While it may seem inconsequential, the type of litter that you use in your rabbit’s box is actually very important. The wrong kind can end up causing health problems in rabbits or, in some cases, make them avoid using the litter box altogether.  

The best kind of litter to use for rabbits is our litter box. This has the best absorbency and odor control while also being safe for a rabbit’s digestive and respiratory systems. Other options that are safe for rabbits include aspen shavings, wood pellets, shredded paper, and soft paper-based bedding material.

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. By taking all of this into account, you will be able to keep your rabbit comfortable and more likely to continue using the litter box. These tips can also help you keep any rabbit urine odors from permeating your house.

What to use for your rabbit’s litter

Every year it seems like there are more and more options out there for litter. There’s litter marketed for rabbits and small animals, bedding, and what seems like a hundred different kinds of kitty litter. It can be incredibly confusing to find the types of litter that are actually safe to use for your pet rabbit.

Rabbit safe types of litter include:

• Paper-based pelleted litter. My preferred type, these are typically made of recycled paper that is compressed into absorptive pellets. These paper-based pellet litters are great at absorbing rabbit urine, so you don’t need to use as much on a daily basis. Most brands also do a decent job at odor control.
• Aspen shavings. This is a type of wood shavings litter that is safe for rabbits. It usually does a very good job at odor control. However it’s not the most absorptive litter, which means you’ll have to use a lot of it. Aspen shavings can have a strong scent too, which can deter some rabbits from using the litter box.
• Compressed sawdust pelleted litter. This is leftover sawdust that has been compressed into absorptive pellets. You can often buy this in bulk for pretty cheap prices. It’s what’s commonly used at the animal rescue that I volunteer at. This type of litter also does a good job at containing odors, but not as good as paper-based pelleted litters.
• Shredded paper. The cheapest option you can find is simple shredded paper. You can make this yourself if you have a shredder. While it’s safe to use around rabbits, I generally don’t recommend it because it doesn’t absorb rabbit urine easily.
• Bedding. Paper-based bedding that is marketed for rabbits is also a safe option. Since bedding is thinner and softer, it’s not as absorptive and pelleted litter. You will likely have to use more of this on a daily basis to make sure there is enough to soak up the urine.

The types of litter to avoid include:

• Clay litter. This is the most common type of kitty litter that you’ll find in stores. It clumps up when it’s exposed to moisture to make it easier to clean a cat’s litter box. However, since rabbits often eat their litter, it can clump up in a rabbit’s stomach and cause a blockage.
• Materials with a high amount of dust. A high amount of dust can cause irritation in a rabbit’s respiratory system, so it’s best to avoid these types of litter.
• Scented litters. Scented litters don’t always use chemicals that are safe for rabbits. Rabbits also have sensitive noses, so being next to a strong scent all day long can cause respiratory irritation over time.