Bedding is one of the biggest running costs of keeping small pets, and the right choice affects their health, comfort and the smell of your home. The best bedding is soft, absorbent, low in dust and safe if nibbled. Different animals have different needs, and a wrong choice can cause respiratory problems or skin irritation.
We have compared six small pet beddings currently available on Amazon UK, covering paper, wood pulp and reusable fleece. We explain who each is best for, what we like and what to watch out for, so you can choose the right one for your rabbit, guinea pig or hamster.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
Fitch Recycled Paper Bedding (70L) | Soft, low-dust paper | £36-£40 | 4.4/5 |
Carefresh 99% Dust-Free Paper (60L) | Dust-free and popular | £26-£30 | 4.6/5 |
Scenereal Fleece Cage Liner (2 Pack) | Reusable liners | £16-£18 | 4.6/5 |
Kaytee Clean and Cozy | Super-absorbent | £15-£17 | 4.5/5 |
Megazorb Animal Bedding (85L) | Absorbent wood pulp | £17-£19 | 4.4/5 |
Back2Nature Recycled Paper (30L) | Best rated | £14-£16 | 4.7/5 |
Our Top Picks
Fitch Recycled Paper Bedding (70L)
Best for: a soft, absorbent paper bedding for guinea pigs and hamsters
Fitch is a UK maker of paper bedding, and its recycled paper is soft, absorbent and low in dust. It is made from recycled paper and suits guinea pigs, hamsters and other small animals.
Paper bedding is a good choice for pets with sensitive lungs, since it produces much less dust than wood shavings. It absorbs a lot of liquid and helps control odours.
It costs around £38 for 70 litres and averages 4.4 out of 5 across more than 130 ratings.
What we like:
- Soft and absorbent
- Recycled paper
- Low dust
Worth knowing:
- Expensive per litre
- Fewer ratings
Specifications:
- Type: recycled paper bedding
- Size: 70L
- Use: guinea pigs, hamsters and other small pets
- Brand: Fitch
Carefresh 99% Dust-Free Natural Paper Bedding (60L)
Best for: a very popular, dust-free bedding
Carefresh is one of the best-known bedding brands, and its natural paper bedding is 99 per cent dust-free, soft and absorbent. It has odour control, and it is safe for a wide range of small animals.
It is a good choice for owners who worry about dust and respiratory problems. It is also very fluffy, so it makes a good nest.
It costs around £28 for 60 litres and averages 4.6 out of 5 across more than 5,700 ratings.
What we like:
- 99% dust-free
- Odour control
- Huge number of ratings
Worth knowing:
- More expensive than other paper bedding
- Bags are bulky
Specifications:
- Type: natural paper bedding
- Size: 60L
- Feature: 99% dust-free, odour control
- Brand: Carefresh
Scenereal Guinea Pig Fleece Cage Liner (2 Pack)
Best for: a washable, reusable liner that saves money
Fleece liners are a washable alternative to loose bedding. They have an absorbent layer and a fleece top, and they can be washed and reused. A guinea pig cage lined with fleece is softer, cleaner and produces less waste.
The Scenereal liner comes as a two-pack, so you can use one while the other is in the wash. It has strong water absorption and a waterproof base.
It costs around £17 for two and averages 4.6 out of 5 across almost 400 ratings.
What we like:
- Reusable and washable
- Two in a pack
- Absorbent
Worth knowing:
- Needs washing regularly
- Small pets may chew fleece
Specifications:
- Type: fleece cage liner
- Pack: 2
- Use: guinea pigs and other small animals
- Brand: Scenereal
Kaytee Clean and Cozy Super Absorbent Paper Bedding
Best for: a super-absorbent bedding with odour control
Kaytee is a well-known US pet brand, and Clean and Cozy is a super-absorbent paper bedding. It is designed to trap moisture and odours, so the cage stays fresher for longer.
It is soft and dust-controlled, and suits hamsters, gerbils, mice, rabbits and guinea pigs. It is one of the most popular options on Amazon UK.
It costs around £16 and averages 4.5 out of 5 across more than 10,500 ratings.
What we like:
- Super absorbent
- Odour control
- More than 10,000 ratings
Worth knowing:
- Paper can be dusty when poured
- Bags are bulky
Specifications:
- Type: paper bedding
- Feature: super-absorbent, odour control
- Use: small pets
- Brand: Kaytee
Megazorb Animal Bedding (85L)
Best for: a natural wood-pulp bedding with great absorbency
Megazorb is a British wood-pulp bedding, made as a by-product of the paper industry. It is a heavy-duty, absorbent bedding that is very popular with rabbit and small pet owners.
It is largely dust-free, absorbs a lot of liquid and works well in a litter tray or a hutch. The 85-litre bag is big, which makes it good value.
It costs around £18 and averages 4.4 out of 5 across more than 1,200 ratings.
What we like:
- Very absorbent
- Large 85L bag
- Good value
Worth knowing:
- Not as soft as paper
- Heavier
Specifications:
- Type: wood-pulp bedding
- Size: 85L
- Use: rabbits and small pets
- Brand: Megazorb
Back2Nature Small Animal Bedding (30L, Recycled Paper)
Best for: a highly rated bedding made from recycled paper
Back2Nature is made from 99 per cent recycled paper, and it is a non-toxic, soft and absorbent bedding. It is a good choice for those who want a more environmentally friendly option.
It is soft and easy to use, and it is a good choice for hamsters, guinea pigs and other small pets.
It costs around £15 for 30 litres and averages 4.7 out of 5 across more than 5,200 ratings, the best average in this comparison.
What we like:
- Best average rating
- Recycled paper
- Non-toxic
Worth knowing:
- Smaller bag
- More expensive per litre than Megazorb
Specifications:
- Type: recycled paper bedding
- Size: 30L
- Feature: non-toxic
- Brand: Back2Nature
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Small Pet Bedding
What to Look For
Look for bedding that is absorbent, low in dust and free from harmful oils and fragrances. It should be soft enough for a pet to nest in, and it should control odours. Dust can cause breathing problems, so it is worth choosing a dust-controlled bedding.
Think about how much you will need. A large cage needs a large bag, and a big bag is generally better value.
Bedding Types Explained
Paper bedding is soft, absorbent and low in dust. Wood-pulp bedding is dense and absorbent. Wood shavings are cheap, but some contain oils that can irritate. Fleece liners are washable and reusable. Hay and straw are useful for nesting and eating.
Many owners combine a base of absorbent bedding with a layer of hay.
Cage Size Guide
A hamster cage needs 5 to 10cm of bedding, so that the hamster can burrow. Guinea pig and rabbit enclosures need a thinner layer, and they need to be changed more often. Larger animals need more bedding overall.
Check the litre size of the bag, and estimate how many bags you will need.
Suitability by Species
Hamsters need deep, soft, dust-free bedding for burrowing. Guinea pigs need absorbent bedding or fleece liners, plus hay. Rabbits need absorbent bedding in their litter tray and a layer of hay in their hutch.
Always check that the bedding is labelled as safe for your species.
How Much Should You Spend?
Bedding costs £12 to £40 a bag, depending on the size and brand. Fleece liners cost more at first, but they save money in the long run. Buying a large bag is usually the best value.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I change small pet bedding?
Spot clean every day, and change the bedding fully once or twice a week. Hamsters need less frequent changes, and guinea pigs and rabbits need more.
Is wood shavings safe for small pets?
Kiln-dried shavings are generally safe, but avoid cedar and untreated pine, which contain oils that can irritate. Paper bedding is a safer choice.
Can I use newspaper instead?
Newspaper is cheap but not very absorbent, and it can leave ink on fur. It is best used as a base layer, under a better bedding.
Do fleece liners really save money long-term?
Yes, for most owners. A good set of liners can pay for itself in a few months. They do need washing regularly, and you will need a spare set.
Is scented bedding safe?
It is best avoided. Strong scents can irritate small animals’ noses and lungs. Choose unscented bedding, and keep the cage clean.
Conclusion
For most owners, the Back2Nature recycled paper and the Carefresh dust-free bedding are the best all-round choices, both with excellent review records. Kaytee Clean and Cozy is a very popular super-absorbent option, and Megazorb is the best-value choice for rabbits and larger cages.
If you want to cut waste and save money, the Scenereal fleece liners are a good reusable choice, and Fitch is a soft, recycled paper alternative. Whichever you choose, keep the cage clean and dry.
This roundup is part of our Small Pet Equipment Guide.
