Like a cat, your rabbit will be required to have a litter box as soon as it is adopted. It is therefore a priority purchase. Some litters are more expensive than others, but, above all, some are more resistant and better for your rodent’s health. We help you make the best choice.

Your rabbit is a very clean animal, much like a cat. However, its much shorter digestive system forces it to relieve itself much more regularly. This is why it is recommended to place its litter in its cage and opposite the feeder. Litters that can take different aspects, which are more or less ecological, which will correspond more easily to your rabbit. Finally, some retain odors, others evacuate them more easily.

Choose a good litter

There are several types of litter, with more or less advantages and disadvantages.

·         The chips

Your rabbit could have a litter made of pine, cedar or even beech, aspen or poplar shavings. These chips can be in a more or less large form. The advantage of larger pieces is that they give off less dust.

Because, yes, this is the great disadvantage of these litters. They are quite volatile and could cause breathing problems for your rabbit. Above all, you should avoid placing your rabbit if it has long hair in this type of litter. The shavings will cling to his fur, and the maintenance of your companion will be even more difficult.

• Pine is probably the most widely used type of chippings . It is very affordable in terms of price, which is not a bad thing. In addition, its softness once applied is perfect for the legs of rodents, and that of rabbits. However, be careful, the resin released is harmful, as it irritates your rabbit’s respiratory tract. As a result, pathologies are often legion. Pine is therefore only recommended if your rabbit has short hair and does not live permanently on its litter.
• Cedar has almost the same characteristics as pine, with the addition of a stronger smell , which can make it unpleasant. This type of shavings is totally discouraged .
• Beech or aspen are probably the best shavings for your rabbit. Indeed, they are both soft for the paws and absorbs wonderfully. Although they tend to fly through the air and therefore settle on your pet’s fur, beech and aspen are not resinous. As a result, there is no harm to your rabbit’s respiratory tract. The only downside is the price.

·         Straw

Straw is mainly used as bedding for farm rabbits. Is this the case with yours? If so, this is a highly recommended litter. It has the advantage of not being volatile, and of being ideal for long-haired rabbits. It is also gentle on the paws. To this, we add the possibility for your rabbit to eat the straw when it is still beautiful and fresh. Moreover, it is not too expensive to buy. This litter is not made for indoors, because it has the big disadvantage of not retaining odors . Indeed, the straw does not absorb moisture well.

• Hemp

This litter is a little more expensive than those made of straw or pine shavings. However, hemp has many advantages: it does not fly , is soft on the paws, is not dusty and does not smell . It does not absorb very well, of course, but remains one of the most suitable litters for your rabbit. Especially if the latter is allergic .

·         linen

This is a still unknown litter. It somewhat resembles hemp, and therefore has many advantages. However, an odor can sometimes be released and is not appreciated by all. Finally, its price is relatively high.

• The corn

You don’t find them on every street corner. And yet, corn has the advantage of not being volatile , of feeling nothing, of being rather moderately absorbent. It is certainly less soft under the paws than hemp or shavings, but is not at all harmful for your rabbit. However, its price is often repulsive (around €8 for 10 litres).

Litters to avoid

Some people sometimes advise opting for a litter made of newspaper or even hay . It is absolutely to be avoided. Newspaper does not absorb anything and releases unpleasant odors. It can simply be placed at the very bottom of the cage with another litter on top. So it’s not much use. Regarding the hay , your rabbit will tend to eat it. So imagine if he is covered in urine or feces. Hay has its place in the manger and not elsewhere.

The costs

Before choosing a litter, it is advisable to buy a litter box , which can be found around 5 to 10 €. They are much smaller than those for cats since they are intended to be placed in your rodent’s cage.

The litter itself can see its price vary greatly. Pine or cedar shavings are much cheaper (about €1 per kilo) than hemp , for example, which is around €3 per kilo. Straw remains at an attractive price (€2 per kilo) and corn takes everything: €8 per kilo on average.

In summary

To choose a good litter, pay attention to:

• Its absorption
• The dust released
• The presence of resin in the material (pine, cedar, etc.) harmful to the respiratory tract
• Its softness for your rodent’s paws
• The smells left
• His price