Can You Use Cat Litter for Rabbits?

This is a common question we receive from our readers. The answers are yes and no. It all depends on the contents of the litter (substrate placed in the littering boxes, trays, and pans).

Cats and rabbits can share a similar type of litter boxes, trays, pans and so on, so long as they are comfortable for your bunnies and correct size. 

However, in this case, the question refers to litter (the substrate often placed inside these pans, trays or boxes). The answer is both Yes and no.

When not to use

Any clay cat litters, irrespective of whether they clump or not, should not be used since your rabbits will ingest them and they may cause digestive problems including blocking of their intestinal tract. Silica in clay is not suitable for bunnies too.

Also, the ingredients may not be safe for your bunnies and may cause ill-health conditions besides them clinging to fur if they are clumpy.

Secondly, the dust in clay-based ones may cause respiratory problems as your bunny ingests it through its nose.

Pine and cider often used in some cat litters are harmful to your rabbits as they have been associated with liver diseases due to the phenol present in these softwood pellets or shavings. They may not affect your cats since they do not ingest them while bunnies will eat them.

When to use

If you get a multipurpose litter where the manufacturer has recommended it to be used by other pets including bunnies, you can then use it since it will not be harmful.

There are a few brands such as Kaytee Small Animal Potty Training and Yesterday's News Original Formula Cat Litter brand which can also be used for rabbits.

Kaytee is 100% safe, absorbs moisture, and controls odor. Furthermore, it can absorb liquid up to 10 times its weight.

Check Latest prices

Final thoughts

Unless recommended for rabbits, stick to the right rabbit litters since there are many available good brands that are equally affordable and may not pose any health problems. Try brands such as: 

1. Vitakraft Fresh World Strength Crumble Bedding for Small Animals
2. Carefresh Custom Rabbit/Guinea Pig Pet Bedding
3. Kaytee
4. Fresh News Paper 
5. So Phresh Paper Pellets

If you are unsure of any type or brand, we recommend you discuss the issue with your veterinarian first and be sure they will not harm your bunnies since most bunnies will tend to eat their bedding.