Whether you want a bedding for guinea pig cage, or cover them in winter, you need to know, “Can I put blankets in my guinea pig cage?”
You can put a blanket in a guinea pig cage, but make sure that it’s small and thin so that they can snuggle up under it without any suffocation or other problems. A blanket can help your guinea pigs maintain body heat and feel comfortable in cold weather, especially if the cage is outside of your home.
But, do guinea pigs like a blanket, and do you really need it? Are there other alternatives to blankets?
Let’s find it out.
Table of Contents
Can you use blankets for guinea pig bedding?
You can use the blanket as bedding for guinea pigs as it’s safe, soft, and comfortable for them. Moreover, it’s reusable, washable, and affordable. However, you need to clean it regularly to prevent growing up bacteria and molds.
Why do people put blankets in guinea pig cages?
Usually, people put blankets in a guinea pig cage as bedding materials. They also use it to help guinea pigs borrow. This can also be used for regular body heat and to keep them warm in cold weather.
What are the benefits of using blankets in guinea pig cages?
Let’s take a look at the benefits of putting blankets in guinea pig cages.
Make guinea pigs feel safe and secure
You can use blankets to make guinea pigs feel safe and secure in their cage. When they’re feeling stressed or scared, they can hide under the blanket to feel better.
Help regulate body heat
Guinea pigs are very sensitive to temperature changes and can get cold easily. Blankets can help them stay warm and maintain body heat.
Give them a soft place to sleep
Guinea pigs need a soft, comfortable place to sleep. Otherwise, they can get sore feet and legs.
Blankets make a great bedding material because they’re soft and cushioned.
Help in cold weather
One of the main reasons to put blankets in your guinea pig cage is because they can help keep your guinea pigs warm in cold weather.
If your guinea pigs live outside, their cage may be subject to the elements and a blanket can help them stay warm.
Help guinea pigs clam down
If you have a new guinea pig, they may be stressed and anxious in their new environment.
Putting a blanket over their cage can help them feel more secure, making it easier for them to relax and adjust.
Allow guinea pigs to burrow
Guinea pigs like to burrow and nest. Blankets provide them with the perfect material to do this.
Learn more about guinea pig fleece burrowing.
Act as cage cover
Blankets can act as a cage cover when the weather is bad or in other situations where you want to keep your guinea pigs safe and protected.
However, you need to ensure that there is enough ventilation in the cage.
Check out my other article about covering guinea pig cages.
Reusable and washable
Another benefit of using blankets in your guinea pig’s cage is that they are reusable and washable. This makes them much more convenient than other bedding materials.
You can simply throw the blanket in the washing machine when it gets dirty and use it again.
Help reduce noise
Another reason people use blankets is that they can help muffle noise. If you have a loud guinea pig or live in a noisy area, a blanket over the cage can help reduce the noise.
However, you have to be careful before doing so as it can cause other problems.
Don’t affect airflow much
One thing to keep in mind is that blankets don’t affect airflow as much as other materials like cardboard or plastic.
This means that your guinea pigs will still be able to breathe easily, even with a blanket in their cage.
Help prevent the drafts
Blankets can also help prevent drafts from entering the cage. This is especially important in winter when the temperatures can drop significantly at night.
Protect from other pets at night
Another benefit of putting blankets in your guinea pig’s cage is that it can help protect them from other pets or children who might disturb them at night.
If you have a dog or cat, they may see the guinea pig as a toy and try to play with them.
Having a blanket over the cage can help deter them and keep your guinea pig safe.
Makes them a sense of belonging
Finally, using blankets in your guinea pig’s cage can make them feel more at home. If you have multiple guinea pigs, they may build a nest out of the blankets.
This can help them feel comfortable and safe in their cage.
What are the disadvantages of using blankets as guinea pigs’ bedding?
There are a few drawbacks to using blankets in guinea pig cages. Let’s look at those.
1. Get solid easily
Blankets can get soiled very easily and need to be washed often. They can get soiled or dirty from the urine and feces. This can be a problem if they’re not cleaned regularly.
2. Moisture controlling issue
If a blanket gets wet, it can stay wet and you have to face the problem to dry it out again.
This causes the guinea pig to get cold. This can lead to health problems and may even cause the guinea pig to get sick.
Know about how to wick fleece.
3. Get tangled or chewed
They can get tangled in the bars of the cage or can get chewed on by the guinea pigs, which can damage or even completely ruin them.
When a blanket is chewed up, it needs to be replaced often.
4. Need regular spot cleaning
If you use blankets in the cage, you need to do regular spot cleaning. You can’t just wait until it is soiled before cleaning it, or that can lead to problems like odor, bacteria growth, and even health issues.
5. Fire hazard
Finally, they can be a fire hazard if they’re left in an area where there’s a lot of activity or if they get too close to a heat source, such as a furnace.
6. Odor controlling issue
It’s hard to control odor if you use the blanket as bedding because it can’t control moisture much.
Learn more about the blanket’s odor control.
Can you use blankets for guinea pig bedding?
Blankets can be used in your guinea pig’s cage as bedding, and they are a great way to provide warmth and comfort for your guinea pig. However, you have to make sure that they aren’t too thick or large to prevent the suffocation of your guinea pigs.
Can you cover your guinea pig’s cage with a blanket?
You can cover a guinea pig’s cage with a blanket to provide extra warmth and create a darker, more private environment. However, you have to ensure that it doesn’t block the ventilation.
Can you put a blanket over a guinea pig cage at night?
You shouldn’t cover your guinea pig’s cage at night because it can make it harder for them to regulate their body temperature, maybe suffocate them, and sometimes can be stressful for them.
However, sometimes, covering the cage slightly can help keep them warm in cold weather or help them sleep well.
What are the drawbacks of covering a guinea pig’s cage with blankets?
Let’s take a look at the drawbacks of using blankets in a guinea pig’s cage.
May cause overheat
If the blanket is too thick, it can block airflow and cause your guinea pigs to overheat.
May cause anxiety
Some guinea pigs may feel anxious or stressed when they are covered with a blanket.
Might cause suffocation
If the blanket is too heavy or thick, it can cause your guinea pigs to suffocate and other respiratory problems.
Can be dangerous for pregnant guinea pigs
Pregnant guinea pigs are more prone to heat strokes, so using a blanket might not be the best idea.
May cause chewing
Guinea pigs like to chew on things, and a blanket may be one of them. If you’re not careful, they might end up eating the blanket and getting sick. It might also lead to a choking hazard.
May cause snagging
The fabric of the blanket can snag on your guinea pig’s nails or teeth and cause injury.
May cause digestive problems
Guinea pigs may chew on the blanket and ingest fibers that can cause digestive problems.
Prevent ventilation
If you use blankets to cover the cage, it will stop airflow. This causes your guinea pig to suffocate and become stressed as they require an open space with enough ventilation.
Hold in moisture
Blankets can also hold in moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.
May cause allergy
Some guinea pigs may be allergic to blankets if you don’t use a proper one for them. Moreover, the blanket’s fiber can hold dust and cause allergy and respiratory problems.
May become tangled
Your guinea pigs may also become tangled in the blanket, which can cause injury.
May cause them to overgroom
If your guinea pigs start to overgroom under the blanket, it may be because they are too hot. This can lead to hair loss and other problems.
Things to consider while using blankets as guinea pig bedding
Let’s take a look at the precautions and things to consider for using blankets as guinea pig’s bedding.
Consider using soft and comfortable blankets.
Make sure that you choose soft and comfortable blankets. Avoid synthetic materials that might cause your guinea pigs to overheat.
Make sure it’s not too thick or not too big.
You need to make sure that the blanket is the right size for your guinea pigs.
If the blanket is too thick or too large, your guinea pigs may not be able to move around comfortably.
This can also restrict their movement as well as it can lead to suffocation.
Ensure proper placement
Place the blanket in a corner of the cage, away from the guinea pigs’ food and water.
This will protect the bedding from being soiled or chewed on by your guinea pigs, which can lead to bacterial growth and illness.
Make sure you clean it regularly
Always make sure that the blankets are washed regularly to prevent the build-up of bacteria or mold. Also, ensure regular spot cleaning.
Make sure there is no scent or dust
You must ensure that blankets contain no dust, scent, or added chemicals in the blanket.
This will not only keep your guinea pigs clean but also prevent the risk of illness.
What blankets are safe for guinea pigs?
Here are the criteria for a safe-to-use blanket for guinea pigs.
- Not too thick or heavy
- Small
- Contains no scent
- Contains no added chemicals
- Dust
How often to wash the guinea pig’s blankets?
You need to wash a guinea pig’s blanket once every 5 to 7 days. However, it’s essential you do spot cleaning every day several times.
How to wash guinea pig’s blankets?
Washing a guinea pig’s blanket regularly is very important. Let’s know how to wash guinea pig’s blankets.
Washing a blanket in the washing machine
Step 1. Brush off the feces and food debris completely first.
Step 2. Run the washing machine with warm water and a small amount of gentle detergent.
Step 3. Place the blanket in the washing machine and set it to a gentle cycle, making sure it is not in direct contact with any of the machine’s hard surfaces.
Step 4. Check on the blanket periodically to ensure that it is not getting tangled in the machine.
Step 5. Once the cycle is complete, remove the blanket and allow it to air dry completely before putting it back in your guinea pig’s cage.
Washing a blanket without a washing machine
Step 1. Fill the sink or bathtub with cool water.
Step 2. Add a small amount of pet-safe laundry detergent to the water.
Step 3. Soak the blanket in the water for about 5 minutes to loosen any dirt or debris.
Step 4. Gently scrub the blanket with your hands to work the soap into the fabric and remove any stains or dirt.
Step 5. Rinse the blanket thoroughly until all of the soap has been removed.
Step 6. Allow the blanket to air dry in a cool, well-ventilated room.
What are the alternatives to blankets for guinea pigs?
Though blankets may be a better option to serve the purpose to take care of your guinea pig, you may need to find an alternative to a blanket.
Let’s take a look at the alternatives to blankets for guinea pigs.
1. Guinea pig’s Fleece
If you are looking for something similar to a blanket, guinea pig’s fleece is the best option. In fact, guinea pig fleece isn’t an alternative, it’s one of the best bedding materials for them.
Guinea pig fleece is a popular bedding material for guinea pigs because it is soft, warm, and absorbent.
It also helps to keep the cage clean, since it has the ability to absorb urine and feces.
Furthermore, guinea pig fleece is also great for nesting, which can provide comfort and security for your guinea pigs.
And since it is made from natural fibers, it is also safe and won’t cause any health problems for your guinea pigs.
However, despite its many benefits, it can be a little bit expensive sometimes.
Check out my other article to know about the best fleece bedding to buy for guinea pigs.
2. Towels
You can use towels as a cheap alternative to blankets for the guinea pigs.
You should use a soft hand towel or at least ensure that it’s small to prevent the suffocation of your guinea pigs.
The towel can not only help to keep them warm but also act as a carpet and protect their paws from getting hurt.
Provide dry and new towel and make sure it has no added scent or bad odor to prevent suffocation.
Don’t give them an old towel and never take a towel back from them as they can get angry.
However, it can’t be an ideal bedding material for them.
Check my other article on using towels for guinea pigs.
3. Natual paper bedding
Natual paper pellet bedding is a great substitute for guinea pig bedding because it’s highly absorbent, and keeps the cage odor-free.
Moreover, it’s dust-free and doesn’t contain any chemicals.
Furthermore, it’s also inexpensive and easily available.
One thing that you should keep in mind is that it can be very messy, and you need to clean the cage regularly if you decide to use this bedding material.
Know more about the best paper bedding for guinea pigs.
4. Wood shavings
You can use wood shavings that are safe for guinea pigs such as aspen or kiln-dried pine shavings.
They are also very popular because they have good absorbent properly and it’s easy to maintain.
However, using wood shavings can be a bit messy, and you need to clean them regularly.
Check out the best wood bedding for guinea pigs.
5. Cloth bedding
You can use old clothes and rags as bedding material for guinea pigs. But make sure they are clean and have no added scent or bad odor.
Cloth bedding can be very soft and comforting for your guinea pigs, but it’s not the best option to use as bedding.
Conclusion
Overall, using blankets in a guinea pig’s cage can be beneficial in some ways and also have some drawbacks.
There are many benefits to using blankets in guinea pig cages, such as providing warmth and comfort, reducing stress and anxiety, and providing a soft surface to sleep on.
However, there are also some drawbacks to using blankets, such as the risk of suffocation, the risk of digestive problems, and the risk of over-grooming.
When using blankets in guinea pig cages, it’s important to take these drawbacks into consideration and take the necessary precautions to avoid them. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your guinea pigs stay happy and healthy.
FAQ about guinea pig’s blanket
Do guinea pigs like blankets?
Guinea pigs like blankets because they like soft and comfortable stuff. They also like to burrow in it.
Do guinea pigs like to hide in blankets?
Guinea pigs love to hide or burrow under the blankets because they are prey animals, guinea pigs prefer to seek shelter in the wild. Moreover, they feel safe, comfortable, and secure in blankets.
Can guinea pigs sleep with blankets?
Guinea pigs can sleep with blankets. In fact, it’s a good idea to put a blanket in their cage so they can use it when they want to sleep. However, you have to make sure that it’s safe for their health.
Do guinea pigs need blankets in cold weather?
Blankets aren’t mandatory for guinea pigs. However, you can take extra help from a blanket to keep them warm in cold weather, if you can ensure a safety blanket for them.
Are blankets safe for guinea pigs?
Blankets are safe to use for guinea pigs if you choose a good quality product that’s not too thick and not too large and doesn’t contain dust, scent, or added chemicals.
Can guinea pigs suffocate under blankets?
If a blanket is too heavy or too large, it can lead to suffocation and respiratory issue for guinea pigs when they snuggle up under it. Sometimes, too much burrowing under a blanket can cause suffocation.
When do you need to clean blankets for the guinea pigs?
You need to clean the blankets clean of feces and food debris every day and keep them dry as much as possible. However, you should replace and wash a blanket once every 5-7 days.
