Best Hamster Litters for 2022

Whatever the breed of the hamster, for its full life the toilet in the cage must be fresh. However, this does not mean that you need to use improvised materials such as paper, hay or sawdust as filler. Modern litters are developed under the supervision of leading veterinarians, so they cannot harm the hamster. They can be used as a full-fledged toilet, or they can be placed under the pet’s usual layer of hay. Fillers have many functions. They not only perfectly absorb liquid and unpleasant odors, but also simplify cleaning the cage, and also make the pet’s living environment rich.

The best representatives of fillers for small pets are presented in the rating. Here you will find products of excellent quality that have a lot of positive reviews. They are absolutely safe for rodents. The products have a budget price, and at the same time they make cell care easier. The main task of the owners is the correct choice of filler. In order to try a new product, it is recommended to purchase a small sample quantity. This way you can understand whether it is suitable for your pet.

How to choose a composition for a rodent cage

When the bedding is chosen well, the pet feels comfortable because its fur is dry and clean. Often, paper, hay or fine sand are used to fill the cages of small pets such as rats, hamsters or guinea pigs. The paper version is bad because it practically does not absorb moisture and unpleasant odors. Sand gets dirty quickly, so it needs to be changed regularly. Rodents love hay not only as a warm bed, but also for lunch.

However, there are modern and no less effective fillers of different types:

Wood pellets do an excellent job of eliminating bad odors and moisture, and are also of natural origin. This option of fillers is popular. There are different sizes of granules; to choose, you need to look at the size of your pet. This composition is suitable for chinchillas, hamsters and rabbits.
Wood sawdust is also a natural filler. They are easy to dispose of by flushing them down the toilet. They are great for small pet rodents such as dwarf hamsters. However, this option has disadvantages. Sawdust often scatters around the cage and gets stuck in the pet's fur. They do not have the highest efficiency in absorbing moisture and odors.
Both owners and rodents like the cellulose version. It does not cause irritation and does not stick to the fur. But it can easily scatter around the room, is ineffective in eliminating unpleasant odors, and is rarely found on store shelves.
The corn composition is suitable for everyone, as it perfectly absorbs moisture and bad odors and is safe for pets. It is ideal for rats, hamsters and mice. However, it has a high price and is rarely found on sale.

The pet's preferences also play a significant role. For example, chinchillas love to take baths in dry sand. Sawdust is also suitable for them. Guinea pigs also like soft wood sawdust, but larger ones. The main thing is that the composition is natural and does not cause an allergic reaction. An important requirement is high absorbency. Cage bedding consisting of cotton wool or pieces of paper is undesirable, as it can cause harm to the animal.

Habitat

The hamster will delight with its presence and will not cause problems for the owners if you make sure that the habitat is completely suitable for the animal.

Caring for a hamster at home is easy if you immediately buy a house for it and equip it with everything you need.

The minimum dimensions are 30x50 cm, height 25 cm. If the cage is larger, the pet will only be happy with it.

Instructions for caring for hamsters include the correct choice of location for the cage:

comfortable room temperature for the animal is from 20 to 24 degrees;
direct sunlight should not fall on the cage;
It is unacceptable to place the animal near heating boilers and radiators;
it is dangerous to place the house in a draft;
noise from TV and other devices should not disturb the pet;
the cage must be positioned so that small children and pets cannot reach it;
the room should be easily ventilated.

When choosing a place for the animal, you need to take into account that younger family members can also care for the hamster. Another feature: the rodent likes to sleep during the day, and at night it becomes active and makes noise.

Hay

A good option for filling a dzhungarika's cage is hay. You can purchase it at a pet store or make it yourself. Rodents like bedding because it is very similar to their natural habitat. However, when purchasing, you should study the composition and take into account the size of the rodent. the cover should not be too hard or dusty. Rodents love to make small nests out of hay and also feast on dry grass.

Vitakraft VITA VERDE meadow with dandelion flowers 0.5 kg

The product contains a large amount of fiber. The hay consists of meadow grasses, dandelion flowers and timothy. In addition, this hay contains very small amounts of calcium. Therefore, this product is considered not only tasty, but also healthy for rodents and other rodents. Hay normalizes the functioning of the digestive system and prevents abrasion of the incisors.

Also in the composition you can find all the minerals, vitamins, useful micro- and macroelements necessary for the development of your pet. Hay helps improve immunity. It consists of specially collected herbs that are gently dried. Therefore, the rodent’s nutrition is balanced and healthy.

However, the main function of hay is to absorb odors and liquids. Characterized by economical consumption.

Vitakraft VITA VERDE meadow with dandelion flowers 0.5 kg

Advantages:

the hay is perfectly compacted;
has a pleasant herbal aroma;
no fragrance;
natural composition;
tight packaging;
optimal price/quality ratio;
It is used sparingly.

Flaws:

dust is occasionally encountered;
Not too much variety of herbs.

My beast is meadow hay

This formulation of natural herbs creates a natural habitat for pet rodents. Unfortunately, it does not absorb moisture and odor as well as other types of litter. But hay allows the rodent to feel comfortable, build nests in the litter and feast on delicious herbs. Pet owners praise this product and leave positive reviews about it.

When purchasing, you should pay attention to the presence of dust. Due to numerous transportations, the bag of hay is subjected to shaking and dust is formed. If its quantity exceeds half the package, it is better to refuse the purchase. However, there are breeds that prefer hay with a large percentage of dust, for example, Dzungarians.

One package contains 20 liters of high-quality meadow hay. This volume lasts a long time. When you open the package, you can smell the smell of fresh grass, because the collection and drying is carried out in accordance with all the rules. This is a plus not only for the rodent itself, but also for its owners: now a pleasant aroma will prevail in the room. The composition does not include herbs and flowers harmful to the pet, as well as thorny stems that can injure the hamster. This material cannot be flushed down the toilet, since hay does not dissolve in water.

My beast is meadow hay

Advantages:

profitable price;
pleasant aroma;
economical packaging;
excellent composition;
no fragrance;
well compressed;
tight package;
does not cause an allergic reaction;
natural product;
creates a comfortable environment.

Flaws:

the volume may be less than stated on the package;
ineffective in absorbing moisture;
Not suitable for all rodents.

Single-story or multi-story: what to choose?

The classic option is a one-story metal cage. It is easy to disassemble, convenient and quick to clean. This design can be additionally equipped with a tunnel or pen: the dwarf will have more room to run.

The second option is a cage of several floors. For such a house there are a number of additional requirements.

Cparks/Pixabay

The distance between floors is from 17 to 25 cm. If the height is more than 30 cm, the level of injury risk increases.

The floor must be solid plastic, since food, bedding and the rodent’s paws will fall through the grate when running

Please note that the cages have height-adjustable tiers.

So which option is better? It is recommended that Djungarian hamsters choose single-story cages with a large area. Individuals love jogging and free space. This is much more interesting for them than climbing or climbing up bars.

Woody

The wood type is compressed sawdust. It is slightly more expensive than regular sawdust, but it pays off with its properties. It copes better with moisture and bad odors, so it does not need to be changed often. Unlike sawdust, it does not stick to rodent fur. Easy to find at a pet store at a budget price.

Sawdust

Sawdust is classified as a universal type of filler. They can easily be found on the shelves of pet stores at an affordable price. They perfectly absorb moisture and eliminate unpleasant odors. It is enough to change them every 3 days. However, this option also has disadvantages. They stick to the hamster's fur, gradually turning into tangles. Some pets may develop an allergy to wood dust.

Sawdust filler

Advantages:

affordable price;
popularity;
rodents love to dig in sawdust;
easy to find.

Flaws:

can cause allergies;
accumulate in wool.

Linen

For hamsters, linen material is also perfect for bedding in a cat cage, since it is intended for pets with sensitive skin on their paws. It is hypoallergenic, does not generate dust, and does not spill outside the cell. The flax composition is an absolutely natural, biodegradable product. It has excellent absorbency and very economical consumption.

flax filler

Advantages:

smells good;
biodegradable product, completely natural;
economical consumption;
hypoallergenic;
high absorbent characteristics;
affordable price;
has antibacterial properties.

Flaws:

not found.

Fiory Woody 14 l

Perfect for decorative rabbits, guinea pigs and other rodents. It is recommended to use it only as bedding. The composition of the product is exclusively natural, thanks to which the pet’s health only improves. Sawdust is obtained from deciduous trees.

One of the main advantages of the product is economical use. One package is enough to care for the cage for several months. Sawdust retains moisture well and relieves the apartment of unpleasant odors. It is recommended to store in a dark and dry place. Do not allow it to be exposed to sunlight. In this case, it will retain its properties until the end of its use.

Fiory Woody 14 l

Advantages:

absence of sharp elements, dust and smell of pine needles;
does not cause an allergic reaction;
nice smell;
perfectly absorbs liquids;
no restrictions on the period of use;
the sawdust is perfectly compressed;
no fragrance;
environmentally friendly composition;
economical consumption.

Flaws:

splinters may occur;
price.

Clean wooden paws for rodents

The composition of granular sawdust is ideal for the hamster's habitat. One package contains 4 liters of small granules. The product perfectly absorbs moisture and unpleasant odors. When liquid gets in, the granules disintegrate into sawdust, but they still do not stick to the paws and fur of the rodent. The composition fully lives up to its name. Owners should take into account the fact that light sawdust can be scattered by active pets.

“Clean paws” are quite successfully combined with hay bedding, as they neutralize its shortcomings. Thanks to the pleasant aroma of pine needles, owners do not have to worry about an unpleasant odor. Sawdust is easy to throw away and can be flushed down the toilet, which makes cleaning the cage much easier. “Clean Paws” are safe for rodents because they do not contain wood chips or elements that can cause allergies. Curious hamsters may chew sawdust, but this will not harm their health. On the contrary, their teeth even improve from chewing natural hard granules.

Clean wooden paws for rodents

Advantages:

does not stick to wool;
completely natural composition;
copes well with moisture and odors;
relatively budget price.

Flaws:

cannot be used on small breed rodents.

Features of choosing bedding for baby rats

The gestation period in rats ranges from 19 to 22 days. The average number of babies in a litter is from 8 to 16. Some sources indicate up to 26. The rat will be capable of the next mating within a couple of hours after the babies are born. Therefore, if you are not a breeder and this is not the rarest breed, then it is better to refuse the decision to reproduce a rat family.

Did you know? These creatures are very smart and can be trained. Thus, giant African rats are trained to detect landmines.

If it so happens that the rat becomes pregnant, then the maternal instinct of the pet provides total care for the offspring, in which the owner’s participation is minimized - providing the female with food and water.

If you have decided which type of filler you intend to choose, then pay attention to a number of important characteristics. The answers to these questions need to be understood regardless of what kind of material you decide to buy.

What to pay attention to:

quantity - the larger the package, the longer it will last;
quality - does it contain any unpleasant chemicals;
cost - the cheaper the cost per unit of filler, the better, provided that the quality does not suffer;
effectiveness - does it really do everything it says on the box?

Here you can learn how to distinguish a mouse from a rat.

Cellulose

Paper cage bedding material is perfect for use as bedding for a hamster's cage, especially in cases where the pet cannot tolerate wood dust. This filler is absolutely safe, although it does not retain moisture and unpleasant odors very well. But paper bedding material almost never appears in pet stores. But each owner can easily make the composition himself using scraps of soft paper.

Carefresh Natural 14 l

Made from natural raw materials. Excellently absorbs moisture and retains unpleasant odors. The great advantage of the product is its ease of disposal. To dispose of used cage bedding material, you can simply flush it down the toilet as the product is biodegradable.

Carefresh Natural contains no pine or cedar resins and is completely dust-free. In this regard, the composition is completely safe for the hamster, ensuring that its habitat is close to natural. Carefresh Natural is in great demand among hamster owners.

Carefresh Natural 14 l filler

Advantages:

contains no essential oils;
masks odors much better than woody ones;
no dust;
harmless to animals and people;
completely natural;
does not conduct static electricity;
does not cause irritation or allergies;
durable packaging;
economically used;
biodegradable product;
does not stick to hands.

Flaws:

high price.

Carefresh Colors Confetti

A cellulose product consisting of soft, multi-colored fibers will delight pets and entertain owners. It combines bright bedding and material for building a rodent nest. The hamster happily digs a hole in it or drags bedding material into the house and makes a bed. Carefresh Colors Confetti is completely harmless, does not contain any resins or dust, as well as other ingredients harmful to hamsters. Suitable for even the pickiest or most sensitive hamsters as it is hypoallergenic. Biodegradable material can be easily and safely flushed down the toilet.

The package contains 10 liters of multi-colored filler, which has excellent characteristics: each colored piece absorbs liquids three times its own weight and masks odors well. There is no need to be afraid that the hamster may be poisoned or stained, since the paint on the filler does not come off when wet. Consumers praise the product and note in reviews that it looks smart and does its job well.

Carefresh Colors Confetti filler

Advantages:

hypoallergenic;
absolutely harmless;
affordable price;
environmental friendliness.

Flaws:

difficult to find in stores;
Compared to wood fillers, it retains moisture and odors worse.

What else is needed for a hamster to be completely happy?

In addition to the mandatory attributes of the cage, you also need some little things that will allow the hamster to feel cheerful and healthy. A container with sand or a special closed bath for rodents. This is necessary because hamsters cannot be washed with water. They bathe in fine, clean sand. This sand can be bought at a pet store and poured into a special bathing suit or just a deep bowl. Hamsters enjoy wallowing in the sand, and you will immediately notice an improvement in the condition of your pet's coat.

Sand bath

Hamsters love it when branches of various edible trees, for example, apple trees, are placed in their cage. This is a source of vitamins for your pet and an opportunity to sharpen your teeth.

Hamsters love to chew on branches

A special treat for hamsters will be an excellent gift for your pet. As a rule, it is a stick covered with various goodies: grains, dried fruits, grass, etc. But there are also treats of other shapes, for example, in the form of a pipe. Treats are hung with special mounts that come with the kit, either from the ceiling or from the wall of the cage.

Treats for the hamster on the wall of the cage

Corn

Corn cage bedding material has proven to be the best and most environmentally friendly product available for rodents. It is made from the core of a corn cob and is completely harmless to a hamster, even if he tries it on his teeth. Hypoallergenic, does not scratch sensitive skin in the area of the cheek pouches. Excellent handling of moisture and odor. The small fraction of corn filler is very popular with hamsters, who dig into it with pleasure. It lasts approximately 9-10 days.

Fiory Maislitter 5 l

Composition suitable for hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and other rodents. Can even be used on cats and ferrets. The main advantage of the filler is its environmental friendliness, since the product is made from real corn. The soft and dry bedding created by cage bedding material is liked by pets and has a beneficial effect on their health.

The absorbent components included in the Fiory Maislitter corn filler effectively block unpleasant odors. The product is absolutely safe for the health of the hamster: even if he accidentally eats a little filler, this will not affect the health of the pet. It is advisable to store in a dark, dry place. If storage conditions are met, the shelf life of the product is quite long.

Fiory Maislitter 5 l

Advantages:

no fragrance or unpleasant odor;
the product does not stick to your hands and is not electrified;
used segments change color;
safe to eat;
hypoallergenic;
completely natural.

Flaws:

high product consumption;
very fine fraction;
poor moisture absorption;
the packaging is very inconvenient;
high price.

Padovan Sanipet Profumato

Padovan Sanipet Profumato is considered the recognized leader of the rating. It is perfect for bedding for a Djungarian or Syrian hamster, as it fulfills its purpose almost perfectly - it eliminates unpleasant odors and perfectly absorbs moisture. The filler fraction is quite fine, but it is not necessary to change it often, since the litter lasts for 7-10 days. Veterinarians agree with rodent owners that this type of filler is absolutely safe for pets and does not cause allergies.

The citrus smell of the litter does not irritate the hamster, and the owner is only glad that the smell from the cage is so pleasant. So Padovan Sanipet Profumato is not only easy to use and hygienic. The product’s ability to absorb moisture and retain unpleasant odor was highly appreciated even by owners of rats, whose odor is much worse than that of a hamster. Does not stick to the hamster's fur and paws, so it has a neater appearance. There is only one drawback of this filler - the high price. 10 liters will cost the hamster owner more than many products for rodents.

Padovan Sanipet Profumato

Advantages:

hypoallergenic;
the product is environmentally friendly;
high absorbency;
economical consumption: changes every 7-10 days.

Flaws:

high cost;
extremely difficult to find in stores;
natural premium.

Why does a hamster bite

Hamsters, including domestic ones, are primarily rodents. It is in the hamster's genes to bite any object that catches its eye. But why does your beloved pet, who has been living with you for many months and is accustomed to your hands, bite? Below we have described the most likely and common causes of bites:

Hamster teeth grow quickly and need to be ground down using twigs, roots or mineral stone.

In the absence of this, the animal gnaws on everything, including the owner’s hands. You are picking up the hamster incorrectly - it is preferable to place your hand so that the pet can climb on it, or take it from the side, if you take the rodent from above, it will get scared and may bite. Your hands smell like food - be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling your pet. The rodent studies the surrounding space, testing everything to its teeth - in this case, the main thing is not to scare the pet with your scream and switch its attention to another object. The animal is experiencing stress (for example, a change of place of residence) - if possible, eliminate the causes of stress; if this is a move, do not touch the hamster for several days, avoiding cleaning the cage. Pregnant and lactating females may show aggression instinctively in order to protect the offspring - this will pass when the young grow up. During this period, you should not try to pick up the animal.

You can train your hamster to stop biting at home in several stages.

Use of treats. We take nuts or seeds in our hands and smoothly insert our hand into the cage. The hamster will smell the food and move closer to your hand. At first, we leave the treats in the feeder while the animal gets used to the sight of the hand and the smell.
When the pet becomes bolder, we wait for him to try to climb onto your hand with a treat. For some time you will need to let him stomp on your palm and eat the treat.
When this stage has been passed, you can lightly stroke the animal’s back. But under no circumstances touch your head.
After getting used to all of the above actions, you can try to pull the hamster sitting in the palm of your hand out of the cage and pick it up.

It is important to do everything slowly and carefully, with a lot of patience. Always approach the cage in such a way that the rodent can see you

Attempts to take him from behind will lead to aggression and repeated bites.

Second weaning method

There is another way. Using a scoop or similar object, you need to remove the hamster from the cage and place it on the bed or floor - any flat surface. First, let the animal walk around on its own so that it can sniff everything and feel safe.

Note! Before releasing the rodent from the cage, prepare an area for it in advance, fence it off on all sides so that the hamster does not escape. Finding and catching a rodent in an apartment is quite difficult! After a while, block the rodent's path with the back of your hand

The outer part of the palm will look more like a regular barrier, while the inner side will frighten the animal. A rodent may associate splayed fingers with the fangs of a predator - this is an instinctive reaction

After a while, block the rodent's path with the back of your hand. The outer part of the palm will look more like a regular barrier, while the inner side will frighten the animal. A rodent may associate splayed fingers with the fangs of a predator - this is an instinctive reaction.

Once the hamster decides to bite you, blow on it slowly and evenly. He won't like air directed at his muzzle. After this, move the rodent back to the cage and repeat the lesson the next day. After a few days of training, the pet will develop a reflex: an attempt to bite the owner’s hand causes an unpleasant wind. Then the animal will understand that it is better not to bite.

Both methods may not bear fruit immediately. And you need to choose an approach to a specific animal.

For cats

Natural cat material that does not contain dyes or additives is also suitable for bedding in a hamster cage. For example, a hamster will be comfortable in a cage with wood filling, which perfectly retains moisture and odors, while silicate or mineral varieties can harm the health of your beloved pets.

Advantages:

easy to purchase;
low price;
good absorbent properties.

Flaws:

must be completely natural.

Insidious cotton wool

It would be logical to assume that cotton wool made from natural material - cotton - is the safest bedding. What could be better than the softest, warmest and airiest cloud in which your pet will sweetly fall asleep?

Cotton wool can kill a pet. Unfortunately, from a safety point of view, keeping cotton wool in the house exposes your pet to mortal danger. Externally fragile cotton wool has strong enough fibers that a hamster can catch on with its paw and pull blood vessels, which will lead to tissue death and loss of a limb. In addition, although cotton wool absorbs liquid, it does not retain it at all and spreads the smell of urine.

Premium class

Premium Pet Japan Toyota Silica Gel

Rarely found on sale premium silica gel composition of high quality. Due to the high price, it is designed for wealthy owners of rodents and is available in different versions. This is a bulk composition in a 3-liter package or one 45x56 cm plate. The price of both varieties is equally high, which is explained by a long period of use and excellent quality. Among other things, the composition contains antibacterial components that have a positive effect on the health of the Djungarian or Syrian hamster.

Since the composition copes with its tasks perfectly, there is practically no smell from hamsters. If a rodent decides to dine on silica gel, nothing irreparable will happen, since silica gel is completely harmless. Of course, such a situation is unlikely, since the filler contains a component that tastes unpleasant to the hamster. Silica gel has a long service life, so if used correctly, it does not need to be changed within a month. But it’s better not to keep it for so long and change the bedding more often - it’s healthier for the hamster.

Premium Pet Japan Toyota Silica Gel

Advantages:

high quality;
There is a component that tastes unpleasant to a hamster.

Flaws:

not found.

What can you put in a hamsters cage using scrap materials?

There are times when you don’t have the usual product at hand, but there is a need to clean the cage and line it with clean filler. In this case, you can resort to temporary measures and lay the animal with the materials that are available at the moment.

Newspaper

As a short-term remedy, newspaper is almost ideal, since it is always at hand.
But this is where its advantages end, and negative factors can be highlighted in a separate list:

poor absorption - the animal will be in constant humidity;
sharp edges - danger of cuts to the muzzle, lips, tongue, gums;
constant unpleasant odor - newspapers need to be changed daily;
Possibility of poisoning - hamsters sharpen their teeth, eat or stuff their cheeks with bedding material.

Why do pets need bedding?

Cage bedding material, which is made from a variety of raw materials, is used to retain moisture and odors, that is, as a sorbent. Pets come from different species that have different bedding needs. Based on this, the necessary method of using the filler is selected:

For small cats and dogs, it is normal to relieve themselves in a tray, which is placed somewhere in the far corner. There they can, following their instincts, mask the smell of excrement by burying it. It is the preferences of a particular pet that have a strong influence on the choice of manufacturer and type of litter. The more comfortable the animal feels, the calmer the owner is.
Small rodents, such as rats, hamsters or guinea pigs, love to constantly rummage through litter and use it for various purposes. The main purpose of the litter is to use it as a sorbent, i.e. it serves as a toilet. In addition, rodents love to chew on bedding, especially if it is made of corn or sawdust. And, naturally, part of the bedding will be used by the hamster to create and arrange a nest.
For greater comfort, bedding material is even placed in cages with feathered pets. Birds love to sort through the litter, throw it and dig in it. But they spend a little time at the bottom of the cage, mostly sitting on perches. Therefore, the composition is not so important for them compared to hamsters.

Very high demands are placed on filler materials. It should be hypoallergenic, have antiseptic properties and be easy to clean. The price of the filler is an important criterion, since the consumption is very high.

Let's sum it up

Now you know which litter is best for hamsters and you can choose the right option for your pet with good value for money. We hope you have decided what sawdust is needed for hamsters specifically in your case. Theoretically, you can do without the filler, but with it the hamster is warmer, more comfortable, and it is more convenient for the owner to clean the cage. You need to choose pine sawdust with caution; it is acceptable to use pine sawdust, but cedar sawdust is not recommended. You cannot use sawdust from the factory, even from fruit trees, since before production the wood is treated with special compounds against pests.

Beginner hamster breeders are interested in the question of how much filler to lay. It is recommended in one layer, so that the bedding covers the bottom.

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Housing needs

Despite their small size, hamsters need a spacious cage. In nature, these animals are always on the move. If they are placed in a cramped and empty confined space, they will soon get sick and die.

The cage should have several tiers, with small bars and a shelter. We should not forget that hamsters live in burrows, so they need to hide. They also have nerves and psyche. Without shelter there will be no feeling of safety, and even hamsters cannot live in constant fear.

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