Paper & Cardboard floor covering – dust-free, absorbent & fresh
- Voor 17 uur besteld, dezelfde dag verzonden!
- Specialist sinds 2011
- Delivery from our own stock
Paper & cardboard floor covering – dust-free, absorbent & soft
Paper and cardboard bedding is popular because it's often dust-reducing, soft, and highly absorbent. This makes it a practical choice for both cool habitats and smart "toilet zones." In this category, you'll find a carefully selected range, including familiar varieties like Carefresh, Uber Paper Bedding, and cardboard granules like Back 2 Nature, plus cardboard mixes (such as card/cardboard) for added structure. DRD Rodent Shop® has been a specialist since 2011—so you can choose with confidence and with help.
Paper and cardboard feel soft and are often chosen as comfortable bedding, even for animals where you want as little dust as possible.
Many paper and cardboard products absorb moisture quickly, helping to keep the room fresher for longer. This is useful for wet areas and restrooms.
Why choose paper & cardboard ground covering?
Paper and cardboard bedding is a logical choice if you're looking for a surface that feels soft , is easy to maintain, and often produces little dust . Many varieties are also made from (recycled) fibers and have excellent moisture and odor absorption properties .
- Comfort – soft for paws and nice to rest in.
- Absorption – helps absorb wet spots faster.
- Fresh stay – useful for animals that use fixed toilet places.
- Easy to replace – ideal for quick spot cleaning and partial changes.
Want to compare everything (all materials)? Check out the main category: bedding & nesting materials .
Types of paper & cardboard: what's the difference?
Within paper and cardboard, there are roughly three "types." The type determines how it feels, how much structure it provides, and where in the environment it works best:
- Paper fibre (fluffy/cellulose) – extra soft and often very absorbent (e.g. Carefresh-like structure).
- Paper bedding (recycled paper) – light, comfortable and practical to use (e.g. Uber Paper Bedding).
- Cardboard granules / pressed cardboard – strong, highly absorbent and ideal for toilet areas (e.g. Back 2 Nature).
Tip: Choose a soft paper fiber for comfort zones and use cardboard granules (or a sturdy variety) in places where a lot of moisture accumulates.
Toilet area & odor: how to keep your stay fresh for longer
Paper and cardboard bedding is ideal for creating a clear "toilet area." This is convenient for you and clear for your pet:
- Create one fixed spot (for example a corner) with a highly absorbent variant (granules or firm structure).
- Spot clean daily: remove wet spots and replace only that part.
- Replace part of the substrate weekly (not all at once) so that the habitat remains recognisable.
Looking for something additional for pee/poo zones? Also check out our mats & pee mats .
Choosing per animal: when is paper/cardboard ideal?
Paper and cardboard have a wide range of uses. The best application depends primarily on behavior (digging, nesting, toileting) and how you clean:
- Hamsters and dwarf hamsters – pleasant as a soft comfort layer; for sturdy burrows, often combine with textured materials (hemp/linen/wood).
- Mice – great for comfort and nesting zones; work with clear toilet areas to encourage fresh routines.
- Rats – often useful because of their absorption and quick cleaning; look for wet spots in favorite corners.
- Guinea pigs – practical for hygiene and designated toilet areas; combine them cleverly to keep them dry.
- Rabbits – often ideal in toilet areas or surfaces that are quick to change (especially in combination with mats/pee mats).
How much ground cover do you need?
Want to quickly know how many liters of ground cover you need? This calculator will help you calculate it in seconds – useful for both a base layer and a deep excavation layer.
Formula
(length × width × layer thickness in cm) ÷ 1000 = liters
✔ Preferably measure the internal dimensions of the accommodation (L × W).
✔ Choose your layer thickness in cm (depending on animal, behaviour and layout).
✔ When spreading deeply, always allow a little extra: ground cover sinks after application.
✔ Number of bags: required litres ÷ content per bag .
Example: 100 × 50 cm with 20 cm layer → (100 × 50 × 20) ÷ 1000 = 100 liters .
Want to compare all the materials? View: bedding & nesting materials .
| Base size | 10 cm | 15 cm | 20 cm | 30 cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80 × 40 cm | 32 L | 48 L | 64 L | 96 L |
| 100 × 40 cm | 40 L | 60 L | 80 L | 120 L |
| 100 × 50 cm | 50 L | 75 L | 100 L | 150 L |
Checklist: paper & cardboard ground covering properly arranged
Before you create your base structure, please review this list:
✔ You choose a variant that suits your purpose (comfort vs. toilet zone)
✔ You work with a fixed toilet spot (easy spot cleaning)
✔ You refresh partially (not all at once) for recognisability in the accommodation
✔ You have calculated the liters with the calculation tool
✔ You check under houses/platforms for damp spots
Maintenance & hygiene
- Daily : spot clean (remove wet spots), check water/food.
- Weekly : Change some of the bedding and keep the toilet area extra tidy.
- Monthly or as needed : major cleaning, depending on animal, group size and ventilation.
Safety warnings
- Always check bedding for damp patches and replace wet material promptly.
- Avoid strongly perfumed products; a "fresh scent" isn't necessarily more pleasant for your pet.
- Pay extra attention to areas under houses/platforms: moisture can accumulate there more quickly.
- Do you notice shortness of breath, lethargy, or a suddenly dirty coat? If in doubt, contact a veterinarian.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about paper & cardboard ground coverings
What is the difference between paper fiber and cardboard granules?
Paper fiber (cellulose) is often extra soft and airy. Cardboard granules are sturdier and are often used in restrooms because wet spots are easily spotted and can be replaced in a targeted manner.
Is paper/cardboard bedding suitable for hamsters?
Yes, especially as a comfort layer. For deep digging, it's often helpful to combine it with materials that provide more structure, such as hemp, flax, or wood.
Does paper/cardboard help against odor?
Many varieties absorb moisture quickly, helping to reduce odors. The biggest difference comes from a dedicated toilet area and daily spot cleaning.
Where can I find all types of ground cover?
View the main category: Bedding & Nesting Material .
Why buy paper and cardboard bedding from DRD Rodent Shop®?
✔ Specialist since 2011
✔ Ordered before 5 PM = shipped the same day
✔ Delivered from our own stock
✔ Smartly selected range for well-being & safety
