Guinea pigs are adorable and entertaining pets, but they need a safe and comfortable home to thrive.
A guinea pig cage should be spacious enough for them to move around freely, as well as provide plenty of enrichment activities to keep them busy.
But there is one more important element that should not be overlooked: what goes at the bottom of the cage?
Why Do You Need To Put Something On The Bottom Of Your Guinea Pig’s cage?
The bottom of the cage should not be left bare as this could cause a variety of health issues for your pet.
To Contro Smell
A bare floor can quickly become a smelly mess, as guinea pigs produce a lot of urine and droppings.
If nothing is put on the bottom of the cage this waste will sit in the cage and create an unpleasant odor.
To Prevent Skin Irritations
Guinea pigs also have delicate skin that can become irritated by being in contact with a bare cage floor.
Placing something on the bottom of the cage can help to prevent this from happening.
To Provide Comfort and Stimulation
Comfortable bedding material can also give your guinea pig a place to burrow and feel secure as well as provide them with some environmental enrichment.
To Protect Guinea Pigs Feet
Keeping something on the bottom of the cage can help protect your guinea pig’s feet from discomfort. Hard surfaces like wire or plastic can be uncomfortable for them to stand on, so using a softer material such as bedding or fleece is recommended.
To Maintain Hygiene
Guinea pigs are very clean animals, and to maintain good hygiene you need to replace their bedding regularly. Bedding such as aspen shavings, hay, or paper-based products (like CareFresh) can help keep the cage clean and comfortable for your pet.
To Create a Smooth Surface
Putting something on the bottom of your guinea pig cage can also help create a smoother surface, which is important in preventing them from injuring themselves.
This could be anything from newspaper or cardboard to towels or fleece. Just make sure it’s safe and secure so they cannot chew on it.
To Provide Warmth
If you live in an area with cold winters, adding an extra layer of bedding can help keep your guinea pigs warm and cozy.
Blankets, towels, or even hay can be used as insulation material. Just make sure it’s safe for them to use and replace it regularly so their cage remains clean.
What To Put In The Bottom Of Guinea Pig Cage?
Let’s find out the things that we can use at the bottom of the guinea pig’s cage.
Ground material
To support the bedding materials and make cleaning the cage easier, you must line the bottom with some materials.
- Newspaper
Newspaper can be use as a ground material in the guinea pig’s cage. It is inexpensive and absorbent, making it an ideal choice for this purpose.
However, you must use non-toxic ink and only one layer to avoid any health risks.
- Cardboard
Cardboard can also be used as a ground material for your guinea pig’s cage. It is absorbent and easy to replace when needed.
- waterproof mattress
A waterproof mattress can be used to line the bottom of your guinea pig’s cage. This is especially important if you live in a humid area, as it will help keep the cage dry and clean.
- shower curtain
A shower curtain can also be used as a ground material in your guinea pig’s cage. It is waterproof and easy to clean, making it a great choice for controlling odors and keeping the cage dry.
- plastic table clothes
Plastic table clothes can also be used as a ground material for your guinea pig’s cage. It’s a DIY option that’s inexpensive and easy to clean.
However, you must use non-toxic plastic and make sure the cloth is free from contaminants before placing it in your guinea pig’s cage.
- PVC canvas bottom
A PVC canvas bottom can also be used to line the bottom of your guinea pig’s cage. This material is waterproof and easy to clean, making it a great choice for controlling odors and keeping the cage dry.
It’s also a very durable material and chew-proof that will last you a long time.
Absorbent material
If the bottom liner material doesn’t provide certain moisture or absorb the moisture, you should use a suitable absorbent material on top of the ground material. Some of the absorbent materials that you can use are.
- newspaper
Newspaper can be used as an absorbent material in your guinea pig’s cage. It is inexpensive and easy to replace when needed.
However, you must use non-toxic ink and only one layer to avoid any health risks.
The Shredded newspaper works for this.
- towel
A towel can also be used as an absorbent material in your guinea pig’s cage.
It is soft and comfortable for them to lay on, and it absorbs moisture well.
Use large towels and put them on the bottom of the guinea pig’s cage.
- Puppy Pad
Puppy pads can also be used as an absorbent material in your guinea pig’s cage.
They are designed to be highly absorbent and easy to clean.
Just make sure that it is non-toxic and free from contaminants before placing it in your guinea pig’s cage.
Puppy Pads can buy online and at pet stores.
Bedding Material
After applying ground and/or absorbent materials to the bottom of the cage you should apply suitable betting material on top of these things.
- Hay
Hay is an important part of your guinea pig’s diet and should also be used as bedding material in the cage.
It is absorbent and comfortable for them to lie on.
- Paper towels
Paper towels can also be used as bedding material in your guinea pig’s cage.
It is absorbent, comfortable for them to lay on, and easy to replace when needed.
- Wood savings
Wood shavings can also be used as bedding material in your guinea pig’s cage.
They are absorbent and comfortable for them to lay on, but they should not be used as litter box material.
Only use non-toxic wood shavings and make sure the shavings are free from contaminants before placing them in your guinea pig’s cage.
- Fleece blankets
Because of their sensitive respiratory system, guinea pigs shouldn’t be kept in any type of bedding.
However, because fleece is free of dangerous chemicals or dust, it is healthy and safe for children.
It’s the coziest and softest mattress option that’s available to them.
What Items Are Not Allowed in the Guinea Pig Cage’s Bottom?
You should not use clay-based cat litter, cedar shavings, corn cob bedding, or any other type of material that produces dust or has a strong scent.
These materials are dangerous to your guinea pig’s health and can be very irritating to their respiratory system.
Also, avoid using newspaper that is printed with ink that contains lead or other hazardous substances.
Never use fabrics that are not specifically designed for guinea pigs as they may be treated with chemicals that can cause health problems for your pet.
Overall, when choosing materials for your guinea pig’s cage, make sure they are safe, comfortable, and easy to clean. Also, be sure to replace them frequently to ensure the health of your pet.
The best option is to use a combination of absorbent material and bedding material on the bottom of the cage.
Final Thought
A safe and comfortable environment is essential for the health and well-being of your guinea pig.
By following the tips outlined in this article, you can create a healthy home for your pet that they will love.
Make sure to use only non-toxic materials to avoid any health risks, and replace them regularly to keep their cage clean and healthy.
With the right materials in place, your guinea pig will have a safe and comfortable environment that they can enjoy for years to come.
Happy Petting!