Cages and Accessories
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Small Pet Cages: Housing & Accessories
A well-equipped small pet cage provides comfort and enrichment for your furry companion. Multi-level enclosures, spacious hutches, and modular habitats allow for movement and play. Adding exercise wheels, tunnels, and chew toys encourages activity and prevents boredom.
Essential small pet accessories include water bottles, food bowls, and hideouts for security and hydration. Proper bedding options like paper-based litter or fleece liners help absorb moisture and control odours. Choosing the right small pet habitat ensures a safe and stimulating environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cages & Accessories for Small Pets
What size cage does my small pet need?
The ideal cage size depends on the species, but as a general rule, bigger is always better. Small pets need ample space to move, stretch, and express natural behaviours. Recommended minimums include:
Rabbits & Guinea Pigs – Large enclosures with space for exercise such as a play pen
Rats & Mice – Multi-level, well-ventilated wire cages with climbing areas.
Ferrets – Tall, spacious enclosures with ramps and hammocks.
Where possible, provide free-roaming time or an attached playpen for added exercise and enrichment.
What type of bedding is best for small pets?
Choose safe, absorbent bedding to keep your pet’s enclosure clean and comfortable. Recommended options include:
Paper-based bedding – Soft, dust-free, and highly absorbent eg recycled paper litter.
Hemp bedding – Generallly safe for small animals, absorbent with good odour control.
Aspen bedding - low dust and good odour control, allows natural behaviours like burrowing (avoid pine and cedar).
Straw – A goof option for guinea pigs and rabbits that promotes natural behaviours like digging and burrowing
Fleece bedding - Soft and comfortable, gentle on delicate paws, requires regular washing to keep clean.
Avoid clay-based cat litter, scented bedding, most wood shavings and sawdust, which can cause respiratory issues.
How often should I clean my small pet’s cage?
Regular cleaning is essential to maintain hygiene and prevent odours.
- Spot clean daily – Remove soiled bedding, uneaten food, and droppings.
- Deep clean weekly – Replace bedding, scrub surfaces, and disinfect water bottles and food bowls.
- Litter-trained pets (e.g., rabbits, ferrets) may require less frequent full cleanouts.
- Always use pet-safe disinfectants to avoid exposing your pet to harmful chemicals.
What accessories should I add to my pet’s enclosure?
A well-equipped cage should include:
A hideout or shelter – Provides security and a place to rest. Ferrets and rats often enjoy hammocks whereas guinea pigs and rabbits like igloo-type hideouts.
Food and water bowls and/or bottles – Heavy or attachable to prevent spills.
Tunnels, platforms, and climbing areas – For mental and physical stimulation.
Chew toys made from wood or natural materials can be beneficial for dental health in rabbits, guinea pigs, and small rodents.
For active pets like ferrets, rats, and mice, include hammocks, ropes, and exercise wheels.
How can I make my pet’s cage more enriching?
Enrichment is key to keeping small pets happy and engaged. Try:
- Rotating toys and accessories to prevent boredom.
- Providing tunnels, digging boxes, or shredded paper for burrowing.
- Providing hides to allow a sense of safety and security
- Hiding food and treats to encourage natural foraging behaviours.
- Offering safe chew items to support dental health.
Housing them with a companion animal is highly recommended.