The best litter box fillings are paper-based, aspen shavings, or pellets made from hay or paper
Rabbits will use a litter box if you fill it with something absorbent that doesn't hurt their feet or lungs. The safest choices are paper-based litter (like Yesterday's News or Carefresh), aspen wood shavings, or pellets made from compressed hay or paper. All three absorb urine well, control odor, and won't cause respiratory problems or digestive upset if your rabbit eats a small amount while grooming.
Avoid cedar and pine shavings entirely—both contain oils that damage rabbit lungs and liver, even in small amounts. Clay litter, cat litter, and sand are also unsafe. Your rabbit's litter box should feel comfortable to stand in, which means the material should be soft enough that it doesn't press painfully against their feet when they dig.
Key Takeaways
- Paper-based litter, aspen shavings, and hay or paper pellets are the three safe choices for rabbit litter boxes.
- Never use cedar, pine, clay litter, cat litter, or sand, as these can harm your rabbit's respiratory system or digestive tract.
- Fill the box 2 to 3 inches deep so your rabbit can dig and bury waste without the material compacting into hard clumps.
- Add a layer of hay on top of the litter, since rabbits often eat while they use the box and this encourages litter box use.
- Spot-clean wet areas daily and do a full litter box change once or twice a week to keep odor down and prevent respiratory irritation.
Paper-based litter: the most common choice
Paper-based litter is made from recycled paper that has been shredded and sometimes pressed into pellets. Brands like Yesterday's News and Carefresh are widely available at pet stores and online. This material is soft, absorbent, and dust-free, which means it won't irritate your rabbit's nose and lungs the way clay or sand can.
Paper litter works well for rabbits because it's gentle on their feet and won't cause problems if they nibble it while grooming. It also controls odor reasonably well for 5 to 7 days before needing a full change. The main drawback is cost—paper litter is more expensive per bag than aspen shavings, though it lasts longer because it absorbs more urine.
Aspen shavings: budget-friendly and effective
Aspen wood shavings are a safe wood option for rabbits because aspen doesn't contain the harmful oils found in cedar and pine. They are inexpensive, widely available, and absorb urine well. Aspen shavings feel softer underfoot than pellets and give rabbits a natural surface for digging.
The trade-off is that aspen shavings create more dust than paper litter, which can irritate sensitive rabbits over time. They also need to be changed more frequently—usually twice a week—because they don't absorb as much liquid before becoming wet and smelly. If your rabbit has a history of sneezing or respiratory issues, paper-based litter is the safer choice.
Hay and paper pellets: combining litter with food
Pellets made from compressed hay (like timothy hay pellets) or compressed paper serve double duty: they work as litter and your rabbit can eat them. This is useful because rabbits often eat while they use the litter box, and having hay right there encourages them to stay in the box rather than wander off to find hay elsewhere.
Hay pellets are less absorbent than paper litter or aspen shavings, so they need more frequent changes—sometimes every 3 to 4 days depending on how much your rabbit urinates. They also break down into dust and smaller pieces as your rabbit walks on them. Many rabbit owners use hay pellets as the base layer and add a thin layer of paper litter on top for better absorption.
How deep to fill the litter box
Fill your rabbit's litter box 2 to 3 inches deep. This depth gives your rabbit enough material to dig in and bury their waste, which is natural behavior that encourages litter box use. If the layer is too shallow, your rabbit may not feel like they can properly cover their droppings and may stop using the box.
Avoid overfilling—more than 3 inches can make the box uncomfortable to stand in and wastes litter. The material will compact down as your rabbit uses the box, so check the depth every few days and top it up if needed. When you spot-clean, fluff the remaining litter with a small rake or scoop to keep it loose and comfortable.
Adding hay on top of the litter
Place a layer of fresh hay on top of the litter once or twice a day. Timothy hay, orchard grass hay, or meadow hay all work well. Your rabbit will eat some of this hay while sitting in the box, which is normal and healthy—rabbits naturally eat while they eliminate.
This setup also makes the box more inviting. Rabbits are more likely to use a litter box that contains food, and the hay helps mask odors. Change the hay whenever it becomes soiled or wet, which may be several times a day in a busy household. The hay underneath the fresh layer will fall into the litter as your rabbit moves around, so you don't need to remove it separately.
Cleaning and changing the litter box
Spot-clean the litter box daily by removing clumped, wet litter and soiled hay with a small scoop. This keeps the box fresh and prevents ammonia smell from building up, which can irritate your rabbit's respiratory system. Rabbits are more likely to use a clean box, so daily spot-cleaning also reinforces good litter habits.
Do a full litter box change once or twice a week, depending on the material and how many rabbits use the box. If you use paper-based litter, once a week is usually enough. If you use aspen shavings or hay pellets, twice a week works better. Rinse the box with water and let it dry before refilling. If odor becomes strong between changes, increase the frequency—this usually means the material is too wet or the box is too small for your rabbit's needs.
Materials to avoid
Cedar and pine shavings contain aromatic oils called phenols that damage rabbit livers and lungs. These oils are toxic even in small amounts and can cause respiratory disease or liver failure over weeks or months. Never use these materials, even if they are labeled as safe for small animals.
Clay litter and clumping cat litter are unsafe because they can cause intestinal blockages if your rabbit ingests them while grooming. Sand is too abrasive and can cause respiratory irritation. Corn cob bedding breaks down into dust and can cause digestive upset. Stick to the three safe options—paper-based litter, aspen shavings, or hay and paper pellets—and your rabbit will have a comfortable, healthy litter box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular cat litter in a rabbit litter box?
No. Cat litter, especially clumping varieties, can cause intestinal blockages if your rabbit eats it while grooming. Rabbits are also sensitive to dust, and most cat litters create more dust than rabbit-safe options. Use paper-based litter, aspen shavings, or hay pellets instead.
What if my rabbit is sneezing or has a runny nose?
Switch to paper-based litter when ready, as wood shavings and hay pellets create dust that irritates sensitive airways. Make sure the litter box is in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat. If sneezing continues after a week of using dust-free litter, contact a veterinarian who treats rabbits, as respiratory infections require medical treatment.
How often should I completely empty and refill the litter box?
Once or twice a week, depending on the material. Paper-based litter usually lasts a full week. Aspen shavings and hay pellets need changing twice a week. If the box smells strongly of ammonia before the scheduled change, empty it sooner—this means your rabbit is producing more urine than the current material can absorb.
Is it okay if my rabbit eats the litter?
Small amounts are normal and harmless with paper-based litter, aspen shavings, and hay pellets. Rabbits often nibble litter while grooming. However, if your rabbit is eating large amounts of litter instead of their regular hay, they may not be getting enough fiber. Increase the amount of hay available outside the litter box and check that the hay in the box is fresh and appealing.
Can I use multiple materials in the same litter box?
Yes. Many rabbit owners use a base layer of hay pellets or aspen shavings topped with paper-based litter for better absorption. This combination is cost-effective and works well. Just make sure all materials are rabbit-safe and change the entire box on the same schedule so nothing sits too long.