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If you keep hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, or hedgehogs, bedding is one of those basics that quietly makes or breaks your pet’s comfort—and your sanity. Bedding isn't just soft material to line a cage; it's the mattress, carpet, and air filter all rolled into one for your small friend. Choose well and you get better smell control, fewer respiratory issues, and a happier animal; choose poorly and you'll be chasing dust, odors, and health problems. Want to sort through the noise and pick the best options available across trusted US retailers? Read on—this guide covers top stores, bedding types, safety tips, and money-saving tricks, all in plain talk.
Think of bedding like the foundation of a house: if the base is wrong, everything else suffers. The right bedding manages moisture, minimizes dust, reduces ammonia buildup from urine, and provides a cozy nesting spot. For tiny animals with sensitive lungs, low-dust, breathable materials are essential. Bedding quality also affects cleaning routines and costs—better absorbency means fewer full changes and less time scrubbing cages.
There are plenty of places to buy bedding, but some stores stand out for selection, shipping, and value. Below are reliable US retailers where you can find a wide range of bedding types, from paper-based options to aspen shavings and specialty natural fibers.
Chewy is a go-to for many small-pet owners because it carries major brands—Carefresh, Kaytee, Oxbow—and often has auto-ship options so you never run out. Their product pages include user reviews and Q&A, which can be handy when deciding between fine and coarse bedding for a hamster or deeper layers for a guinea pig. Chewy frequently has deals if you subscribe, and orders typically arrive within a few days depending on your location.
Petco offers a mix of national brands and store exclusives, with frequent sales and loyalty points if you sign up. You’ll find paper-based bedding, recycled fiber options, and small quantities suitable for apartment owners who don’t want to store a 10-pound bag. Petco’s in-store pickup is useful if you need bedding today, while their online assortment often lists product specs that help with sizing and dust level considerations.
PetSmart carries a broad selection of bedding types at competitive prices and often bundles bedding with litter pans or cage liners. Their stores are nationwide, which makes grabbing a quick bag easy without waiting for shipping. Keep an eye on their online exclusives—sometimes you can score brand-name bedding at a lower price than other retailers.
If you care for larger small animals like rabbits or multiple guinea pigs, Tractor Supply is worth a look. They stock larger bags of aspen shavings and straw, and their farm-focused selection includes durable bedding suited for higher-traffic setups. Tractor Supply is especially good for people who keep multiple animals or prefer natural wood-based materials like kiln-dried aspen.
Walmart offers convenience and low prices, with both in-store and online options. You can find budget-friendly bedding, plus household alternatives like recycled paper or clearing-house bulk bags. For basic needs or backup supplies, Walmart is a practical stop, and their online customer ratings help you spot dusty or low-absorbency products before you buy.
Amazon biggest advantage is inventory variety—you’ll see brand-name bedding, small boutique makers, and bulk options in one place. Prime shipping makes it convenient, and the Q&A and reviews often include photos from real buyers. If you need very specific bedding—organic wool, hemp fiber, or particular paper blends—Amazon is likely to have it.
Small Pet Select is a popular specialty source that focuses exclusively on small-pet supplies. They’re known for premium paper and fleece liners, plus smaller packaging options for specialty needs. Buying directly from a brand like this can mean fresher stock and customer service that knows small-animal care inside out.
Regional chains like Pet Supplies Plus and independent pet stores can surprise you with unique local brands and personal recommendations. Small stores are great for testing a small bag before committing to bulk, and staff members often have firsthand experience with what works for nearby climates and common small-animal breeds.
Not all bedding is created equal. Below are the main types and what species or situations they suit best. When choosing, think about dust level, absorbency, odor control, and whether the material is natural or synthetic.
Paper bedding is soft, low-dust, and highly absorbent—ideal for guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters alike. Brands like Carefresh and Small Pet Select make pellet or flake paper bedding that controls odor and compresses waste to make scooping simple. Paper bedding is often recommended for animals with respiratory sensitivities and for owners who prefer an easy-clean solution.
Aspen is a safe wood-based bedding option for many small animals because it’s low in aromatic oils compared with cedar or pine. It offers good absorption and a natural texture that some pets like to dig and burrow in. Use aspen for rabbits and gerbils, and avoid aromatic woods if your pet has breathing issues.
Pellet bedding—compressed paper or wood—absorbs liquid efficiently and reduces odor by locking in urine. Pellets can be a bit harder underfoot, so many owners combine pellets with a top layer of soft paper bedding or fleece to give a cushioned surface while keeping the base highly absorbent.
For eco-conscious owners, fleece liners are reusable, soft, and comfortable, especially for guinea pigs and rabbits. They’re not absorbent on their own, so you’ll need an absorbent layer beneath, like a towel or pellet tray. Fleece reduces waste and is cost-effective over time if you’re willing to wash it regularly.
Hay is a dual-purpose option: bedding and food. Guinea pigs and rabbits often enjoy hay scattered across the enclosure, and it’s safe and natural. Hay doesn’t absorb as well as pellets or paper, so pair it with a solid absorber beneath to manage moisture and odor.
Different animals have different needs. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick by common small-pet types.
Hamsters and gerbils love to burrow, so depth matters—aim for at least 4 to 6 inches of loose bedding for Syrian hamsters, and 6 to 12 inches for dwarf hamsters if space allows. Paper bedding, aspen, or a mix of pellets with a soft top layer work well. Avoid materials that compact into hard layers, which can interfere with burrowing behavior.
Guinea pigs need soft, absorbent bedding and a dry environment because they are prone to urine scald. Paper-based bedding or fleece liners with a highly absorbent underlayer are top choices. Give them 1 to 2 inches of soft bedding in hideouts and deeper padding in sleeping areas for extra comfort.
Rabbits benefit from a combination approach: straw or hay for nesting and comfort, with paper or pellet bedding to absorb moisture and control smell. Use a litter box with pelleted litter for easy cleaning and supplement with loose aspen or paper around the rest of the pen.
Hedgehogs prefer soft, low-dust bedding like paper or fleece. They can be sensitive to strong scents, so stick to unscented options. Sugar gliders enjoy fleece-lined pouches and paper bedding for nesting; avoid materials that could tangle around tails.
Not all bedding is pet-safe. Certain materials can cause respiratory trouble, skin irritation, or toxic reactions. Here’s a short list of red flags and why they matter.
Cedar and unprocessed pine contain aromatic oils (phenols) that can cause respiratory and liver problems in small animals. Even "kiln-dried pine" can be risky for sensitive species—opt for aspen instead if you want a wood-based option without the oils.
Bedding that produces a lot of dust can trigger sneezing, wheezing, and long-term respiratory issues. If your pet has any breathing sensitivity, test a small amount in a ventilated area before switching the whole cage, and prefer marketed "low-dust" or "ultra-low dust" products.
Added fragrances may mask odors for you, but they can irritate a small animal’s sensitive nose. Scented bedding is not recommended—unscented, highly absorbent bedding does a better job without risking irritation.
Maintenance frequency depends on bedding type, number of animals, and cage size, but here are practical rules of thumb to keep things fresh and healthy.
Remove soiled bedding and wet spots daily, and scoop feces and wet clumps. A quick sweep every day reduces ammonia buildup and keeps your pet comfortable between deep cleans.
For paper bedding and pellets, perform a full change every 1 to 2 weeks for one pet, and more frequently for multiple animals—every 3 to 7 days if the cage is small or very soiled. Fleece liners need washing weekly or every few days if you have high urine volume. Always wash with pet-safe detergent and dry thoroughly before returning to use.
Depth affects both comfort and burrowing behavior. Hamsters: 4–12 inches depending on breed; guinea pigs: 1–2 inches of soft layer plus nesting piles; rabbits: 1–2 inches across the general area with added hay for nesting. Adjust depth for multiple animals—more bodies mean more moisture and more frequent changes.
If you're trying to be greener, there are eco-friendly bedding choices and DIY solutions that reduce waste without sacrificing safety.
Paper-based and natural fiber bedding can often be composted if it’s free from pet feces containing meat-based diets or medications. Composting is a great way to close the loop and reduce trash weight; just keep the compost pile well-maintained and away from edible garden areas unless fully decomposed.
Fleece liners reduce landfill waste and can save money over time. Pair fleece with a good absorbent pad underneath, and establish a washing routine to prevent odors. If you keep multiple liners, you can rotate them and wash less frequently while keeping the cage fresh.
You can mix paper pellets with a top layer of soft paper or hay to balance absorbency and comfort. Avoid experimentations with unknown materials like shredded cardboard with inks or scented papers—stick to plain, unprinted materials and test small amounts first.
Bedding can add up, especially for larger animals or multiple pets. Here are smart ways to save money without skimping on quality.
Bulk bags cost less per pound and are a good move for people with several small animals. If bulk storage is an issue, consider splitting large bags with a friend or family member—divide a 20-pound bag into smaller containers to keep it fresh.
Many retailers like Chewy and Amazon offer subscription discounts. Set up auto-delivery for bedding and stagger shipments if you don’t need a constant large supply. This saves money and prevents clutter from overstocking.
Use absorbent pellets as a base and a smaller amount of soft paper on top. This combination reduces the amount of expensive soft bedding you use while delivering both comfort and moisture control. It’s like using a mattress topper over a firm foundation—comfort without waste.
Choosing the right small animal bedding is about balancing comfort, safety, and cost. Whether you prefer the soft cushion of paper bedding, the natural feel of aspen shavings, or the eco-savvy approach of fleece liners, plenty of US retailers carry trusted options to meet your needs. Start by matching bedding type to your pet’s species and sensitivities, then shop smart—look for low-dust, unscented materials, buy in bulk when it makes sense, and consider reusable options if you want to cut waste. With the right bedding, your small pet’s cage becomes a clean, cozy habitat they—and you—will enjoy.
