Guinea pigs do not need pee pads. A pee pad is a type of absorbent paper pad that is used to absorb liquid. While they are very useful with other animals, such as cats and dogs, they are not necessary for guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs are very clean creatures and they will naturally choose a corner of their cage as a designated area to go to the bathroom. The pee pad is not necessary to keep the guinea pig’s cage clean.
The guinea pig should be provided with a good quality, dust-free bedding material, such as aspen shavings or paper-based bedding. This will provide enough absorbency to contain the urine and prevent it from spreading throughout the cage.
What You'll Learn
Alternatives to Pee Pads For Guinea Pigs
The primary alternative to a pee pad for guinea pigs is a good quality, dust-free bedding material.
Aspen Shavings or Paper Based Bedding
Aspen shavings or paper-based bedding provide enough absorbency to contain the urine and prevent it from spreading throughout the cage.
A layer of bedding should be placed in the bottom of the cage, and it should be changed regularly to ensure that it is clean and dry.
A Litter Box
A litter box filled with bedding material can provide an area for the guinea pig to go to the bathroom. The litter box should be cleaned and changed regularly to ensure that it is sanitary and does not become a source of odor.
Commercial Products
There are some commercial products designed for guinea pigs that can be used instead of a pee pad. These products are usually made from absorbent materials and are designed to absorb urine and keep it from spreading throughout the cage.
These products are typically more expensive than using bedding material or a litter box, but they can be a good option for those who want a more convenient solution.
Household Absorbent Materials
Some guinea pig owners have experimented with using absorbent materials such as newspaper or shredded paper towels in the bottom of the cage. This can be more cost-effective than using commercial products and is an easy way to provide some additional absorbency in the cage.
However, it is important to keep in mind that these materials may not be as effective as the bedding material or commercial products mentioned above, so they should not be relied on as the sole source of absorbency.
Do Cage Liners Help Absorb Urine?
Guinea pig cage liners can help absorb urine, but it is not necessary to use them. Cage liners are absorbent pads that are placed on the bottom of the cage to help absorb urine and other messes.
The main benefit of using a cage liner is that it helps to keep the cage cleaner, as it absorbs and contains any messes. This makes it easier to clean the cage and prevents odors from developing.
However, using a cage liner is not always necessary. If your guinea pig is well-trained to use a designated corner of the cage to go to the bathroom, then it is not necessary to use a cage liner. The bedding material in the cage should be absorbent enough to contain any messes.
Cage liners can also be expensive and need to be changed frequently. If you decide to use one, make sure to buy one that is made of a high-quality, absorbent material and wash it regularly.
If you want to make cleaning the cage easier, then a cage liner can help. However, if the guinea pig is well-trained, then a cage liner may not be necessary.
Why Do Some People Use Pee Pads In Guinea Pig Cages?
Some people choose to use a pee pad for their guinea pig’s cage because they think it will make the cage easier to clean. However, this is not the case. Pee pads are not necessary for guinea pigs, and they can actually create more work for the owner.
Requires More Work
The pee pad will need to be changed regularly in order to keep the cage clean. This means that the owner will need to frequently purchase new pee pads and replace the old ones.
Not only is this more expensive than using a dust-free bedding material that can be reused, but it also creates more work for the owner.
Can Create a Mess
Pee pads can create a mess if they are not changed often enough. If the pee pad is not changed regularly, the urine will spread throughout the cage and make it very difficult to clean. It can also create an unpleasant smell.
Can Be Dangerous For Guinea Pigs
Pee pads can be dangerous for guinea pigs. If the pad is not replaced often enough, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites. This can be dangerous for the guinea pig, as they can become sick if they ingest the bacteria or parasites.
Ditch The Pee Pads
Pee pads are not necessary for guinea pig cages. Not only are they more expensive than dust-free bedding materials, but they can also create more work for the owner and can be dangerous for the guinea pig. It is best to avoid using pee pads and instead opt for a dust-free bedding material.
