Caring for Your Small Pet the Right Way
At Pets Playground, we know small pets like guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, mice, and rats can bring enormous joy to a home. They’re often great for families who want a pet that’s easier to care for than a dog or cat, while still offering companionship, play, and personality.
Caring for Your Small Pet the Right Way
At Pets Playground, we know small pets like guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, mice, and rats can bring enormous joy to a home. They’re often great for families who want a pet that’s easier to care for than a dog or cat, while still offering companionship, play, and personality.
Choosing the Right Housing
A safe, comfortable home is essential for your small pet’s health and happiness.
Provide a cage or hutch that’s large enough for your pet to move, play, and rest comfortably.
Use solid flooring where possible — wire floors can hurt small feet.
Place housing in a quiet, draft-free area away from direct sunlight.
For outdoor hutches, ensure they are weatherproof and predator-proof.
Feeding Your Small Pet
Different small animals have different nutritional needs.
Guinea pigs and rabbits need constant access to fresh hay, plus pellets and fresh vegetables.
Hamsters, mice, and rats thrive on high-quality small animal mixes supplemented with fresh fruit and vegetables.
Always provide fresh, clean water, ideally in a bottle with a sipper tube.
Avoid sugary or salty treats, as they can lead to health issues.
Feeding Your Small Pet
Different small animals have different nutritional needs.
Guinea pigs and rabbits need constant access to fresh hay, plus pellets and fresh vegetables.
Hamsters, mice, and rats thrive on high-quality small animal mixes supplemented with fresh fruit and vegetables.
Always provide fresh, clean water, ideally in a bottle with a sipper tube.
Avoid sugary or salty treats, as they can lead to health issues.
Enrichment and Play
Small pets need stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Provide tunnels, hideouts, and climbing structures.
Offer chew toys to help keep teeth healthy and prevent boredom.
Allow daily supervised playtime outside their cage in a safe space.
Interact gently and regularly to build trust and social bonds.
Enrichment and Play
Small pets need stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Provide tunnels, hideouts, and climbing structures.
Offer chew toys to help keep teeth healthy and prevent boredom.
Allow daily supervised playtime outside their cage in a safe space.
Interact gently and regularly to build trust and social bonds.
Grooming and Hygiene
Keeping your pet clean is key to their wellbeing.
Spot-clean cages daily and perform a deep clean weekly.
Use pet-safe bedding and replace it regularly.
Brush long-haired breeds like Angora rabbits to prevent matting.
Check nails and trim when necessary.
Grooming and Hygiene
Keeping your pet clean is key to their wellbeing.
Spot-clean cages daily and perform a deep clean weekly.
Use pet-safe bedding and replace it regularly.
Brush long-haired breeds like Angora rabbits to prevent matting.
Check nails and trim when necessary.
Health Care and Vet Visits
Small animals can hide illness, so it’s important to watch for changes in behaviour or appearance.
Look out for signs like weight loss, lethargy, or changes in eating habits.
Keep up with recommended vaccinations for rabbits.
Provide parasite prevention if recommended by a vet.
Find Answer Of Your Questions
Are small animals good pets for children?
Yes, but younger children should always be supervised when handling them to prevent accidents.
How much space do guinea pigs and rabbits need?
More than most people think — larger enclosures promote better health and behaviour.
Can I keep small animals together?
Many small animals enjoy companionship, but introductions should be done carefully to avoid fights.
How often should I clean my pet’s cage?
Spot-clean daily and do a full clean once a week to prevent odours and maintain hygiene.
What’s the best bedding for small animals?
Paper-based bedding is soft, absorbent, and safe for most species. Avoid cedar or pine shavings.
Are small animals good pets for children?
Yes, but younger children should always be supervised when handling them to prevent accidents.
How much space do guinea pigs and rabbits need?
More than most people think — larger enclosures promote better health and behaviour.
Can I keep small animals together?
Many small animals enjoy companionship, but introductions should be done carefully to avoid fights.
How often should I clean my pet’s cage?
Spot-clean daily and do a full clean once a week to prevent odours and maintain hygiene.
What’s the best bedding for small animals?
Paper-based bedding is soft, absorbent, and safe for most species. Avoid cedar or pine shavings.
Are small animals good pets for children?
Yes, but younger children should always be supervised when handling them to prevent accidents.
How much space do guinea pigs and rabbits need?
More than most people think — larger enclosures promote better health and behaviour.
Can I keep small animals together?
Many small animals enjoy companionship, but introductions should be done carefully to avoid fights.
How often should I clean my pet’s cage?
Spot-clean daily and do a full clean once a week to prevent odours and maintain hygiene.
What’s the best bedding for small animals?
Paper-based bedding is soft, absorbent, and safe for most species. Avoid cedar or pine shavings.
Schedule a visit today!
“ I can’t say enough good things about [Your Pet Care]! My dog, Bella, has always been nervous around new people, but the team here made her feel completely at ease from the moment we walked in ”
Schedule a visit today!
“ I can’t say enough good things about [Your Pet Care]! My dog, Bella, has always been nervous around new people, but the team here made her feel completely at ease from the moment we walked in ”
Schedule a visit today!
“ I can’t say enough good things about [Your Pet Care]! My dog, Bella, has always been nervous around new people, but the team here made her feel completely at ease from the moment we walked in ”
