Are cotton wool and fluffy bedding toxic to hamsters?
Risks and signs
- It can get stuck in a hamster's cheek pouches. Source: Royal Veterinary College
- It can wrap around legs and cause life-threatening gut blockages if eaten. Source: PDSA
- It can catch on toes and cause injury. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual
Sources
Royal Veterinary College: Hamster care (RVC Exotics Service) (opens in a new tab)
“Cotton wool should not be used as bedding material as this can be easily impacted in cheek pouches.”
PDSA: Hamsters as pets (opens in a new tab)
“these are often marketed as safe for hamsters but can get wrapped around their legs and cause life-threatening gut blockages if eaten”
Merck Veterinary Manual: Providing a Home for a Hamster (opens in a new tab)
“Don't use cotton balls or similar materials because they can catch on toes and cause injury.”
Merck Veterinary Manual: Providing a Home for a Hamster (opens in a new tab)
“For nesting, plain tissues or unprinted paper towels torn into strips work well.”