Train Your Rats to Use Cat Litter
Fortunately, you can train your rats to use cat litter. They are nocturnal, so they are likely to relieve themselves while you’re sleeping. It’s not difficult to train them, and a litter box will keep your cage clean. However, you should look for products that don’t contain clumping agents, dust, or deodorizers. The cheapest option is large granule clay litter. You can also use bedding materials in the litter box, but you should make sure that the material is not the same as the cage floor.
Another option is shredded newspaper. However, this type of litter contains ink that may be harmful to rats. Newspaper may contain soy or other chemicals, and could transfer to your rat’s skin. Some people would prefer not to use newspaper at all. However, it might be a good temporary solution if you’re not sure which type to use.
You can also use toilet paper towels. You can shred these items yourself or let your rat shred them. This way, you can wash them and reuse them for future use. However, be sure to choose fabrics that don’t produce long threads, which may get caught in the rat’s paws and tail.
If you do decide to give your rats cat litter, choose a brand that is suitable for rats. Cat litter should not contain dust or fragrances. Besides, rats are sensitive to these chemicals. It’s important to choose a brand that’s free of clumping agents.