Bedding and wood shavings are essential items for hamster care. They not only satisfy a hamster’s natural instinct to dig and burrow, but also provide comfort, absorb urine and moisture, help keep the cage clean and reduce odors. Bedding also protects their feet from hard cage surfaces and cushions falls from the hamster wheel.
4 Commonly Used Bedding Materials for Hamsters
Aspen or Spruce Wood Shavings
Among wood shavings, only aspen and spruce are generally considered safe. Other types often produce dust that can irritate the eyes and respiratory system.Paper Bedding
Affordable and effective, many brands offer safe, dyed paper bedding. Different brands may vary in softness and absorbency.Paper Towels or Toilet Paper
Highly absorbent and easy to find. Soft, unscented toilet paper is especially recommended. Tear it into strips before giving it to your hamster.Desert Sand
Low in dust and excellent when mixed with pumice powder to boost moisture absorption. Be sure to use hamster-specific sand, not cat litter.
hamster-padding — safe dyed paper bedding
Other Natural Bedding Options
In addition to commercial products, natural materials such as hay, dried flowers, or coconut soil can also be used — but ensure they are pesticide-free and replaced regularly to maintain hygiene.
Hay: Provides fiber and is suitable for summer. However, it has poor moisture absorption and should be changed often.
Dried flowers/herbs: Naturally fragrant and decorative, but not suitable for large-scale bedding.
Coconut soil: Great for digging and simulating a natural environment, but you must monitor humidity levels to prevent mold.
Bedding Types You Should Avoid
Besides avoiding scented or fragranced bedding, do not use the following:
Compressed wood shavings: Especially cedar, pine, and redwood. These types release dust that is harmful to the respiratory system and eyes.
Cotton, towels, and fabric: If ingested, they can cause intestinal blockages. Fibers can also entangle limbs, leading to restricted blood flow and even amputation.
Newspapers: The ink can be toxic if ingested.
Wood shavings sand: Tends to break down into fine dust, damaging the respiratory tract.
Cat litter: Clumps when wet and can cause intestinal blockage if swallowed.
How Thick Should the Bedding Be?
A minimum thickness of 4 cm (1.5 inches) is enough for basic cleaning and odor control.
For digging and burrowing behavior, a thickness of 10 cm (4 inches) or more is recommended.
In colder seasons, increase the thickness or add extra tissue for warmth.
There’s no real “too thick” — just make sure bedding doesn’t interfere with the water bottle, toys, or furniture.
Some owners even DIY a “deep bedding area” like a hamster digging pool!
How Often Should Bedding Be Changed?
If you only use a thin layer, it should be changed once a week to avoid odor and mess. If there’s a wet spot from a water leak or a pest issue (e.g., cockroach), spot-clean immediately. Changing every 2–3 days is fine if preferred. If using deep bedding (e.g., 8 cm or more) in a large cage, you can change it every 1–2 weeks, or whenever you detect any odor.
How to Tell If Your Hamster Is Allergic to the Bedding
Some hamsters may show allergic reactions to certain bedding types. Common signs include:
Squeaking or chirping noises
Frequent scratching or rubbing against objects
Sneezing, rapid breathing, or redness/swelling around the eyes or nose
If you notice these symptoms, immediately change the bedding. Choose a low-dust, unscented product, such as lab-grade bedding (e.g., JRS SAFE, ALPHA-dri) or pure paper bedding.
