FURRY FRIENDS CARE HUB
Your go-to guide for caring for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other small animals — from diet to enrichment and everyday wellbeing.
Small pets may be tiny, but their needs are mighty!
Rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters rely on high-fiber diets, enrichment, and attentive daily care to stay
healthy and happy.
This hub brings together everything you need — simple, clear, and pet-parent friendly.
YOUR FURRY Friends
Rabbits
Guinea Pigs
Hamsters
Rabbits are gentle herbivores with delicate digestive systems and continuously growing teeth. They rely on high-fiber hay, safe enrichment, and calm environments to stay healthy. Proper nutrition, grooming, and space to explore are essential for a long and happy life. Here’s everything you need to know to care for your bunny with confidence.
Hamsters
Guinea Pigs
Hamsters
Hamsters are tiny, active explorers who need deep bedding, constant chewing material, and species-specific nutrition to thrive. Their small size makes them sensitive to changes in diet and environment. This guide helps you support their natural instincts—burrowing, foraging, nesting—and keep them healthy and stress-free.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea Pigs
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are social, vocal companions with special dietary needs, including Vitamin C-rich food, fiber-heavy hay, and safe space to roam. Their digestive system and teeth require constant support through quality hay and natural chewing options. This section covers everything to keep your guinea pigs happy, nourished, and well cared for.
Common Care NEEDS of ALL FURRY FRIENDS
Grooming & Bathing
Mites in Small Pets
Mites in Small Pets
- Your furry friends are dry groomers
- Never bathe them
- Spot-clean with baby wipes
- Regular brushing and gland cleaning
- Don’t pour or spray water or chemicals on them
Mites in Small Pets
Mites in Small Pets
Mites in Small Pets
- Tiny parasites like Cheyletiella ("walking dandruff")
- Symptoms: dandruff, bald patches, scabs, weight loss, rough fur
- Transmission: highly contagious
- Prevention: clean litter box, bowls, tray; regular grooming
- Treatment: see rabbit-savvy vet, deep clean surroundings
- Warning: Self-treatment can be fatal
Water Intake
Mites in Small Pets
GI Stasis (Gastrointestinal Stasis)
- Vital for digestion and hydration
- Helps flush excess calcium
- Eating more hay makes them drink more
- Refusing water = possible diet issue
GI Stasis (Gastrointestinal Stasis)
GI Stasis (Gastrointestinal Stasis)
GI Stasis (Gastrointestinal Stasis)
Serious Emergency
- Gut slows down = bad bacteria + gas = life-threatening
Prevention:
- Hay-rich diet
- Exercise
- Low stress
Symptoms:
- No poop, not eating, teeth grinding, hard stomach
Action:
- See vet immediately
- Hydration, belly massage, infant gas drops
Sore Hocks
GI Stasis (Gastrointestinal Stasis)
Dental Disease
Painful Condition on Back Feet
- Causes: poor hygiene, damp bedding, long nails, wire floors
Prevention/Treatment:
- Trim nails regularly
- Use fleece/cotton for flooring
- Avoid wire-bottom cages
Dental Disease
GI Stasis (Gastrointestinal Stasis)
Dental Disease
Symptoms:
- Drooling, reduced appetite, dirty fur, weepy eyes, deformed teeth
Treatment:
- Must be done by rabbit-savvy vet
- Never trim teeth at home
Summer Care
False Pregnancy
Heat Stroke Is Deadly!
- Ideal temp: below 25°C / 77°
Tips:
- Indoors only
- Frozen water bottles nearby
- Ceramic tiles for resting
- Light grooming
- Cool damp cloth over cage
- Hydration is key
Signs of Heatstroke:
- Lethargy, red ears, drooling, short breaths
False Pregnancy
False Pregnancy
What Is It?
- Common in unspayed females
- Pulls fur, builds nest, becomes territorial
What to Do:
- Provide comfort and a nesting box
- Let it pass (~16-18 days)
- Prevent via spaying
Enrichment & Mental Stimulation
A Bored Pet Is an Unhappy Pet
- Provide tunnels, chew toys, digging boxes, and cardboard mazes
- Rotate toys weekly to keep things interesting
- Teach simple tricks using small healthy treats
- Let them roam safely in a bunny-proofed room or playpen
- Social interaction matters—spend time daily!
Pet-Proofing Your Home
Teeth never stop growing!
Keep Them Safe While Free-Roaming Indoors
- Cover electrical wires with protectors or tubing
- Block access to houseplants (many are toxic)
- Use gates to limit access to dangerous areas
- Remove items they may chew like shoes, bags, or paper
- Secure furniture with sharp edges or where rabbits may hide unsafelyAvoid wire-bottom cages
Teeth never stop growing!
Teeth never stop growing!
Teeth never stop growing!
They can go and go
Hay helps keep them filed down
- Diet is key to dental health
Watergrass
- It is Nutrient-rich but not a hay substitute
- Provides vitamins, minerals, antioxidants
- Safe to grow at home: sprout in soil or jar
Rabbits
What Makes Rabbits Unique?
What Makes Rabbits Unique?
What Makes Rabbits Unique?
- Not rodents — they are Lagomorphs
- 4 upper incisors (rodents have only 2)
- Highly social, expressive, and intelligent
- Can be litter-trained
- Need large free-roaming time
Classification:
Order: Lagomorpha
Class: Mammalia
Family: Leporidae
Life Expectancy
What Makes Rabbits Unique?
What Makes Rabbits Unique?
How Long Do Rabbits Live?
- Indoor rabbits live 8–12 years with proper care.
- Oldest known: 16 years
- Essentials: balanced diet, medical care, proper housing, toys, and vet visits.
Adult Rabbit Diet
Fun "Bunny Rules"
Fun "Bunny Rules"
Core Diet:
- 80% Hay (Timothy for adults)
- 15% Greens (2 small bowls/day)
- 5% Pellets (30g per kg body weight)
- Unlimited clean water (preferably in heavy bowls)
Extras:
- Fruits/carrots: 1-2 inches/week max
- Avoid sugary or starchy treats
Fun "Bunny Rules"
Fun "Bunny Rules"
Fun "Bunny Rules"
- Never delay meals
- Don’t disturb during feeding
- Rabbits are independent and dislike being controlled
- Respect their space, head rubs on demand
- Bunny poop is excellent fertilizer
- The bunny runs the house!
Hamsters
What Makes Hamsters Unique?
What Makes Hamsters Unique?
What Makes Hamsters Unique?
- True rodents
- Nocturnal — active mostly at night
- prefer living alone (Syrian hamsters especially)
- Love tunneling and deep bedding
- Store food in cheek pouches
Classification:
Order: Rodentia
Class: Mammalia
Family: Cricetidae
Life Expectancy
What Makes Hamsters Unique?
What Makes Hamsters Unique?
How Long Do Hamsters Live?
- 1.5–3 years
Short life due to fast metabolism. Proper bedding & safe environment extend lifespan.
Adult Hamster Diet
Fun "Hamster Rules"
Fun "Hamster Rules"
Core Diet:
- High-quality hamster mix (seeds + grains)
- Small portions of veggies (broccoli, cucumbers, carrots)
- Protein treats 1–2x/week (boiled egg tiny piece, mealworms)
Hay Use:
- Timothy hay for nesting and light chewing
Avoid:
- Citrus, onion, garlic, chocolate, iceberg lettuce
Fun "Hamster Rules"
Fun "Hamster Rules"
Fun "Hamster Rules"
- Active at night
- Needs deep bedding for burrowing
- Cannot live with other hamsters
- Runs miles daily on a wheel
- Sensitive to loud environments
Guinea Pigs
What Makes Guinea Pigs Unique?
What Makes Guinea Pigs Unique?
What Makes Guinea Pigs Unique?
- Rodents but cannot produce Vitamin C (must be supplemented)
- Extremely social — thrive in pairs or groups
- Communicate through squeaks, chirps, and rumbling sounds
- Need wide floor space, not tall cages
Classification:
Order: Rodentia
Class: Mammalia
Family: Caviidae
Life Expectancy
What Makes Guinea Pigs Unique?
What Makes Guinea Pigs Unique?
How Long Do Guinea Pigs Live?
- 5–7 years
Good care, Vitamin C, and companionship help them live longer.
Adult Piggy Diet
Fun "Piggy Rules"
Fun "Piggy Rules"
Core Diet:
- 80% Hay (Timothy as primary)
- Fresh veggies daily including a Vitamin C source (bell peppers, coriander, parsley)
- Pellets with Vitamin C (1–2 tbsp/day)
- Water: unlimited fresh water
Extras:
- Fruits sparingly
- Avoid seeds and high-fat treats
Fun "Piggy Rules"
Fun "Piggy Rules"
Fun "Piggy Rules"
- Extremely vocal (whistles, squeaks, “wheeking”)
- Thrive in pairs or herds
- Need constant access to hay
- Easily stressed by loud noises
- Love tunnels and floor-time
Know Your Hay: Nutrition That Nurtures
Know You Pellets: Nutrition That Nurtures
Know You Pellets: Nutrition That Nurtures
Timothy Hay: The Gold Standard for Herbivores
Why It's Loved by Bunnies & Pet Parents Worldwide:
- Digestive Support
Timothy hay keeps your pet’s gut moving with high fiber and low calcium. Bunnies are grazers by nature and need a constant supply of hay to thrive.
- Natural Dental Care
Rabbit teeth never stop growing! Chewing on coarse hay helps naturally wear down teeth and prevent painful overgrowth.
- Glossy Fur & Radiant Health
Healthy digestion and nutrients from quality hay lead to shinier coats and healthier skin.
- Mental Stimulation
Hay isn't just food—it’s enrichment! Foraging and chewing prevent boredom and support natural behaviors.
Know You Pellets: Nutrition That Nurtures
Know You Pellets: Nutrition That Nurtures
Know You Pellets: Nutrition That Nurtures
Alfalfa Pellets:
For Growth & Strength
Best for Young Pets or Special Needs:
- High Protein & Calcium
Alfalfa is a legume-based hay that’s rich in nutrients. - Ideal for:
- Baby pets under 6 months
- Pregnant or nursing does
- Underweight or recovering bunnies
- Energy Boost
The extra calories in Alfalfa pellets provide energy for growth or recovery.
- Not for Adult Maintenance
Because of its richness, Alfalfa should be used in moderation or avoided for healthy adult rabbits who are not in recovery or growth stages.
- Balance is Key
Pair with leafy greens, herbs, and unlimited Timothy Hay to avoid digestive or urinary issues.