How to enrich your small animal’s environment
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.
