Can Rats Use Cedar Bedding?
Cedar is not recommended for use as a bedding material for rats. It has a high level of toxins that can kill the animals. Rats have a highly compromised immune system, and cedar shavings can be toxic. This can lead to secondary infections, and can make your rat sick.
When purchasing bedding, you want to choose a high-quality, non-scented variety. The type of bedding you choose should not be too expensive. A bedding that has a high price tag may not be the best option for your rat. A higher-quality bedding will give your pet the benefit of a long-lasting environment.
Wood shavings are another popular bedding material for rats. You can buy them at most pet stores, and they are inexpensive. However, wood shavings are dusty and contain chemicals that may cause respiratory problems in rats. It is important to find a bedding that is free of phenols and volatile oils.
Rats that are exposed to phenols will develop a depressed immune system. This can cause a variety of common symptoms of old age. In addition, aged hamsters are often diagnosed with amyloidosis, a condition in which the kidneys are damaged. The cause of amyloidosis is not clear, but it can be due to the exposure of pine or cedar shavings.
Rats can use bedding for many purposes. Ideally, a good rat bedding will absorb urine and keep the cage clean and dry. It should also be odor-controlling. However, be careful with bedding that contains baking soda or cedar shavings. These chemicals are toxic to rats and can cause respiratory and kidney damage.