Can You Use Newspaper For Rats' Bedding?

If you have a rat, you may wonder if you can use newspaper for rat bedding. The answer is yes, but there are some precautions you should take. First, make sure to use old newspaper. The ink in new paper may discolor your rat’s fur. Second, avoid glossy papers. And remember that some types of ink are toxic to rats.

Newspaper comes in many types, but the best kind for bedding is paper that is soft and easy to tear. The paper should be shredded along its grain. You can also shred newspaper, but be careful not to use ink-stained paper. Another option for bedding is used envelopes, which are free of gummed strips or plastic windows. You can also use cardboard pieces.

Shredded newspaper is also a good bedding for rats, but be careful with it because it tends to become soggy and mushy when wet. If possible, avoid using newspapers that are printed with color because the ink will discolor the fur of light colored rats. In addition, shredded paper may be too absorbent for your rat’s bedding, so you should use straw or paper pellets instead.

Besides newspaper, you can also use other wood pulp products for bedding. These products are commonly used for bedding by rats and mice. They do not smell and do not make messes, which are two important purposes for rat bedding.