Cedar and Pine Shavings as Small Animal Bedding (Plicatic Acid, Abietic Acid, Phenols, Respiratory Disease in Rodents and Rabbits) — pet safety profile
Moderate riskCedar and pine wood shavings have been traditional small animal bedding for hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, rabbits, and ferrets, but contain volatile aromatic hydrocarbons — primarily plicatic acid (cedar), abietic acid (pine), and phenolic compounds — that cause respiratory damage and liver enzyme induction in small mammals.
What is this product?
Cedar and pine wood shavings have been traditional small animal bedding for hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, rabbits, and ferrets, but contain volatile aromatic hydrocarbons — primarily plicatic acid (cedar), abietic acid (pine), and phenolic compounds — that cause respiratory damage and liver enzyme induction in small mammals. Studies in laboratory rodents demonstrate that cedar shavings increase hepatic microsomal enzyme activity (cytochrome P450) by 2-4 fold, altering drug metabolism and potentially accelerating carcinogen activation. Respiratory effects include chronic mucosal irritation, increased mucus production, and predisposition to bacterial pneumonia — the leading cause of death in pet rats and guinea pigs. Kiln-dried pine shavings have lower volatile content than fresh pine and may be acceptable, but cedar should be avoided entirely for small animal housing.
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Volatile Component
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