Small animals have specific needs, just like cats and dogs. With a few simple steps, you can enrich your pet’s environment! 

Environmental Enrichment 

Hiding 

All small animals need the opportunity to hide. Many of the small animals in our animal centres are a prey species and so they may feel threatened or startled by any unfamiliar sound or person. They need to be provided with a safe place where they can retreat. 

Hiding places might also be seen as bathrooms by our small furry friends, which means these areas need to be cleaned or replaced more frequently. Examples of hiding places to place in an enclosure include, but are not limited to: 

Plastic igloo 

Small cardboard boxes 

Tunnels (PVC piping, dryer piping, toilet paper rolls) 

Tents 

Paper bags 

Nesting material 

Aside from bedding, nesting material should be provided for the small animal to build a nest or resting place for themselves. This will provide physical and mental stimulation and occupy their time as well. 

Examples for nesting material include: 

Cotton balls 

Pieces of fleece 

Shredded newspaper 

Toilet paper 

Hay 

Climbing 

Many small animals find enjoyment in climbing. This will provide opportunities for exploration and exercise. 

Multiple levels, perches, shelves 

Hammocks 

Plastic tubes that connect 

Pull string through toilet paper tubes and hang them across the cage 

Ladders 

Braid fleece to make a rope to hang across the cage 

Let’s keep our small animals active and stimulated to keep them happy and healthy!  

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need.  

 

 

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