners are fleece, but they are sewn between two layers.
The best thing:
You will not need anything else with it.
It is reusable; you can throw it into the washing machine whenever it gets dirty. The only concerning thing about cage liners is that they are a bit pricier and much more expensive than fleece.
But the good thing is that they are easy to handle and long-lasting. Another problem with cage liners is that everything sticks to them.
Cloth Ferret Bedding
Similar to fleece and paper bedding, the cloth can also serve as a budget-friendly, practical as well as affordable type of homemade ferret bedding. You can use fleece/cotton, cotton cloth, or towels available in your house.
- Cotton is very absorbent, and ferrets love it as it is very comfortable.
- This type of bedding is very cheap and is already available in your home.
- The only problem with using cotton is cleaning.
- You need to remove the solid waste by hand, and daily maintenance is required.
However, it is important to remember that it does not have any odor-control properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my ferret’s bedding?
The frequency of bedding changes depends on your ferret’s habits and the bedding used. Generally, it is recommended to clean and change the bedding at least once a week or more frequently if it becomes soiled or emits strong odors.
Can I use cat litter as bedding for my ferret?
No, cat litter should not be used as bedding for ferrets. Ferrets have a tendency to dig and may ingest cat litter, which can cause blockages or digestive issues. Additionally, certain types of cat litter can be dusty or contain chemicals that are harmful to ferrets. It’s best to use bedding specifically designed for ferrets or recommended alternatives.
Are wood shavings safe for ferrets?
Not all wood shavings are safe for ferrets. Cedar and pine shavings should be avoided as they can release aromatic oils and chemicals that can be harmful to ferrets’ respiratory systems. If you choose to use wood shavings, make sure they are kiln-dried, untreated, and specifically marketed as safe for small animals.
