litter box

One of the big questions that often comes up with rabbit care is what type of bedding to use in the litter box. There are a bunch of options, and it can be difficult to narrow them down.

As someone who’s owned rabbits for more than two decades, caring for rabbits has significantly evolved. Advice and options available have changed significantly.

Here’s my take on things, the good and the bad that come with each option I’ve tried.

Never use cat litter: Make sure you do not use cat litter for your rabbit’s litter box! Cat litter can be dangerous for your rabbit’s respiratory system. Because of the clumping, it can also cause blockages in a rabbit’s intestines. Bedding like clay are also poisonous for bunnies.

Paper Bedding

Pros

It comes in smaller packaging. This can make storage more managable, especially for those living in apartments.
It is lighter weight. For those with mobility issues, it can be easier to handle some paper bedding since it is fluffier. You’re not lugging around a heavy bag every time you have to change the litter box.
There are a wide variety of colors available.This is more of an aesthetic choice, but you can get white, tan, or multi-colored options. For extra fun, you could match it with holiday decor (think lavendar for Valentine’s Day)!

Cons

The bedding tends to stick to fur. In my experience, paper bedding can stick to your rabbit’s fur, especially in the butt area. This can be gross if the bedding is used and result in a mess outside the litter box as the bedding falls off over time.
Paper bedding can get pricey. This is one of the more expensive options. Because it comes in smaller quantities, you may find yourself buying more of it and spending quite a bit.

Old Newspapers

Pros

It’s relatively low cost. You’re not paying more than what you’d already be paying for your newspaper. There are likely a lot of newstands around your community giving out local papers for free.
Your friends can help out. People oftentimes have extra newspapers lying around their house. Just ask people to save them for you, and you’ll have even more of a supply available.

Cons

It can get kind of gross to clean out. Urine can make the newspaper stick to the bottom of the litter box.
It can be smelly. Newspaper doesn’t absorb the urine and poop smell as well as other options.
A newspaper option might be added work for you. Some people find shredding the newspaper first makes it more effective in the litter box, and this is an added step to the process.
Your rabbit is more likely to eat this option. Paper is paper. You’ll have to keep an eye out to make sure your rabbit isn’t ingesting the newspaper too much, potentially causing a dangerous blockage.

Pellet bedding (My Pick!!!)

For this one, I’m specifically talking about the Tractor Supply Pelletized Bedding for Horses and Small Animals that comes in a 40 lb. bag.

Pros

You get the bang for your buck. This comes in a gigantic bag and is less than $10.
It absorbs the smell. As long as you keep to a consistent cleaning schedule, I’ve found that this option is the best for fending off the urine and poop smell that typically comes from the litter box.
It’s easy to clean. Almost none of this really sticks to the bottom of the litter box. When the bedding absorbs urine, the pellet expands and crumbles slightly. It’s the least annoying option I’ve found.

Cons

The bag is very heavy. Depending on your strength level, you might need help loading the pellet bedding bag into your car and into your house.
You might need to come up with a storage solution. The bag is not resealable, so you might have to transfer it into a new container. At the very least, you’ll have to find a spot for a big, heavy bag and clip it shut.

Litter box bedding to avoid for rabbits

Cat Litter: This is dangerous for rabbits. The litter clumps when wet, so if your rabbit eats this, it can cause a potentially deadly blockage.
Puppy Pads: I’ve seen some people try laying down puppy pads, especially to line the bottom of the litter box. In my experience, it’s not worth it. Your rabbit is likely to end up injesting the plastic and also potentially getting a blockage.
Pine Shavings: This is oftentimes found in the rabbit supply section in stores, but don’t fall for this! Pine shavings can cause respiratory issues. Trust me, you do not want those vet bills! A lesser but still ew concern is that wood shavings oftentimes stick to your rabbit’s fur (annoying and gross if they’re used!). Your bunny may then accidentally trail them through your house and their playpen, leading to more clean up tasks.