Small pets — rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other “pocket pets” — bring charm, companionship, and curiosity into our homes. While they may take up less space than dogs or cats, their care is no less important. Providing a comfortable, enriching environment helps these little animals thrive.

As you read through these small pet care tips, you’ll find guidance that naturally connects to essentials you can explore in our Squeaks collection.

🧴 Care: Everyday essentials for health and hygiene

Keeping your small pet’s environment clean is vital for their health. Regular cleaning of cages, bedding, and food areas prevents illness and odors. Check your pet’s living area daily for waste and spoiled food, and deep clean enclosures weekly. Regular grooming, health checks, and gentle handling help monitor their well-being.

🍽️ Feeding: Thoughtful nourishment

Small pets have species-specific dietary needs. Rabbits and guinea pigs thrive on hay, supplemented with fresh vegetables and appropriate pellets. Hamsters may require seed mixes or specialized pellets. Ensure fresh water is always available and monitor portion sizes to prevent obesity. Avoid feeding human foods that can be harmful.

🎓 Training: Encouraging positive habits

While small pets have independent personalities, some can be trained to use litter areas or interact in play spaces. Create structured environments with playpens or tunnels, and encourage exploration in safe, supervised areas. Positive reinforcement with treats and gentle handling builds trust and confidence.

🧼 Grooming: Supporting coat and skin health

Rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas require regular grooming to maintain healthy coats and reduce shedding or matting. Some species, like chinchillas, benefit from dust baths, while others may require occasional nail trims. Use grooming time to check for signs of skin irritation or parasites.

👕 Attire: Safety and fun accessories

While attire for small pets is mostly optional, safe harnesses can allow supervised outdoor exploration for rabbits and guinea pigs. Ensure any accessory fits properly and does not restrict movement or cause stress. Always supervise your pet when using accessories.

🏠 Housing: A secure, enriching home

A well-planned habitat is essential for small pets. Provide spacious enclosures with separate areas for sleeping, eating, and toileting. Add hideouts for security and enrichment features like tunnels or platforms to encourage natural behaviors. Bedding should be soft, absorbent, and safe for small animals to burrow in.

✈️ Travel: Making transport stress-free

Travel can be stressful for small pets, so a secure, well-ventilated carrier is key. Line the carrier with soft bedding and provide familiar items or treats to ease anxiety. Keep trips as short as possible and avoid exposing your pet to extreme temperatures during transport.

🧩 Playtime: Essential for enrichment

Daily play and interaction help small pets stay active and mentally stimulated. Offer safe toys for chewing and exploring, and provide opportunities for supervised out-of-cage time. Rotation of enrichment items can help keep their environment interesting and prevent boredom.

💡 Why this matters

Small animals may have tiny paws, but they hold a big place in our hearts. By thoughtfully caring for their health, environment, and enrichment, you help ensure they live happy, healthy lives while deepening your connection with them.

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