Wood vs. Paper: Small Animal Bedding Comparison

Did you know there’s a debate among small pet owners regarding the best material for your furry friend’s bedding?

That’s right, small animal bedding is a hot topic, and we’re here to sift through the pile of information and give you the facts.

Let’s start with the basics.

Why do small animals need bedding in their cages?

Bedding offers a comfy, secure place for your small animal to nest and sleep. It keeps your pet warm and cozy, while absorbing contaminants and waste, so their cage is odor-free and dry.

How do you choose the best small animal bedding for your pet?

These should be the factors you focus on when committing to a bedding option for your little creature:

1. No harmful chemicals
2. Dust-free or low dust
3. High absorbency
4. Odor controlling
5. Allows for burrowing
6. Easy to clean up and change when needed
7. Made sustainably
8. Biodegradable
9. Soft and comfortable

There are many options for bedding, though here we’ll focus on paper and wood because there are brands and options for both that check most of the boxes above.

First things first, even though paper is made from wood, there are differences when it comes to these types of bedding.  Paper bedding is made of paper.

Wood bedding is made of wood.

Paper bedding

Pros:

1. Easy to find online or in your local pet store
2. Little dust
3. Highly absorbent
4. Good odor control
5. Safe and non-toxic

Cons:

1. Daily spot cleaning is necessary to keep the cage clean and sanitary and avoid soggy paper in your pet’s cage.
2. Long-haired pets may get this bedding caught in their fur.
3. Can be messy if your small animal throws its bedding (yes this happens; some small pets are party animals!)
4. If not changed frequently, wet paper can mildew or mold.

Wood bedding

Pros:

1. Easy to find online or in your local pet store
2. Wood, like Douglas fir or aspen, is safe and non-toxic
3. Highly absorbent
4. Excellent odor control
5. Biodegradable
6. Sustainably made if wood residuals are used (rather than virgin wood)

Cons:

1. Some wood beddings can cause gastrointestinal, urinary and skin issues.
2. Can be uncomfortable for your pet depending on the shape of the wood shavings or pieces
3. Wood bedding can get stuck in pet fur, particularly those with long hair.

Generally speaking, either choice can be a good option for you and your pet. There are safe, high-performing types of both wood and paper bedding, and there are also some dangerous options on either side of the aisle, too. 

This is where a broader look at the parent company and specific ingredients come in handy. If you’re looking for a business that’s taking it to the next level with sustainability and quality ingredients, Catalyst is the one. We want happy and healthy pets, absolutely! We also want the humans and environment to benefit from the use of our products.

Catalyst does the following to make it head and whiskers above the competition, and to eliminate some of those cons with wood bedding that we mentioned above:

1. We use 100% premium Douglas fir shavings, locally sourced in the Pacific Northwest.
2. We don’t add anything. This product is made of 100% upcycled Douglas fir shavings. That’s it.
3. We manufacture locally. From forest floor to manufacturer is a short distance, resulting in low emissions.
4. We kiln dry our shavings to ensure they’re hypoallergenic and dust free, making them healthy for you and your small animal.
5. We offer discounts for subscription orders delivered right to your door, making our product even more affordable and headache-free for pet parents.
6. We offer a variety of package sizes for your convenience; the more you buy, the more you save, with fewer emissions required to ship your product to you!

We’re so confident you’ll love our small animal bedding, we’re offering a discount on your first subscription order. Click here to learn more about our small animal bedding, and place your first order.