Any additions and mixtures to these materials to make them more absorbent or easier to clean can pose a risk to rabbits. Cat litter is a safe option to use for your rabbits, but it's essential to consider that rabbits chew and eat their litter or bedding (to explore and amuse themselves, and to help file down their ever-growing teeth). While cats sometimes eat their own litter, this is considered a behavioral issue. If cat litter is eaten or nibbled by a rabbit, it will expand and become trapped in their throats or stomachs. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Can A Rabbit Live With A Broken Leg? Instead, rabbits should have a litter box filled with hay. Its important to set up a routine around cleaning your rabbits litter box. Second, non-clumping litter is often made of clay, which can be harmful if ingested. Setting up the litter box Select a pan. This may render them more susceptible to anesthesias effects. By being aware of the signs and symptoms of digestive blockage, you can help keep your rabbit healthy and happy. Every move you make, theyre staring at you with those big, beady eyes. However, while cat litter is perfectly safe for rabbits, there are better options for their environment. Jan 6, 2011 #2 W. Willowy TCS Member. It is not recommended to use cat litter for rabbits. A musician by night and writer by. Although some paper and wood-based cat litters are safe for use with rabbits, many litters should not be used as they clump when they get wet. This can make clean-up harder, as hay can be easily mixed in with the litter. When ingested, clumping litter will expand in the stomach. Cat litter can be harmful to rabbits. Cat litter can be a convenient choice for owners. These same issues occur with many clumping litters but if youre still unsure about what to use for your rabbit weve put together this quick reference table. We Just ask you Give us a Link Back to our Research - God Bless Greg & Darlene, Darlene and I have Lived on a 500 Acre farm, we lived there raising our children and 6 Foster ChildrenOn That farm we and our Children Raised Rabbits Chickens Hogs Cattle Goats, The Majority of Our Articles are Written By VeterinariansPlease Also Consult Your Local VetGod Bless Greg & Darlene, Resources for Family Farms, Commercial, Homesteads, and Hobby Farms Chicken, Cows, Horses, Deer, Rabbit, Bisons, Reindeer, Mink, Pheasants, Ducks, Pigs, Quail, Pigeon, and Sheep farms, Darlene and I have Lived on a 500 Acre farm, we lived there raising our children and 6 Foster Children. It's generally safe to use cat litter as long as it's suitable for rabbits. Here I suggest 7 Best Rabbit Repellents and Deterrents of 2023 for Your Gardens and Lawns: Best Rabbit Deterrent Sprinklers What is the Best Rabbit Repellent in 2023? It can be a little unsettling (or adorable if youre like me). Home Bunny's litter box Rabbits are typically neat by nature and will choose only one or two spots to urinate. While certain varieties of cat litter are okay for rabbits, the majority should be avoided. Unfortunately the very same week I lost a rabbit to a mystery illness. A good rule of thumb is to scoop out the waste every day and perform a complete cleanse every week. When clumping litter absorbs moisture, it can expand up to 15 times in size. If the brand includes silicon as an ingredient, it should be avoided. If ingested, these can cause digestive, and intestinal problems in this animal and may even take a rabbit's life. Most cat litters are harmful to rabbits. In contrast, indoor cats with low exposure to outside animals (like mice), are much less likely to be worm egg carriers. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Each box should be large enough for your cat to fully turn around in. Food, petting, housing, companions, or access to favored areas are some of ways you can reward your bunny. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Here's Why It's Dangerous. The ingestion of clay . Clay3. You do not have to litter train your rabbit but it is recommended especially if the rabbit will be kept inside the home. If you are using a litter box liner, make sure it is safe for rabbits by avoiding scented products and clay-based materials. Rabbits also seem to enjoy ripping at it. The key to success is to be patient and consistent with your rabbit. Jump to 18 Ways to Make Money by Rabbit Farming **CHARTS*. In addition to needing good absorption, the litter should be safe and non-toxic to your rabbit because, as previously stated, rabbits often eat litter, and using cat litter for your rabbit is not worth the risk to your rabbits health. This litter should be spread at least 1 inch thick. First, lets clarify is cat litter safe to use with rabbits? Second, paper litter can be dusty, so its important to choose a brand that is low-dust or dust-free. Often made from 100% reclaimed natural paper fibers they provide an ultra-absorbent comfy place for your rabbits to sleep, poop, and pee. Rabbits lay in their poop in order to feel relaxed. Some rabbit owners simply opt to use hay in their rabbit hutch (this makes sense as rabbits have no problem with eating where they poop) however, hay is not very absorbent and can become wet and smelly very quickly. After all, if small animals like wild rats and mice are known My name is Amy and I am the Bunny Lady! It may smell fresh to us but we arent as close to the litter with our noses as they are. They can trigger digestive difficulties in the fluffy ones, the ASPCA website says. It should be noted that there are rabbit owners that are reluctant to use wood as litter. The answer is no, as you shouldn't use most cat litter products for rabbits because cat litter can contain harmful substances. There are a variety of rabbit litters available on the market, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, your rabbit may ingest some of the litter wich is incredibly harmful. Amy Pratt is a lifelong rabbit owner who has been specializing with rabbits at the Humane Rescue Alliance. Clay-based litters are generally not a good option, as they can be dusty and may contain harmful chemicals. While cats do occasionally consume their own litter, this is seen as a behavioural problem. Use non-clumping, no chemicals, and dust-free. Reinforce litter box use by offering favorite food treats when your bunny shows good potty manners while he is still in the litterbox. Litters like clumping, crystal, and clay can cause digestive problems, and even death, in rabbits. Darlene and I have Lived on a 500 Acre farm, we lived there raising our 3 children and 6 Foster Children. However, please be cautious and pay attention to the content of the litter. One is that rabbits like to eat wood, so you will need to be vigilant about removing any pellets that your rabbit has nibbled on. However, it is less effective than litters that are intended to absorb odors and pee. These materials are more absorbent than synthetic alternatives and will help to control odors more effectively. Then, fill the other side of the litter box with your chosen litter. Non-clumping bedding and litter made made from alfalfa, wheat, oat, and citrus are equally acceptable. These litters are absorbent and earth-friendly, but they may not be as long-lasting as other options. link to Are Wild Rabbits a Threat to Public Health? Remove the new litter if you find your rabbit using its litter box less without any signs of change. Rabbits ( Also Night Crawlers from Rabbit Droppings). Im not a Vet but Ive had a variety of pets in my lifetime. You can also use paper-based litters, such as pellets made from recycled paper. Its best to stick to all-natural products, such as wheatgrass-based pellets and paper litter. The Complete Guide! Cat litter is often clumping, which is a ha for your rabbits digestive tract. However, clumping cat litter is not suited for rabbits. Most cat litters such as clay, clumping, crystal, zinc, etc., are harmful to rabbits and bunnies. You can also find rabbit litters with ingredients like baking soda to help control smells. Most commercial cat litters contain clay as a primary ingredient. "No" to All Clay Cat Litters Never under any circumstances use clay cat litters for your bunny's cage. A big difference is that rabbits might eat their litter, whereas cats will not. Cats and rabbits are different animals, and cat litter is designed with cats in mind, not rabbits. Hay is not only absorbent, but its also a good source of fiber for rabbits. Additionally, the dust created by wood cat litter is hazardous to rabbits, as it can cause respiratory problems when inhaled. Hang a large hay rack or place a standing rack near enough that your rabbit can forage and pull at the hay while they are using the litter box. Clumping litter expands in the stomach after being consumed. This will help prevent a strong urine odor from escaping the litter box and it will keep your rabbits feet and bottom from becoming urine stained or getting urine scalding. Any cat litter that contains silica or clay will always put rabbits at risk for intestinal blockages. For example, Yesterday's News, a product made from recycled newspaper, safely and sustainably aborbs odor and moisture. I've since adopted another 6 which I guess makes me a crazy bunny dad! https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17415349.2018.1450691, https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/abs/10.12968/vetn.2011.2.4.184. What Happens If A Rabbit Eats Cat Litter? Most cat litters are toxic to rabbits. Some types of cat litter come with a lot of dust particles, including clay and crystal particles. If you notice any of these symptoms in your rabbit, it is important to take it to the vet as soon as possible for an evaluation. A specially developed rabbit litter is a safer solution. As an associate to Amazon, Small Pet Select, and Chewy.com, I may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases. Youll want some of the fragrance to seep through. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Your bunny may kick significant volumes of fine particulate debris into the air if he digs. The paper, poop, urine, and hay, can all go into the compost bin to become a rich mulch later on. Theres litter marketed for rabbits and small animals, bedding, and what seems like a hundred different kinds of kitty litter. Can You Use Cat Litter for Rabbits? Other than intestinal blockages, rabbits are also at risk for digestive problems. Cat litter can be used for rabbits, but there are some things to keep in mind. I do not believe in using perfume anything in my animals bedding or litter box. 2023 RabbitCareTips.com. On top of the old litter, sprinkle a layer of new litter. Pelleted litters, such as those made with recycled paper or compressed sawdust, tend to absorb urine better so you wont need to use as much on a daily basis. Weve already talked about clay litters and the negative impact they can have on the digestive and respiratory systems. The expansion of this substance of up to 40 times its original weight, when exposed to liquids, means that it has the potential to wreak havoc with a rabbits digestive system. Once your rabbit seems comfortable with the litter box, you can begin to increase the amount of time it spends in there. A large part of it has to do with the physiological difference between rabbits and cats. Another issue to note is that of respiratory issues. Posts relating to medical issues and questions have all been approved by an experienced vet. Most cat litters are not rabbit-safe. The bentoniteclay that makes up the majority of clumping cat litter is extremely hazardous. In the course of this exploration, they may ingest small amounts of a substrate or litter. If you already have some cat litter on hand, you might be wondering if its safe to use for lining your rabbits litter tray. Can Male Rabbits Live Together? They clump when exposed to pee, trapping the urine and ammonia odors that are then neutralized by the wheats natural enzymes. When you wake up, theyre staring at you. Petsthenest.com. Confine your bun and train them to use a litter box that is free of toxins and allergens. Maybe it's your own furry pet making daring leaps in your backyard, or perhaps it's just a quirky question that popped into your My interest in rabbits started over a decade ago when I bought one as a gift and ended up being the primary carer. However, consuming litter is a frequent and normal behaviour in rabbits. On That farm we and our Children Raised Rabbits Chickens Hogs Cattle Goats, Feel Free to use any of our Charts & Infographics in your Blog. Wood shavings also tend to be rougher on a rabbits feet. Can They See in the Dark? Its long been known that corn kernels can cause blockages in the rabbit digestive system, however, this mostly relates to the endosperm of fresh corn and not dried corn which means that the small particles of dried corn that make up these litters are unlikely to cause many issues if ingested in small quantities. Paper is also highly absorbent, making it a good and safe alternative for other types of cat litter. You dont need to cover the old litter. Most commercial composters, however, will not accept any kind of animal leavings since other common pets are known to carry diseases in their feces, so this is really only an option if you have your own composter at home. Many cat litters include chemicals that are not suitable for your rabbit. Commercial cat litters that use this material are Purinas Yesterdays News, as well as Breeders Choice. Unlike cats, rabbits tend to nibble on anything they come across. This effect is observed in a study published in Science. Quick Answer: Yes, a rabbit can use cat litter, but it should be unscented and made of paper, wood, or grass. Another popular option is newspaper pellet litter, which is made from recycled newspapers. There are a few that are safe for rabbits, but for the most part, it's better to use other means. If youre looking for an alternative to hay, you can also use newspapers or paper towels. However, regardless of how long it takes, you can be certain that your rabbit is comfortable, protected, and content. If you have multiple rabbits, you may need to increase the amount of litter accordingly. Regardless of whether you decide to use hay in a toilet area or litter box, it is the staple of a. Readigrass is a completely natural feed made exclusively from natural pastures. Rabbits are poisoned by most cat litters. Some litters if eaten accidentally can cause stomach upset and potentially life-threatening conditions such as gastrointestinal stasis. In the grand scheme of things, the answer is generally no! Many clay litters have a high dust content. Therefore, to avoid odors, litters that absorb moisture, more specifically urine, is key. Natural wood fibers are the most prevalent materials for rabbit litter for a reason. Cat litter is made of clay, which can be harmful to rabbits if they ingest it. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. How Many Babies Do Rabbits Have in Their First Litter? So, keep reading!Table of ContentsIs Cat Litter Safe For Rabbits?1. It is also important to regularly clean the litter box, as rabbits are notorious for being messy creatures. With so many safe and effective options available, theres no need to take any chances with your rabbits health. Fortunately, litter training a rabbit is a relatively simple process and if you are keen to learn how its done you can read our complete guide here. Clay-based litters can be harmful to rabbits because they tend to ingest small amounts of litter when grooming themselves. You can purchase bottles of these (such as this Puracy cleaning spray), or you can make your own using equal parts water and vinegar (1 cup of water + 1 cup of white vinegar). Similar to other litters including wheat, grass seed, and wooden pellet, corn litter is produced from all-natural ingredients in this case, dried corn kernels. Rachel Giordano is a musician and writer living in Pensacola, Florida, with her partner and their two dogs, Sophie, a Boston Terrier, and Aero, a Border Collie/Sheltie mix. The vet will likely recommend that you switch to a different type of litter or reduce the amount of time that your rabbit spends in its litter box. Long-term exposure to gritty clay litters can cause life-threatening respiratory harm to your rabbit. The litter box should be cleaned regularly to prevent any buildup of bacteria or odors. Here are some steps for the proper litter box set-up: Rabbits like to munch when they are doing their business. Some cat litters, on the other hand, are composed of rabbit-friendly materials. For example, some litters contain baking soda, which helps to neutralize odors. Rabbits are sensitive and some of these chemicals can be harmful to a rabbits internal organs such as the liver and lungs. Didn't find what you need? The box should be large enough. The best kind of litter to use for rabbits is a paper based, unscented litter. Spray the litter tray and leave it to soak for an hour or so. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the blockage. Naturally, some rabbit owners would think that these litters would be perfectly safe for rabbits however, again the clumping properties of wheat litters put rabbits at risk of gastrointestinal issues such as stasis. Avoid any that contain clay as this can be harmful to your bunny's digestive system. Compressed sawdust pellets work well because they offer excellent odor control and help contain bacterial growth. Instead, its best to get cat litter boxes. Ultimately, the best type of litter for rabbits is one that meets their needs and fits. Overall, most cat litters would be deemed unsafe for your rabbit for a couple really important reasons. Is Cat Litter Safe For Rabbits? Why Does Your Rabbit Stare at You All the Time? Cats and rabbits can share a similar type of litter boxes, trays, pans and so on, so long as they are comfortable for your bunnies and correct size. Typically this means a larger cat litter box is best (or just a large plastic bin), but smaller rabbits would be fine with a smaller kitten litter box. If there are any feasible alternatives, avoid using cat litter and bedding material manufactured from these trees. Most commercial litters are made for small animals, which may not meet your rabbits needs. Vegetable Based Cat Litter: These types of cat litter are made from materials such as corn, wheat, or walnut shells, and they are unsafe for rabbits to use. Cat litter is designed without the risk of ingestion in mind. Instead, the amount of litter you use just needs to be enough to soak up your rabbits urine. Changing the type of litter you use can confuse a rabbit, or turn it off from using the box. Instead, use rabbit litter pellets or a litter box that is specifically designed for rabbits. The Definite Guide. Have you ever found yourself watching your pet rabbit play and forage, and suddenly wondered, "Do rabbits eat bugs?" There are many Are Wild Rabbits a Threat to Public Health? While it may seem inconsequential, the type of litter that you use in your rabbits box is actually very important. By Owen Wilson Last Updated: September 28, 2022. Aspen wood shavings, paper pellets, and other similar materials are examples. Wood FibersCan You Use Non Clumping Cat Litter For Rabbits?Can You Use Wood Pellet Cat Litter For Rabbits?How Do I Swap Out My Rabbit's Litter?How Do You Keep Rabbits Out Of Cat Litter?Why Do Rabbits Lay In Their Poop?How Do You Reward A Rabbit?Final WordsReferences. Pet Keen is reader-supported. Otherwise, they will rapidly develop the habit of roaming everywhere, which would be difficult to eradicate. No, you should not use cat litter for rabbits. Clumping litter is made from bentonite clay, which forms clumps when it comes into contact with moisture. Wheat, corn, and walnut shell litters are not recommended for rabbits since they can cause intestinal blockage, which will lead to serious problems including: dehydration; gastrointestinal . Can Cat Litter be used for Rabbits? While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Newspaper is readily available, absorbent, and very cheap (even free). Instead, ensure that the cat box is in a place only accessible to the cats and not the rabbits. Hi, I have two adorable rabbits, and Im wondering if vibrant life litter box freshness booster is okay for my rabbits. Non-clumping litter, on the other hand, is usually made from recycled paper or wood shavings. Its got a lot of trace nutrients to help a garden grow, and it doesnt have any potentially harmful diseases like cat and dog poop. In addition to the type of litter, you also want to think about how much litter you use, how often you clean the litter box and the proximity of the box to a hay rack or hay pile. This hay should take up at least 1/3 of the box, leaving space for the litter. Rabbits can produce up to 200 droppings per day, therefore its recommended to clean their litter box daily, removing any wet or soiled litter and replacing it, and thoroughly cleaning the box with warm soapy water. See this: Do Cats and Bunnies Get Along? Other options that are safe for rabbits include aspen shavings, wood pellets, shredded paper, and soft paper-based bedding material. Feline Pine Aspen Compressed wood stove pellets Paper-based litter Simply switching from one type of litter to another will not work for most rabbits. Its a good idea to clean out the box a few times a year just to prevent any bacterial growth. When you wash the litter box, youll want to make sure you use a pet safe cleaner. To swap out one sort of litter to another, follow these steps: It can take a long time to choose a litter, set up a litter box, and switch out one material for another. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. While not as damaging as clumping litter, clay litter is also harmful when ingested. Cut a doorway in one . This is because most of the components found in cat litter can be detrimental to rabbits. Cat litter is made of clay, which can be harmful to rabbits if they ingest it. Here is a rundown of litter you should avoid for the safety and health of your rabbit. Here's why. Every year it seems like there are more and more options out there for litter. Pros, Cons, & Alternatives. Some animal lovers keep more than one pet, however, as we know, pets can cost a lot to keep. Newspaper shavings, compressed wood shavings, and hay are some alternatives to cat litter. Made from recycled paper material or newspaper these eco-friendly litters are available in a variety of types and textures. While cats don't eat their litter, rabbits do nibble on whatever there is around their hutch or cage. Ammonia is released when urine is left in one location without being cleaned out. If you find that your rabbits litter box is emitting a strong smell in the room, then there are some steps you can take to help reduce the odor in your home.
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