The best bedding for guinea pigs in Australia
Fleece liners, paper bedding, hay and wood shavings compared. Which guinea pig bedding is safest, most absorbent and easiest to maintain in Australia.
Good bedding keeps your guinea pigs dry, comfortable and free from sore feet and breathing problems. RSPCA Australia recommends solid floors covered with dust-free bedding such as paper, paper kitty litter, artificial turf or plant-based materials like hay.
Bedding options compared
| Bedding | Absorbency | Dust | Ongoing cost | Cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fleece liners (with an absorbent core) | Good | Very low | Low after purchase | Shake out daily, wash every 2–3 days |
| Paper-based bedding | Very good | Low | Medium to high | Replace soiled areas daily |
| Paper cat litter pellets (in toilet corners) | Excellent | Low | Low | Scoop daily |
| Kiln-dried, dust-extracted shavings | Good | Medium | Low | Replace weekly |
| Pine or cedar shavings (not kiln-dried) | Good | High | Low | Not recommended |
Humane World for Animals advises that cedar and pine shavings are not recommended, because their fumes can irritate guinea pigs' breathing and feet. Also avoid sawdust, cotton wool and scented beddings.
Fleece liners
Many Australian owners with C&C cages use fleece liners. Fleece lets urine wick through into an absorbent layer (such as towels, U-Haul pads or purpose-made liners), so the top stays dry.
- Pros: very little dust, looks tidy, and cheaper over time.
- Cons: needs daily sweeping of droppings and hay, plus frequent washing. New fleece must be washed several times before it wicks properly.
Paper-based bedding
Soft, absorbent and low-dust. Paper bedding is a great choice for beginners, and it’s good for burrowing.
- Pros: very absorbent and forgiving, and pigs love to burrow in it.
- Cons: you keep buying it, and it can be kicked out of low-sided cages.
A popular hybrid
Use fleece across most of the cage, with a “kitchen” corner of paper bedding or litter under the hay rack, where most toileting happens. You get the tidiness of fleece and the easy scooping of loose bedding.
Hay isn’t just food
A generous pile of grass hay doubles as snuggly bedding, but it isn’t absorbent enough to be the only layer. Replace it daily, because wet hay goes mouldy quickly in humid weather.
Next up: how to clean a guinea pig cage.
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This guide is general information to help you compare housing options. It isn't veterinary advice. If your guinea pig seems unwell, contact a vet experienced with exotic pets.
