It’s that time of year again! Holiday decorations are popping up everywhere. Those seasonal lights and decorations give everything a cozy, welcoming feel. If you have a smaller pet, like a gerbil or hamster, you can also decorate your little buddy’s cage. Just be sure to put safety first! Here, a Forest Hill, MD vet discusses decorating your pocket pet’s cage.

Paper

You can make all sorts of cute decorations out of plain paper. Snowflake chains are perfect for this! You can also make little snowmen out of paper. This is a great project for kids.

Hidey-Holes

It’s very important for small animals to have hidey-holes they can retreat to. Why not look for something seasonal, like a little igloo? You can find some cute options online or in stores. You can also repurpose a decorative piece, like a tissue box.

Presents

Want to offer your little buddy something that is both decorative and functional? Get some small cardboard boxes, and gift-wrap them. They’ll also double as chew toys! Choose a brand that uses non-toxic ink.

Hanging Decorations

You can put some tinsel, string lights, and/or other hanging decorations outside your pet’s cage. Just make sure they can’t reach it!

Wooden Shapes

Plain wooden shapes can make great chew toys. Look for a little tree or ornament. Don’t use pine or cedar objects, though, as they aren’t safe for small animals.

Backgrounds

Another cute option is to add a seasonal background to the outside of your pet’s cage. You can do this with wrapping paper, as long as it isn’t touching any wires or equipment. (Note: With wire cages, your pet may be able to reach—and therefore eat—his new wallpaper. Choose paper that utilizes non-toxic ink.)

Tips

Always put safety first. Never give your pet anything small or sharp, or anything covered in varnish, stain, glitter, or dye. Items with hanging threads or ropes are also unsafe. Remember to be extra vigilant when letting your pet out of their cage at this time of year. Ornament hooks, tinsel strands, ribbons, toxic plants, and lights are all very dangerous to small animals!

All of us here at the Animal Medical Center of Bel Air, your local Forest Hill, MD vet clinic, want to wish you and your pet a happy holiday season. Please reach out to us if ever we can be of assistance.