The best rabbit litter is paper-based, aspen shavings, or pellets made from hay or wood
Rabbits use litter boxes naturally, so your job is choosing material that absorbs urine, controls odor, and won't harm your rabbit if they eat it while grooming. The safest options are paper-based litter (like Carefresh or Yesterday's News), aspen wood shavings, or pellets made from compressed hay or wood. Avoid clay litter, cedar, and pine—these are toxic to rabbits and can damage their lungs and liver.
Fill the box 2 to 3 inches deep. Rabbits dig and scatter litter, so expect some waste outside the box. A larger box (at least 12 by 18 inches for a medium rabbit) and a box with high sides helps contain the mess. Many rabbit owners use a storage container with one side cut down to create an entry ramp.
Change the litter completely once or twice a week, depending on how many rabbits share the box and how much they use it. Spot-clean wet patches daily to keep odor down and prevent your rabbit from avoiding the box.
Key Takeaways
- Paper-based litter, aspen shavings, and hay or wood pellets are safe for rabbits because they won't cause harm if eaten during grooming.
- Never use clay litter, cedar, or pine—all three are toxic to rabbits and can cause serious lung and liver damage.
- Fill the box 2 to 3 inches deep and use a box at least 12 by 18 inches with high sides to reduce scattered litter.
- Spot-clean wet patches daily and do a full litter change once or twice a week to keep the box fresh and encourage your rabbit to use it.
- Rabbits naturally use litter boxes, so the right material makes training easier and keeps your rabbit healthy.
Paper-based litter absorbs well and is gentle on paws
Paper-based litter is shredded or pelleted newspaper and cardboard, and it is one of the most popular choices for rabbit owners. Brands like Carefresh, Yesterday's News, and Aspen Animal Bedding (paper version) are widely sold and affordable. Paper litter absorbs urine quickly, which keeps the box drier and reduces ammonia smell.
The texture is soft on your rabbit's paws and won't irritate their feet or skin. If your rabbit has sensitive paws or a history of sore hocks (a condition where the back feet become inflamed), paper-based litter is a good choice. It also produces less dust than some other materials, which matters if your rabbit has respiratory sensitivity.
The main drawback is that paper litter can be dusty if you buy a low-quality brand, and it tracks more easily than pellets. Rabbits will scatter it around the box, so plan for cleanup outside the litter area. A mat under and around the box catches stray litter and makes sweeping easier.
Aspen shavings are inexpensive and widely available
Aspen wood shavings are a budget-friendly option sold in most pet stores as small animal bedding. They absorb moisture reasonably well and have a natural wood smell that many rabbit owners find pleasant. Aspen is safe for rabbits—unlike cedar and pine, it does not contain oils that damage the lungs.
Use only aspen shavings, not aspen pellets, because pellets are too hard and can irritate paws. Buy shavings labeled for small animals, not horse bedding, which is often coarser and may contain dust or debris. Spread them 2 to 3 inches deep in the box.
Aspen shavings do produce some dust, especially when first opened. If you notice your rabbit sneezing or if they have a history of respiratory issues, paper-based litter may be a better choice. Aspen also does not control odor as well as pellets, so you may need to change the box more often if you have multiple rabbits or a rabbit that urinates frequently.
Hay and wood pellets control odor and last longer
Compressed pellets made from hay, pine wood, or aspen wood are highly absorbent and control odor better than shavings or paper. They are denser than other materials, so they scatter less when your rabbit digs. A box of pellets lasts longer than the same volume of shavings, which can save money over time.
Hay-based pellets (like those made from timothy hay or alfalfa) are especially good if your rabbit likes to eat hay while using the litter box—many rabbits do this naturally. Wood pellets made from aspen or pine are safe; the pellets are processed in a way that removes the harmful oils found in raw cedar and pine shavings. Check the label to confirm the pellets are aspen or pine, not cedar.
The downside is that pellets can be harder on sensitive paws, and some rabbits dislike the texture and may refuse to use the box if you switch to pellets suddenly. If your rabbit is used to soft litter, introduce pellets gradually by mixing them with your current litter over a week or two. Some pellets also produce dust when they break down, so test a small amount first if your rabbit has respiratory sensitivity.
Materials to avoid: cedar, pine, and clay
Cedar and pine contain aromatic oils called phenols that damage a rabbit's liver and respiratory system. Even small amounts can cause harm, and the damage builds up over time. Never use cedar or pine shavings, chips, or sawdust in a rabbit litter box, even if they are sold as pet bedding. Some products labeled "pine" are actually kiln-dried pine, which has had the oils removed—but it is safer to avoid pine altogether unless the label explicitly states it is safe for rabbits.
Clay litter, including clumping varieties, is dangerous because rabbits eat litter while grooming and clay can block their digestive system. Clay also produces dust that irritates the lungs. Avoid all clay-based products.
Corn cob litter and walnut shell litter can cause digestive blockages and respiratory issues. Stick to the safe materials listed above.
How to set up and maintain a rabbit litter box
Place the litter box in a corner of your rabbit's enclosure or play area—rabbits naturally choose a corner for their bathroom, so they will use a box placed there. Use a box at least 12 by 18 inches for a medium rabbit; larger rabbits need bigger boxes. Cut down one side to create a low entry ramp so your rabbit can hop in easily without jumping high.
Fill the box 2 to 3 inches deep with your chosen litter. Rabbits dig and scatter, so expect litter outside the box. Place a mat or newspaper under and around the box to catch stray material and make cleanup easier.
Spot-clean the box daily by removing wet patches and poop clumps. Do a full litter change once a week for a single rabbit, or twice a week if you have multiple rabbits or one that urinates heavily. A clean box encourages your rabbit to use it consistently. If your rabbit stops using the box, check that it is clean and that the litter type hasn't changed—rabbits are sensitive to litter texture and will avoid a dirty box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use newspaper or cardboard instead of commercial litter?
Plain newspaper and shredded cardboard work in a pinch, but they don't absorb urine as well as commercial paper-based litter and can become soggy quickly. They also don't control odor. Commercial paper litter is inexpensive and designed to absorb moisture, so it is worth buying instead of improvising.
What if my rabbit refuses to use the litter box?
First, check that the box is clean and in a corner of their space. If the box is dirty, rabbits will avoid it. If you recently changed litter types, switch back—rabbits dislike sudden changes in texture. Make sure the box is large enough and has low sides for straightforward entry. If your rabbit is new to a litter box, place a small amount of their poop in the box to show them where to go.
How often should I completely change the litter?
Change the litter completely once a week for a single rabbit, or twice a week if you have two or more rabbits sharing a box. If odor builds up quickly, change it more often. Spot-clean wet patches daily to keep the box fresh between full changes.
Is it safe to mix different types of litter?
Yes, mixing litter types is safe and can help if your rabbit is picky about texture. For example, mixing paper-based litter with pellets gives you the softness of paper and the odor control of pellets. Mix gradually if your rabbit is used to one type, so they adjust to the new blend.
Do I need to add hay to the litter box?
No, hay in the litter box is optional. Many rabbits naturally eat hay while using the bathroom, so some owners place a small hay rack next to the box. This keeps hay clean and separate from soiled litter. If you do add hay, change it daily so it doesn't get wet and moldy.