The right litter keeps your rabbit healthy and your home clean

Rabbits naturally use one corner of their space as a bathroom, so a litter box filled with the right material makes training easier and keeps odor down. The best choice is paper-based pellets — they absorb urine well, control smell, and are safe if your rabbit eats a small amount while grooming. Avoid clay litter, clumping litter, and cedar or pine shavings, all of which can harm your rabbit's lungs or digestive system.

Layer your box with 2 to 3 inches of pellets, then add a handful of hay on top. Rabbits eat while they use the bathroom, so having hay right there encourages them to use the box consistently. Change the litter twice a week, or more often if you have multiple rabbits or notice ammonia smell building up.

Key Takeaways

  • Paper-based pellets are the safest litter for rabbits because they absorb moisture, control odor, and won't harm your rabbit if ingested during grooming.
  • Never use clay litter, clumping litter, cedar shavings, or pine shavings — these materials can damage your rabbit's respiratory and digestive systems.
  • Layer 2 to 3 inches of pellets in the box and top with a handful of hay, since rabbits naturally eat while they toilet.
  • Change the litter box twice a week to prevent ammonia buildup and keep your rabbit's living space sanitary.
  • Rabbits often choose one corner of their space for the bathroom, so placing a litter box there and filling it with the right material makes training straightforward.

Paper-based pellets: the standard choice

Paper pellets are made from recycled paper compressed into small, absorbent pieces. They soak up urine quickly, which keeps the bottom of the box dry and reduces ammonia smell. Common brands include Carefresh, Yesterday's News, and Aspen pellets — all are widely available at pet stores and online. A 10-pound bag typically costs $8 to $15 and lasts one rabbit about two weeks with twice-weekly changes.

The main advantage is safety. If your rabbit nibbles the litter while grooming — which they often do — paper pellets pass through their digestive system without harm. They also don't create dust, which matters because rabbits have sensitive airways. Avoid any pellet labeled as "scented" or "deodorizing," as added chemicals can irritate your rabbit's nose and lungs.

Why to avoid common litter types

Clay litter creates fine dust that rabbits inhale, leading to respiratory infections and chronic sneezing. Clumping litter is even worse — if your rabbit ingests it, the material expands in their stomach and can cause a blockage, a life-threatening emergency. Both are designed for cats and have no place in a rabbit's box.

Cedar and pine shavings contain oils called phenols that damage rabbit lungs and livers over time. Even "kiln-dried" versions marketed as safe still carry risk. Aspen shavings are safe, but pellets absorb better and control odor more effectively, so they remain the better choice. Sand and soil are not absorbent enough and harbor bacteria and parasites.

Layering hay with litter for better results

Rabbits are grazers and naturally eat while they toilet. Placing a small pile of hay in one corner of the litter box — or directly on top of the pellets — encourages your rabbit to use that spot consistently. This behavior also makes litter training faster, since your rabbit is already drawn to the box for food.

Use the same hay your rabbit eats at other times of day — timothy hay, orchard grass, or meadow hay all work. Change the hay along with the litter, or add fresh hay daily if it gets soiled. This dual-purpose setup means your rabbit gets fiber, stays in the habit of using the box, and you spend less time coaxing them to the right spot.

How often to change the litter box

Change the litter box completely twice a week for one rabbit. If you have two or more rabbits sharing a box, change it three times a week or more. Rabbits are clean animals and will avoid a dirty box, so if you notice your rabbit starting to toilet outside the box, the first thing to check is whether the litter needs changing.

Watch for ammonia smell — a sharp, pungent odor that builds up when urine sits too long. If you notice it between scheduled changes, empty and refill the box early. Spot-clean wet pellets daily if you can, removing just the soiled material and topping up with fresh pellets. This extends the time between full changes and keeps your rabbit's space fresher.

Choosing the right litter box size and setup

The litter box itself should be large enough that your rabbit can fit inside comfortably and turn around. A 12-by-18-inch box works for most rabbits; larger breeds need bigger boxes. Corner litter boxes designed for rabbits are common, but a straightforward plastic storage container with one side cut down works just as well and costs less.

Place the box in the corner where your rabbit naturally toilets — most rabbits choose one spot on their own. If your rabbit hasn't picked a corner yet, put the box where they spend the most time. Once they use it a few times, they'll return to that spot consistently. If you have multiple rabbits, provide one box per rabbit plus one extra, placed in different areas if space allows.

Troubleshooting litter box problems

If your rabbit stops using the litter box, the most common causes are a dirty box, a change in litter type, or a medical issue. Start by changing the litter and cleaning the box thoroughly with mild soap and water. If the problem continues, contact a veterinarian — urinary tract infections and digestive issues often show up as toileting outside the box.

Some rabbits scatter pellets outside the box while digging. This is normal behavior, not a sign of a problem. You can reduce scatter by using a box with higher sides or placing a mat underneath to catch stray pellets. Avoid punishing your rabbit for accidents; instead, place soiled hay or pellets in the box to reinforce where the bathroom is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use wood shavings in a rabbit litter box?

Aspen shavings are safe, but paper pellets are better because they absorb more moisture and control odor more effectively. Never use cedar or pine shavings — the oils in these woods damage your rabbit's lungs and liver. If you already have aspen shavings at home, they won't hurt your rabbit, but switching to pellets will improve your litter box results.

What if my rabbit is eating the litter?

Small amounts of paper pellet litter are harmless if your rabbit ingests them while grooming. If your rabbit is eating large amounts of litter, it may signal boredom, stress, or a nutritional deficiency. Make sure your rabbit has plenty of hay, fresh vegetables, and space to move around. If the behavior continues, talk to a veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues.

How do I know when to change the litter box?

Change the entire box twice a week for one rabbit. If you notice ammonia smell or wet pellets before your scheduled change day, empty and refill early. Rabbits avoid dirty boxes, so if your rabbit starts toileting outside the box, the litter likely needs changing sooner than your current schedule.

Do I need to use litter box liners?

Liners are optional. They make cleanup easier because you can lift out the whole liner and dispose of it, then replace it with a fresh one. However, some rabbits chew liners, which can cause digestive blockages. If you use liners, choose heavy plastic and watch to make sure your rabbit doesn't chew them. Many rabbit owners skip liners and straightforward dump and refill the box.

Can I use newspaper in the litter box?

Newspaper alone doesn't absorb urine well and will become wet and smelly quickly. You can use newspaper as a base layer under pellets to make cleanup easier, but don't rely on it as your primary litter. Paper pellets absorb much better and keep your rabbit's box drier and fresher.