It’s no secret, ferrets can be stinky and messy. But that doesn’t mean they don’t make good pets! The smell and mess really come down to proper care and cleaning of their living quarters.
Of course, the bedding you choose for your ferrets has a major effect on the smell. Some of the best ferret beddings can even keep odors at bay for up to 14 days between cleanings. Even better, some can hold up to four times their weight in liquid.
If you’re wondering which bedding is the best for your ferret, the following ten reviews will compare some of the best options available to help narrow down the decision for you. By the end of this article, you should know exactly which ferret bedding to go with to keep a clean, hygienic, and odor-free habitat for your pet.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Carefresh Small Animal Bedding
Suppresses overpowering odors for up to 10 days
Twice as absorbent as wood shavings
The dust-free formula
Check Price
Best Value
Kaytee Clean & Cozy Small Animal Bedding
2x more absorbent than wood shavings
Holds four times its weight in liquids
Eliminates odors
Check Price
Premium Choice
Vitakraft Fresh World Bedding
Controls odors for up to 14 days
5% dust-free
Made from 100% recycled paper
Check Price
Living World Pine Shavings
Very affordable price
Natural pine scent
Prevents mold, fungus, and bacteria
Check Price
Oxbow Pure Comfort Small Animal Bedding
9% dust-free formula
Spreads out nicely
Check Price
The 9 Best Beddings for Ferrets
Compared to wood shavings, the Carefresh bedding is more than twice as absorbent. This means it can hold a lot more urine before needing to be changed so you won’t have to do quite as much upkeep. Plus, this bedding suppresses overpowering odors for up to 10 days, meaning you only have to clean it out about three times each month!
You could go with simple wood shavings for your ferret’s bedding, or you could step the game up and try the Carefresh Small Animal Bedding. This biodegradable and compostable formula was our favorite bedding overall for quite a few reasons.
Check Price on Chewy
When we first opened the package, we could instantly smell the natural paper smell. It’s not too strong, but you can definitely notice it. Then we poured it into the cage, and we were happy to see there was almost no dust created. This is obviously healthier for you and your ferrets since you won’t be constantly breathing in dust.
Pros
Suppresses overpowering odors for up to 10 days
Twice as absorbent as wood shavings
The dust-free formula is better for you and your ferrets
Biodegradable and compostable
Cons
Has a noticeable paper smell
This bedding is more than twice as absorbent as wood shavings, holding up to four times its weight in liquid. This means you can go on much longer stretches between substrate exchanges without things getting smelly or gross. Luckily, the Kaytee bedding does a great job of neutralizing odors, so you can actually go ten days or more between changes.For a product that’s supposed to be 99.9% dust-free, our package had a lot of dust. It wasn’t a crazy amount, but more than we expected since it’s supposed to be practically dust-free. Still, it’s made from FDA-approved paper, so it’s 100% safe for both you and your ferrets.
Suppresses overpowering odors for up to 10 days
Twice as absorbent as wood shavings
The dust-free formula is better for you and your ferrets
Biodegradable and compostable
- Suppresses overpowering odors for up to 10 days
- Twice as absorbent as wood shavings
- The dust-free formula is better for you and your ferrets
- Biodegradable and compostable
Has a noticeable paper smell
- Has a noticeable paper smell
Compared to other leading animal bedding brands, Kaytee Clean & Cozy Small Animal Bedding is 20% more absorbent. It also happens to be more affordably priced than most other brands, just two of many reasons we think it’s the best bedding for ferrets for the money. Plus, it’s conveniently available in large and small quantities, depending on how many ferrets you have.
Pros
Made from FDA-approved paper
Two times more absorbent than wood shavings
Holds four times its weight in liquids
Eliminates odors
Cons
Had more dust than expected
For individuals who are concerned with their impact on the environment, this bedding is made from 100% recycled paper, so it’s not increasing your carbon footprint. It’s 100% non-toxic and safe, so you can even recycle it again after.
Made from FDA-approved paper
Two times more absorbent than wood shavings
Holds four times its weight in liquids
Eliminates odors
- Made from FDA-approved paper
- Two times more absorbent than wood shavings
- Holds four times its weight in liquids
- Eliminates odors
Had more dust than expected
- Had more dust than expected
Our premium choice recommendation, the Vitakraft Fresh World Bedding, has some very attractive traits that endeared us to it immediately. Since we all know ferrets are odorous creatures, scent control is very important in a ferret bedding. Vitakraft is at the top of the odor-neutralization game with a formula that controls odors for up to 14 days, the longest of any bedding we’ve seen.
One pleasant surprise when we poured this bedding out was that there was almost no dust. It’s 99.5% dust-free, but we barely noticed any dust at all. Combine that with the fact that this bedding can absorb three times its weight in liquid and it’s clear to see why this product has earned our recommendation. Granted, it’s one of the more expensive options, but we think 14-day odor control and zero dust are worth the premium price tag.
Pros
Controls odors for up to 14 days
5% dust-free
Made from 100% recycled paper
Absorbs three times its weight in liquid
Cons
Not the cheapest choice
While paper has no scent, pine shavings have a very pleasant natural pine odor. This scent can help to neutralize the less pleasant smells that your ferrets make. Pine shavings may not be able to stop the odor for two weeks, but they’ll do a good job of masking the odor in the short term.
Controls odors for up to 14 days
5% dust-free
Made from 100% recycled paper
Absorbs three times its weight in liquid
- Controls odors for up to 14 days
- 5% dust-free
- Made from 100% recycled paper
- Absorbs three times its weight in liquid
Not the cheapest choice
- Not the cheapest choice
Wood shavings are the original animal bedding and they’re still one of the most economical options. They may not have all the same benefits as some of the more expensive recycled paper substrates, but these Living World Pine Shavings still have a lot of positive traits to offer.
Pine shavings are also not nearly as absorbent as recycled paper mediums that can hold two to three times as much liquid. This means you’ll have to replace the bedding a lot more often if you use these pine shavings. Luckily, this is one of the cheapest animal beddings we’ve seen, so it won’t cost much to replace. These pine shavings also naturally prevent mold, fungus, and bacteria from growing.
Pros
Very affordable price
Natural pine scent
Prevents mold, fungus, and bacteria
Cons
Not as absorbent as other types of bedding
Not a recycled product
This bedding has a 99.9% dust-free formula. While there are other beddings we tested that made a similar claim but actually contained quite a bit of dust, the Oxbow bedding had sufficiently low dust to keep us satisfied. We also really liked the way that it broke apart to be spread out. It’s very hard and compact in the package, but that’s just because of how it’s compressed. It spreads out very evenly once you hold it and the result is very soft and comfortable for your ferrets.
Very affordable price
Natural pine scent
Prevents mold, fungus, and bacteria
- Very affordable price
- Natural pine scent
- Prevents mold, fungus, and bacteria
Not as absorbent as other types of bedding
Not a recycled product
- Not as absorbent as other types of bedding
- Not a recycled product
Designed with your pets’ comfort as the number one priority, the Oxbow Pure Comfort Small Animal Bedding is a very expensive option that doesn’t do quite enough to earn the high price in our eyes. Still, it’s got some very desirable traits.
We didn’t find this formula to be any more absorbent than the other types of bedding we tested. It needed changing every 5-7 days, which is about the same as regular wood shavings. However, this product is several times the price of those basic wood shavings. For the price difference, we’d rather save our money and go with the wood shavings that offered similar performance.
Pros
9% dust-free formula
Spreads out nicely
Cons
One of the more expensive options
Not many sizes to choose from
- Brown’s Naturally Fresh! Corn Cob Bedding
Check Latest PriceAll of the beddings we’ve covered until now were wood-based, but Brown’s Naturally Fresh! Corn Cob Bedding is unique. This bedding is made from some highly absorbent corn cob with paper twirls thrown in. It’s very long-lasting bedding that’s easy to spot clean thanks to the way that the corn cob clumps up.
Our biggest complaint about the corn cob bedding was its lack of odor control. It doesn’t combat odors, which is a bad choice for ferrets that naturally let off strong scents. The bag also comes in just one size, 5.87 liters, which is very small. What’s more, it’s also very expensive for the small amount you get, which makes three strikes for Brown’s Naturally Fresh! Corn Cob Bedding.
9% dust-free formula
Spreads out nicely
- 9% dust-free formula
- Spreads out nicely
One of the more expensive options
Not many sizes to choose from
- One of the more expensive options
- Not many sizes to choose from
Check Latest Price
All of the beddings we’ve covered until now were wood-based, but Brown’s Naturally Fresh! Corn Cob Bedding is unique. This bedding is made from some highly absorbent corn cob with paper twirls thrown in. It’s very long-lasting bedding that’s easy to spot clean thanks to the way that the corn cob clumps up.
Pros
Easy to spot clean
Highly absorbent
Very long-lasting bedding
Cons
Very expensive
Only comes in one size
Does not combat odors
- Related Read: 7 Best Ferret Treats in 2021
- So Phresh Scented Paper Bedding
Check Latest PriceWe prefer pet beddings that come in various quantities for households with different pet situations. However, the So Phresh Scented Paper Bedding is only available in one size. For that size, you’ll be paying a premium, though we don’t think the quality of this product lives up to the high price.
That said, it does have some desirable traits. For example, it’s 100% non-allergenic and 99% dust-free. It’s also completely non-toxic and safe for both you and your pets. When you’re done using it, you can compost or recycle it since it’s 100% biodegradable.
Easy to spot clean
Highly absorbent
Very long-lasting bedding
- Easy to spot clean
- Highly absorbent
- Very long-lasting bedding
Very expensive
Only comes in one size
Does not combat odors
- Very expensive
- Only comes in one size
- Does not combat odors
We prefer pet beddings that come in various quantities for households with different pet situations. However, the So Phresh Scented Paper Bedding is only available in one size. For that size, you’ll be paying a premium, though we don’t think the quality of this product lives up to the high price.
The So Phresh paper bedding feels pretty soft to the touch. It seems comfortable for our ferrets, but it didn’t do the best job neutralizing the odors they create. After a week with this bedding, we could smell them pretty strongly. Some of the other products we tested lasted longer, but that’s about average for scent control. Unfortunately, this product is priced higher than average, so we were hoping for better performance.
Pros
100% non-allergenic
99% dust-free
Biodegradable
Cons
Only comes in one size
Very expensive
- Looking to name your furbaby? Check out Name Ideas for Playful & Mischievous Ferrets
- Small Pet Select Natural Paper Bedding
Check Latest PriceThe first thing that got our attention about the Small Pet Select Natural Paper Bedding was that it was available in very large quantities. If you purchase it in smaller amounts, it’s not the most cost-efficient bedding out there. But if you purchase it in bulk, you can get it for very cheap.
Unfortunately, we found ourselves having to replace this bedding more often than other brands. It took more of the product to fill our ferrets’ cages than some of the other beddings did. Worse, it doesn’t seem to hold as much liquid as other options, so we needed to empty it out more. And since there’s no odor control, things started to smell much stronger than we’re used to.
100% non-allergenic
99% dust-free
Biodegradable
- 100% non-allergenic
- 99% dust-free
- Biodegradable
Only comes in one size
Very expensive
- Only comes in one size
- Very expensive
The first thing that got our attention about the Small Pet Select Natural Paper Bedding was that it was available in very large quantities. If you purchase it in smaller amounts, it’s not the most cost-efficient bedding out there. But if you purchase it in bulk, you can get it for very cheap.
Pros
Comes in very large quantities
Much cheaper in large amounts
Cons
More expensive than other options in smaller quantities
No odor control
Have to replace more often than other beddings
- Did you know there is more than one type of ferret? Learn about each here!
- Healthy Pet L0004 Natural Bedding
Check Latest PriceThe Healthy Pet L0004 Natural Bedding is another bedding that’s only available in a single size, 14 liters. For that size, you’ll be paying a premium, as this is one of the more expensive options we tested. But it’s completely biodegradable and compostable, which is great for those worried about their environmental impact. It’s also able to absorb up to three times its weight in liquid, making it one of the more absorptive choices.
Two major flaws held this bedding back. First, it’s not comfortable. It’s not at all soft like some of the other beddings we tested. Instead, it’s scratchy, itchy, and generally not the nice bedding we want to keep our pets in. Worse, it doesn’t do much to control odors. Within a few days of using this bedding, the smell was starting to grow stronger than we were comfortable with, which is why we can’t recommend this product.
Comes in very large quantities
Much cheaper in large amounts
- Comes in very large quantities
- Much cheaper in large amounts
More expensive than other options in smaller quantities
No odor control
Have to replace more often than other beddings
- More expensive than other options in smaller quantities
- No odor control
- Have to replace more often than other beddings
The Healthy Pet L0004 Natural Bedding is another bedding that’s only available in a single size, 14 liters. For that size, you’ll be paying a premium, as this is one of the more expensive options we tested. But it’s completely biodegradable and compostable, which is great for those worried about their environmental impact. It’s also able to absorb up to three times its weight in liquid, making it one of the more absorptive choices.
Pros
Biodegradable and compostable
Absorbs three times its weight
Cons
Very expensive
Only one size available
Very scratchy and uncomfortable
Doesn’t control odors well
- Related Read: Do Ferrets Shed? All You Need To Know
Biodegradable and compostable
Absorbs three times its weight
- Biodegradable and compostable
- Absorbs three times its weight
Very expensive
Only one size available
Very scratchy and uncomfortable
Doesn’t control odors well
- Very expensive
- Only one size available
- Very scratchy and uncomfortable
- Doesn’t control odors well
Conclusion
There are loads of animal beddings to choose from on the market. If you’re like us, you want to ensure that your ferrets are sleeping on the most comfortable and healthiest bedding possible. We’ve tested as many of these beddings as we could to find the absolute best, sharing our findings in the reviews you’ve just read.
For us, the best choice overall was the Carefresh Small Animal Bedding. It’s twice as absorbent as wood shavings, has a dust-free formula, and manages to suppress overpowering odors for up to 10 days!
If you’re looking for the best value, we recommend the Kaytee Clean & Cozy Small Animal Bedding. This affordable bedding is made from FDA-approved paper, is two times more absorbent than wood shavings, and holds four times its weight in liquid.
Finally, for a premium option with a premium price tag, we suggest the Vitakraft Fresh World Bedding. It’s made from 100% recycled paper that’s 99.5% dust-free. Plus, it controls odors for up to 14 days and absorbs up to three times its weight in liquid.
For more reviews on Ferret gear, check out these posts:
- Best Ferret Harnesses
- Best Ferret Toys
Featured Image Credit: skeeze at Pixabay
