Best Guinea Pig Cage Liners of 2021 – Reviews and Where To Buy
Guinea pig cage liners have been increasingly more popular among owners but why is that? And should you buy one for your pet?
In this article we’ll explain what they are, why they’re so popular, the best reviewed liners on Amazon, the pros and cons, how to wash them, and more!
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What Are Cage Fleece Liners?
Cage fleece liners one of the few choices of bedding for guinea pigs. Unlike other bedding or litter that you would often use for rodents such as hamsters, most of the cage liners are reusable and washable. This makes them an eco-friendly alternative. The liner is composed of several layers of fabric. The top layer is most often fleece. Underneath that would be a more absorbent or waterproof layer to trap any pee that soaks through.
What Makes A Good Fleece Liner?
The most important thing is that it should have the ability to absorb urine quickly and effectively. Another thing to look out for is washing. A good fabric liner should be able to go through many wash cycles without being wrecked. They should typically last at least a couple years.
How Much Money Can Fleece Liners Save?
Buying fleece liners can save up to $685.65 cad ($564.05 usd) per year on bedding.
Are Cage Liners Safe For Guinea Pigs?
Yes! Cage liners are perfectly safe for guinea pigs and are highly recommended and used among many owners. They are easier to clean, more eco-friendly and super comfy for your piggies.
Types of Liners
The two main types of cage liners are the padded liners and the waterproof liners…
Padded Liners
The padded liner combines several materials to create a comfortable walking & sleeping surface for your pigs. The top and bottom are typically made of fleece while the middle part has an absorbent material. This makes it so that their pee is captured by the padding and stored in the central part of the liner. Due to both the top & bottom being made of fleece, it is still possible for a tiny bit of pee to leak to the bottom of the cage.
Waterproof Liners
These liners tend to be thinner than the padded ones. They are made with fleece on top and are lined with a waterproof material underneath. These ones are a little more effective at keeping the cage bottom dry. However, they are usually harder to wash and tend to start to smell more quickly.
The Pros And Cons Of Cage Liners
Pros:
- Less messy than shavings
- More comfortable for your pigs
- Eco-friendly (reusable & washable)
- Less expensive in the long run (can help you save $100s/year)
- Variety of designs (fun + more colourful)
- Looks more attractive
- Dust free
Cons:
- More maintenance
- Needs at least three washes before introduction to piggies
Now that your know the pros and cons, you may have decided that you want to go ahead and purchase one!
Here are a few of the best reviewed and recommended ones on Amazon!
GuineaDad Liner
The GuineaDad Liner is definitely a more financial plunge but it will not disappoint. They have thoughtfully and carefully created the ideal fabric to provide a plush cushion for comfort and your guinea pigs health, as well as make clean up a breeze for you. GuineaDad has created high-standards that pretty much no other liner can beat! These liners also have the option of a burrowing pocket sleeve and are super absorbent. As an added benefit, GuineaDad gives back to the guinea pig community by donating many rescues!
- DUST FREE, Really! - GuineaDad fleece liner is the ultimate guinea pig bedding that has absolutely zero dust. This fleece guinea pig bedding provides guinea pigs the optimal condition to thrive.
- PREMIUM MATERIALS - GuineaDad fleece Liners are made of premium materials that is beneficial for guinea pigs that live in their own moist environment.
- SAVE TIME AND MONEY - As a guinea pig owner, it takes a considerable amount of time, money, and effort to clean and replace guinea pig cages with bedding. With GuineaDad’s guinea pig fleece liner, not only is it easier to clean, but will only cost you a fraction of the time and money.
BWOGUE Guinea Pig Cage Liners (2 Pack)
This set of liners is definitely cheaper than the GuineaDad liner, meaning it’s more appealing financial wise. It comes in a set of two, which is actually the recommended amount to have. When you own two liners, you are able to wash one and use one, meaning your piggies will always have a clean option available. They come in different sizes so that you are able to determine what best suits your enclosure.
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Disposable Cage Liners
These liners are less environmentally friendly but they have the same purpose as the fleece ones. They are super absorbent and eliminates the need to wash it. It reduces the odor in the cage and urine will dry pretty quickly, meaning your pig will stay nice and dry.
RIOUSSI Guinea Pig Fleece Cage Liner
This liner is another great choice! This guinea pig liner is made of soft, very short fleece on top layer, a super absorbent layer in the middle, and a waterproof and anti-slip bottom to avoid it from sliding around when your piggies run. These pads, like all of the other ones are designed to absorb urine from the top down to keep the surface dry and comfortable. Note: It’s not recommended to put in the dryer as it can shorten the liners lifespan.
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Pet Magasin Fleece Cage Liners (Pack of 3)
This liner is almost exactly like the other one mentioned above, however there are a few differences. For one, these liners come in a pack of three, meaning you are getting more for around the same price. These ones aren’t specifically designed for guinea pigs however they function exactly the same as they are comfortable, absorbent, and washable.
- Washable training pads - Economical & eco-friendly: set of 3 reusable pads with a size of 33” x 20”, reduces waste compared to conventional disposable pads making these reusable training pads a better and more sustainable choice. Made of 100% polyester and needle-punched nonwoven layers, ideal for puppies, aging or sick pets, or dogs without outdoor access.
- Machine washable & waterproof Dog training pads: Machine washable and dryable, but hand wash and air dry will help prolong product’s USAGE. Reusable pads are easier to wash every few days rather than constantly mopping up your floor and cleaning up the mess.
- Suprerior absorption & odor control: absorbs and retains pee and odors, holds up 4 cups of liquid, breathable and waterproof TPU backing and overflow Prevention seam design prevents damage to furniture and floors.
Washing And Drying Your Liners
Before you put a fleece liner in the washing machine, make sure you try and get rid of as much poop and hay as possible to keep the machine clean. It is also recommended to put the liner in a laundry bag to avoid obstructions and catch any loose poops or hay you may have missed.
Washing
Note: Most fleece liners require 1-3 first washes to increase their absorbing properties. If you notice your liners aren’t absorbing the urine that’s why.
Machine wash it at around 30 degrees, as this is sufficient to thoroughly wash it without the risk of damage or shrinkage. Insure you are using a detergent that is made for sensitive skin and is odourless as guinea pigs don’t like harsh chemical smells. Also remember that with fleece, less detergent is better.
Image Credit= thedailyguineapig.com
For odors, feel free to use a small amount of white vinegar or fabric disinfectant. Do NOT bleach! It is also important to make sure you are not overloading your machine as this can make it challenging for it to rinse appropriately.
*If you’re using the same machine for your liners and your clothes, it’s recommended to run a short rinsing cycle on an empty machine after the liners have been washed. This will keep your machine clean and avoid detergent build up on your fleece (can leave it smelly after washing)
Drying
After washing, do not tumble dry the liners and do not iron as this can cause damage and shorten the lifespan of the liner. The best and recommended way to dry is line-drying.
How Often Should You Change The Liners?
The answer to this question can vary depending on a few factors including the number of guinea pigs, their habits and their diet. Typically liners will need to be changed ever 2-4 days, however, there are ways to increase the time, such as, spot cleaning poop & hay everyday and air drying your liners as often as you can (ex: when your pigs are playing outside of the cage). They probably shouldn’t go more than 7 days without washing.
*Note: Make sure you’re not machine washing the liners too often. This can cause stress behaviours in guinea pigs. Spot cleaning should still be done everyday.
If you want to read more articles related to guinea pig cages check out our article called How to Build a DIY Guinea Pig Cage. Thanks for reading!
