When it comes to your chinchilla’s cage, there are some materials that are safe and others that are dangerous. Fleece, chinchilla safe wood, and metal are generally OK. But many chinchilla cages come with plastic shelves or wire floors, which are big no-nos for chins. Luckily, instead of tossing all those shelves out or having to buy a new cage, you can cover them with chinchilla safe fleece.
Some chinchilla owners also use fleece liners as a reusable alternative to litter. It’s best to have two or three sets of liners that you can swap out and toss in the washing machine to clean up urine, dirt, and grime. Make sure to wash your fleece liners at least once a week (and more often if a particular shelf is a favorite pee spot).
Is fleece safe for chinchillas?
Fleece is the safest fabric for chinchilla accessories, hammocks, and beds. It does not unravel into threads like other fabrics, which pose a blockage threat in their stomachs. While other fabrics will be bitten, chewed, and torn up by your chin, chinchillas do not like the feeling of fleece on their teeth. After a few exploratory “tastes,” they’ll usually leave it alone. I have heard of cases where chinchillas chew fleece, so if you notice your pet doing that, it’s best to remove the fleece from their cage.
Fleece Liners for Chinchilla Cages
If you aren’t the DIY type, there are plenty of people who make and sell fleece liners for common chinchilla cages. Check these out to see if they’ll work for your set up.
Double Critter Nation or Ferret Nation Cage Liner Sets
SecondChanceDooks01 sells made to order cage liners for chinchilla owners. These sets are good for double cage setups, including 7 pieces: 2 pan covers (1 with cutout), 2 shelf covers, and 3 ramp colors. As a bonus, you can choose from a fleece tube, extra-large hammock, or burrow blankie made in matching fabric.
They offer many fabric options so you can pick the perfect decor for your cage.
Fleece Liners for Ferret Nation & Critter Nation Cages
If you prefer to shop on Amazon, you can still order Ferret Nation and Critter Nation fleece cage liners. Available for single or double cage setups in five different print options.
The single set includes one large pan liner, one shelf liner, and one ramp cover. The double set includes 2 large pan liners (one with cut-out for ramp opening), two small shelf liners, and three ramp covers.
Custom Chinchilla Cage Fleece Liners
If you don’t own a Critter/Ferret Nation Cage, you may struggle to find fleece liners. Desert Hedgehogs makes custom cage liners for a variety of cages, including Critter and Ferret Nation. Check out the dimensions:
24″ x 24″ (Quality Cages)
18″ x 40″ (XL Super Pet cage)
24″ x 36″ (Critter Nation/Ferret Nation)
24″ x 48″ (Midwest Guinea Pig Habitat)
If you need a different size, you can contact them directly for a custom order. This is a great option if you have an unusual cage or shelf to cover. These covers are only available in solid colors, though you can choose which you like best.
DIY Fleece Liners
If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you can even make fleece liners yourself. I’m not, so I’m going to share some resources you can check out to learn how to make your own fleece liners.
If you have an odd cage or need to create a cover for a custom shelf, you can easily do it by tracing or cutting around the shape of the pan (as shown in the video above). Fold your fleece over so there will be two layers of fabric (for the top and the bottom of the shelf). Leave an inch or more around the sides to sew together.
Flip your fabric inside out and fold it over again. Use pins to hold the fabric together. Using your sewing machine, sew each edge shut, leaving one side open to slide the shelf or pan inside.
Looking for more accessories for your chinchilla’s cage? Check out fleece beds and hammocks. Don’t forget to buy some toys and chews for your chin to have fun with.