Shopping for small pets
Good things come in small packages, cages, and habitats. Even though they’re tiny, caring for small pets is a big responsibility. Hedgehogs, guinea pigs, and other little furballs need suitable homes as they spend lots of time in their cages. Your pet also needs proper food and plenty of accessories to keep them busy. Rodents, weasels, and rabbits are very smart and crave stimulation with toys and maybe a harness for travel. Small pet lovers, here’s how to feed your tiny critter and furnish a little home.
Feeding your small pet
First thing’s first: What type of small pet do you have? This will determine the type of small pet food you need, since diets can vary for each type of animal. Also remember that every small pet needs easy access to clean, fresh water drinking water at all times.
Our small pet food bags are labelled so if you are shopping for a rabbit, hamster, guinea pig, or hedgehog, we have options. You should always look for small pet food that has been scientifically formulated for the correct species.
Many small animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas, require some form of hay in their diets. Small pet hay is a great source of fibre, protein, and digestible energy needed for growing small animals, as well as supporting digestive health.
If you want to be sure your little critter is getting enough variety in their diet, there are small pet treats designed just for them, like strawberry- and banana muffin-flavoured treats. Fresh food and vegetables
In addition to their regular diet, small pets can also eat small portions of fresh food and vegetables. A herbivore such as a chinchilla, degus, guinea pig, or rabbit can benefit from small amounts of leafy green vegetables. Talk with our in-store Animal Care Experts to learn more about what fresh fruits and vegetables are safe to eat, as some small pets should avoid certain foods.
Building a small pet habitat
Once you know what to feed your little buddy, next is picking the best kind of home.
Small pet habitats and accessories
Small pet habitats and accessories provide a starter cage for two tiny mice, or a big, multi-level critter compound for a ferret. Everything that goes inside the cage, from bowls and water bottle hangers, to hay buffets and chinchilla baths—chinchillas bathe in dust—can also be found here.
Small pet beds, hideouts, and toys
Hideouts and pet beds create privacy and a secure resting spot. Some hideouts have a dual purpose and are also meant to be chewed. Some considerations for pet parents:
Habitats are very important, but your small pet won’t spend all their time in a cage. You will also want to let your friend roam free in order to exercise.
The best part of having a little critter is watching them scurry through tubes, tunnels, and mazes.
Hamster wheels are a source of endless entertainment. And hamster balls let curious paws roam through the house without the fear of getting lost.
Inside the habitat, you’ll also need small pet litter and bedding, which are dry materials including paper and pine shavings that absorb moisture and odours at the bottom of the cage.
Small pet harnesses and carriers
For big trips outside, check out small pet harnesses and carriers. Ferrets can use harnesses with leashes for safe outdoor adventures. Large rabbits can play safely outside in high pens that they can’t hop out of.
For critter wellness, there are small pet health and grooming supplies like tablets to support joint health, waterless shampoo, and mineral blocks so pets consume enough calcium and trace minerals.