Can You Use Fleece Bedding For Rats?
Fleece is a popular material for rat bedding. Not only is it soft, cozy, and attractive, it is also inexpensive. In addition to being comfortable for your rat, fleece also reduces dust. Aspen and pine shavings contain a lot of dust, which can irritate a rat’s respiratory system. Another advantage of using fleece for bedding is that it can be reused, which means it can be a great option for a rat’s cage.
Fleece is water repellant and moisture-wicking, which means that it wicks away liquid from water bottles. It also absorbs urine, so it’s important to use a layer of absorbent material to absorb this liquid. Otherwise, the ammonia smell that is emitted can cause respiratory problems in rats and may harm humans.
Paper is also a good bedding material for rats, but you should be careful with it. Rats are sensitive to dust and must not be exposed to ink. Also, paper should be unscented. Also, avoid using recycled newspaper, as the ink can be toxic to rats. Moreover, rats like to lie in hammocks, so you may want to provide them with one. These can be purchased at most pet stores or bought online. Alternatively, you can make your own hammocks out of fleece.
Rats are known to prefer softer materials for nests, so cotton wool type materials sold at pet stores may not be suitable. They may become tangled in the bedding, so it’s better to use homemade cotton wool-type materials. Another alternative is to use plain white toilet paper or kitchen paper, cut into strips. Don’t use scented or colored paper, as these can cause respiratory problems, which could lead to fatal infections.