When you are considering suitable small pet housing, it’s essential to think in terms of a clean, dry, welcoming home that will assure your pet’s continued health and happiness. Be certain that your friend has spacious, secure, well-ventilated, munch-proof accommodations containing at least the basics: proper bedding, food and water containers, toys, exercisers, and litter/or litter box. Choose a cage or habitat location that is not in direct sunlight, near heating vents or radiators, or close to air-conditioning vents or units. Also, take special care to position the cage where it is accessible but out of immediate reach of very small children and other pets.

Appropriate small pet housing also takes into consideration that each small animal has a different idea as to what represents a happy home and place of refuge. Get to know your specific pet and what he requires to keep him feeling safe, secure and content. Whether your particular small animal prefers burrowing into bedding, huddling inside a hutch, or taking retreat in a large toy, he instinctively hides for the sake of security, safety and solace. He also seeks refuge when he needs to sleep, rest, or simply "escape from it all." When selecting that special hiding place for your companion, keep in mind his preferences and what materials he can safely enjoy.

Maintaining a clean, comfortable small pet housing environment is vital for ensuring that your pet remains free from unsanitary conditions that might potentially threaten his health and overall well-being. On a daily basis, wet or soiled spots should be removed from bedding and/or litter, the food bowl should be cleaned and fresh food provided, and the water bowl/bottle should be cleaned and refilled. On a weekly basis, the cage or habitat (along with toys and accessories) should be cleaned and properly disinfected, and bedding and/or litter should be removed and replaced. While cleaning your small pet housing area or habitat, it’s advisable to place your pet in a small pen or traveling cage for the duration of the cleaning process.

Though variety may indeed be the spice of life, resist the urge to overfill the small pet housing environment with toys and accessories. One of the simplest ways in which to liven up your pet’s surroundings is to frequently rearrange toys and accessories. And the easiest time to rearrange his cage is when you clean it.

Keeping your small pet’s home in the castle-like state that he deserves will be beneficial to both you and your special friend…it’s what proper small pet housing is all about!