Guides

The Best Bedding for Indoor Rabbits in Australia

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Paper rabbit bedding for indoor bunny enclosure
12
Jan

Choosing the right rabbit bedding is one of the most important decisions you will make for your indoor bunny. The wrong material can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, or even serious health issues if your rabbit nibbles on it.

A ‘burrowing’ area, usually deep straw or hay, should also be included with regularly cleaned bedding. RSPCA

In Australia’s varied climate, your rabbit bedding choices may differ from cooler regions. Indoor rabbits benefit from materials that stay fresh in warmer weather while still providing comfort and absorbency.

Do Indoor Rabbits Actually Need Bedding?

This is a common question for new rabbit owners, and the answer depends on your setup.

When given bedding, most rabbits will try to move it out of the way. They prefer to lay down and sleep on a flat surface. The Bunny Lady Many indoor rabbits are perfectly happy on solid flooring, particularly in warm Australian homes.

However, rabbit bedding still serves important purposes:

  • Absorbs urine in litter boxes
  • Provides a soft surface to prevent sore hocks
  • Creates cosy nesting spots for rest
  • Encourages natural burrowing behaviours

Some soft bedding such as blankets, old sheets, or padded pet beds should be provided for your rabbits to rest on. RSPCA

6 Safe Rabbit Bedding Options

Not all bedding materials are created equal. Here are six safe options for your indoor rabbit.

1. Paper-Based Bedding

Paper bedding is a very good bedding option for most small pets. In addition to containing very little dust, most paper bedding is highly absorbent with good odor control.

Paper bedding, such as Back-2-Nature, is one of the most popular choices for Australian rabbit owners. It is made from recycled paper fibres, is biodegradable, and safe if your rabbit nibbles on it. Look for brands labelled “dust-free” to protect your bunny’s sensitive respiratory system.

Browse our Back-2-Nature Paper Bedding for a trusted option.

2. Hay

We all know that rabbits should eat a diet that is mostly hay. Using hay for rabbit bedding means that there is always some about.

Hay does double duty as both bedding and food. Timothy hay or meadow hay makes excellent rabbit bedding because it is natural, safe to eat, and encourages healthy grazing habits. The downside is that hay is not particularly absorbent, so it works best in sleeping areas rather than litter boxes.

3. Grass and Seagrass Mats

A grass mat is made from natural materials, such as grass, hay, or straw. It provides comfort, insulation, and entertainment.

Grass mats are brilliant for indoor rabbits. They give your bunny something to chew on, rest on, and play with. Make sure you pick a grass mat from a reputable manufacturer to ensure there are no chemicals, glue, plastic or metal used in the construction.

Check out our Rabbit Hideaways & Beds collection for natural mats and cosy resting spots.

4. Fleece and Cotton Blankets

Fleece and cotton towels are popular choices among pet owners for good reasons. They are soft, cozy, absorbent, dust-free, and mess-free.

For house rabbits who do not chew fabric, fleece liners are a comfortable and reusable option. You can wash them regularly, which makes them cost-effective in the long run. However, if your bunny is a chewer, I would be careful with fleece blankets or towel bedding.

5. Aspen Shavings

Aspen shavings is a type of wood shavings litter that is safe for rabbits. It usually does a very good job at odor control. The Bunny Lady

Unlike pine and cedar, aspen does not contain harmful phenols. It makes acceptable rabbit bedding, particularly for litter boxes. Just note that it is not as absorbent as paper-based options, so you may need to use more.

6. Paper Pellet Litter

Pellet bedding is made from compressed paper or wood and is often used in litter boxes. It is dense and extremely absorbent.

Paper pellets work brilliantly in litter trays. They absorb moisture quickly and control odours effectively. Many rabbit owners use a layer of paper pellets topped with hay in their bunny’s toilet area.

What Rabbit Bedding to Avoid

Some materials marketed for small pets are actually dangerous for rabbits.

Cedar and pine shavings: Pine and cedar shavings are toxic to rabbits because they contain phenols that cause liver damage or failure. Only use these if they are specifically labelled “kiln-dried,” which removes the dangerous oils.

Clay and clumping cat litter: Never use cat litter. Your rabbit may ingest it when cleaning their paws, and the clay, crystals, fragrances, or other common cat litter ingredients are poisonous to rabbits.

Straw as sole bedding: Straw and hay are not good at absorbing liquids, so mould can grow easily. Its hard, sharp texture can injure your pet. Straw is acceptable for outdoor rabbits in winter but not ideal for indoor use.

Scented or treated bedding: Avoid anything with artificial fragrances, baking soda, or chemical additives. Rabbits have sensitive respiratory systems and may also ingest their bedding.

Newspaper: Newspaper is not very absorbent, and the inks used may not be safe for your pet rabbit.

Australian Climate Considerations

Australia’s warm climate means indoor rabbit bedding choices should prioritise freshness and hygiene.

Remember, rabbits are very susceptible to the elements so keep them indoors on hot or cold days. Between 10 to 25 degrees is an optimal temperature. RSPCA Victoria

In warmer months:

  • Change bedding more frequently to prevent bacteria growth
  • Use highly absorbent materials to keep the area dry
  • Avoid thick, insulating bedding that may cause overheating
  • Consider ceramic tiles or cooling mats as resting spots

In cooler months:

  • Add extra hay or fleece for warmth
  • Ensure sleeping areas are draught-free
  • Check bedding stays dry, as damp bedding can cause health problems

How Often Should You Change Rabbit Bedding?

Remove soiled bedding every day and disinfect hutches weekly. RSPCA

For litter boxes, spot clean daily and do a full change every two to three days. Sleeping areas with fleece or hay may only need changing weekly if your rabbit is litter trained and keeps the area clean.

Regular cleaning prevents ammonia build-up, which can irritate your rabbit’s eyes and respiratory system.

Creating the Perfect Setup

Litter trays should be easy for your rabbit to climb in and out of and easy to clean. Plastic cat litter boxes are ideal, and hay is the ideal substrate. RSPCA

A simple, effective rabbit bedding setup includes:

  • A large litter box with paper pellets and a layer of hay
  • A cosy sleeping area with soft bedding or a padded bed
  • Grass mats scattered around for chewing and resting
  • Fleece blankets in favourite lounging spots (for non-chewers)

This combination keeps your rabbit comfortable while making cleaning manageable.

Keep Your Indoor Rabbit Comfortable

The best rabbit bedding is safe to chew, absorbent, dust-free, and suited to your rabbit’s preferences. Every bunny is different, so you may need to experiment to find what your rabbit loves most.

At WeLoveMochi, we stock a range of safe bedding and comfort essentials for indoor rabbits. Explore our collections:

Give your indoor rabbit the comfort they deserve. Shop safe bedding at WeLoveMochi today.