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What is the difference between Terracotta and Ceramic for Rodents?
What is the difference between terracotta and ceramic? What are the advantages of terracotta over ceramic? Can urine withdraw easily? We answer these and many other questions about terracotta and ceramics in our new blog!
Terracotta or ceramic for rodents: what’s the difference?
Terracotta and ceramic are common materials for houses, tunnels and cooling accessories. They look similar (both are earthenware), but in daily use they behave quite differently. In this blog we explain it clearly: what terracotta is, what ceramic is, when to choose which one, and how to clean them properly (even after an “oops” moment).
Handy: at the bottom you’ll find a quick, scannable overview with shop links, so you can go straight to the right products.
1) Terracotta vs ceramic: the difference
Terracotta is unglazed earthenware (a rough surface). Ceramic is also earthenware, but with a glaze layer (smoother and more protected). That finish makes a real difference in everyday use.
Ceramic = smooth & less porous
Example: terracotta
Example: ceramic
Browse everything? Terracotta and Ceramic.
2) What are the benefits of terracotta?
The biggest plus of terracotta is its rough surface. If your animals walk over it regularly, that can support natural nail wear. (See also: nail wear (explained).)
Terracotta is also often pleasantly cool on warm days. In summer, many animals love having a cool spot to relax in.
Tip
Want to offer extra cooling options? Take a look at our Summer products & cooling.
3) What are the downsides of terracotta?
Terracotta is porous (think: a hard sponge). Moisture can soak in—so can urine. The good news: terracotta can be rinsed thoroughly, but it does need time to dry completely afterwards.
- Rinse well with lukewarm water.
- Use a suitable cleaner (where appropriate).
- Let it dry fully before placing it back.
4) What to do if urine soaks in?
If urine odour lingers, a urine spray is often more effective than scrubbing hard. The idea is that the spray can work deeper into the material—especially when the surface is still slightly damp.
Practical approach: rinse first with lukewarm water, then spray the affected area generously, let it work, and rinse again. After that: allow it to dry completely.
See suitable options: Urine sprays.
5) What are the benefits of ceramic?
Ceramic usually has a glaze layer. That makes the material less porous and often easier to clean (also after little accidents). Ceramic can also feel pleasantly insulating: cooler in summer, yet still comfortable as a hide when it’s cooler.
Want to shop specifically for ceramic? Browse our ceramic products or go straight to ceramic houses.
6) Ceramic/terracotta in the fridge or freezer?
We get this question a lot in summer. We do not recommend cooling ceramic or terracotta in the fridge or freezer. Earthenware can crack or break due to large temperature differences.
Products that match this topic (easy to scan)
Terracotta house
Ceramic tube
Urine odour support
Multi Cleaner
Checklist: choose in 30 seconds
- ✔ Want a rough surface and extra grip? → choose terracotta more often
- ✔ Want easy cleaning and less chance of soaking? → choose ceramic more often
- ✔ For warm days: see cooling products
- ✔ With urine odour: rinse first, then urine spray, then dry thoroughly
FAQ – terracotta & ceramic
Is terracotta always better for nails?
Terracotta is rough, so with frequent use it can support nail wear. It works best when animals walk over it a lot.
Why can terracotta sometimes keep smelling?
Because urine can soak into the pores. Thorough rinsing and a suitable urine spray often works better than hard scrubbing.
Can ceramic/terracotta go in the fridge?
We don’t recommend it because temperature changes can cause cracks.
What’s the most “easy” choice?
If easy cleaning is your top priority, ceramic is often the most practical choice. For rough & cool, terracotta is usually the go-to.
Shop links (handy in one place)
Do you have a question about material choice for your animal or enclosure? Feel free to contact us—we’re happy to think along with you. Contact (DRD Knaagdierwinkel®)
Specialist since 2011.
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