Is Fleece Bad For Rats?
WouterSome people wonder, “Is fleece bad for rats?” It is not bad for rats, but other materials may be hazardous to your rats. Fleece is water repellent and wicks moisture away from your rats. The problem with this is that it also spreads urine, causing an unpleasant smell. Rats need an absorbent layer underneath their bedding, and this is what fleece does.
Rats may like the soft, plush feel of fleece. But it is not the best bedding for them. Fleece has poor odor control and is not absorbent, allowing ammonia levels to rise in their homes. It is also easy to get tangled in their toes or feet and can even catch them in their necks. It is best to use an alternative material for bedding.
Fleece should be cleaned three times before use. This is because it is water-barer when it is brand new. But after washing and drying, it will wick liquid away. This will be especially bad if your rats use it as a litter box or bedding. Besides, urine dries up on the under-bedding, so you need to make sure the fleece is dry before putting it to use.
The best way to prevent a rat from becoming ill is to avoid using fleece bedding for them. While it may be appealing to humans, it is actually a very toxic substance to rats. Wood shavings are a cheap alternative to fleece, but they are also dusty, and emit chemicals that give off a smell. These chemicals have been linked to respiratory problems and other problems in rats.
