Why The Type of Fleece Matters in Pet Bedding
What’s The Best Types Of Fleece?
When it comes to bedding for rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small pets, the choice of fabric matters. Fleece liners have gained popularity due to their comfort, reusability, and ease of cleaning. However, not all fleece liners are created equal. The quality of fleece and the absorbent materials used in the liner play a significant role in the bedding’s performance and your pet’s well-being.
What is Fleece and How is it Made?
Fleece is a synthetic fabric made primarily from polyester, derived from plastic. This unique material is created by spinning fine fibres into a lightweight, soft, and insulating fabric. It was originally designed as an alternative to wool, offering similar warmth without the itchiness or bulk.
The process of making fleece involves melting plastic, typically from recycled bottles, and extruding it through fine nozzles to form polyester fibres. These fibres are then woven into fabric and brushed to create a soft, plush texture, which helps trap air, providing insulation. Fleece is celebrated for being light, breathable, and easy to wash, making it an ideal choice for pet bedding.
Is Fleece Waterproof?
One notable property of fleece is that, while it isn’t inherently waterproof, it’s hydrophobic, meaning it repels water to some extent. This water-resistant quality makes it different from materials like cotton, which absorb and retain moisture. However, in pet bedding, fleece needs to work with an absorbent layer below to ensure it remains dry and comfortable on the surface.
The Importance of Wicking Fleece for Pet Bedding
In fleece liners for pets, wicking is an essential process. Wicking fleece means treating the fabric so that it quickly draws moisture away from the surface and into the absorbent layer below. The purpose is to keep the surface dry for the pet, enhancing comfort and reducing the risk of skin issues from prolonged exposure to dampness.
To wick fleece effectively, we prewash it several times to strip away any residues or finishes from manufacturing that can prevent moisture from passing through the fabric. This process enables the fleece to pull urine away from the surface into the absorbent liner, keeping your pet dry and comfortable.
Types of Fleece Fabrics and Why They Matter
The outer layer of a fleece liner is what your pet directly interacts with. We exclusively use high-quality, durable fleece types, including:
- Anti-pill fleece: This fleece resists pilling, maintaining a smooth, soft surface even after multiple washes. The anti-pill property ensures your pet’s bedding stays comfortable and visually appealing.
- Polar fleece: Known for its plush, warm feel, polar fleece provides insulation, making it ideal for colder climates. It’s soft on pets’ paws, giving them a cosy and comforting place to rest.
- Husky fleece: A thicker and denser fleece, husky provides additional warmth and durability, ensuring a longer-lasting liner even with playful pets.
- Blizzard fleece: Blizzard fleece combines durability with softness, providing a robust option that stands up to frequent washes and wear.
These fleeces are designed to wick moisture away from the surface, keeping your pet dry and comfortable. Our fleece liners stay fresh longer, saving you from constant bedding changes.
The Role of Absorbent Liners
A good fleece liner isn’t just about the outer layer. The absorbent liner underneath is crucial for maintaining hygiene and odour control. Our fleece liners feature a 5mm thick cotton base, crafted from recycled fabric waste, making them not only effective but eco-friendly. This layer quickly absorbs moisture, keeping it trapped below the surface layer of fleece.
Why Thin Fleece and Other Materials Like Cotton or Flannel Are Not Recommended
When selecting bedding for small pets, it’s essential to understand why thin fleece, cotton, and flannel may not provide the comfort, hygiene, or durability that pets need. While these materials might seem suitable initially, they often fall short in performance compared to quality fleece liners specifically designed for small pets. Here’s why:
- Thin fleece: Thin fleece doesn’t wick moisture effectively, meaning it won’t keep your pet as dry. The lack of thickness allows urine to seep through too quickly, leading to a damp surface that can create discomfort and even skin issues for pets. It also doesn’t offer the same insulation, causing discomfort in colder environments.
- Cotton and flannel: While these are common household materials, they don’t wick moisture like fleece. Instead, they absorb it directly, leaving a damp surface that can quickly lead to skin irritation and odour. They also require frequent washing and may shrink or lose shape, making them impractical for pet bedding.
When Thin Fleece, Cotton, and Flannel Are Suitable: External Use in Accessories
While thin fleece, cotton, and flannel aren’t ideal for the core bedding surface, they can still be excellent choices for the outer layer of pet accessories. Accessories such as tunnels, cuddle cups, and hideouts benefit from an outer layer that is breathable, attractive, and aesthetically pleasing without compromising on durability or hygiene.
- Perfect for external layers: These fabrics allow for good airflow around the accessory, helping to keep the inner space fresh while offering visual appeal. The outer layer of accessories doesn’t directly contact moisture, so thinner materials can be used effectively without sacrificing comfort.
- Style without compromise: With a wide variety of colours, patterns, and prints available, cotton, flannel, and thinner fleece can add personality and charm to your pet’s accessories. This outer layer can coordinate with your pet’s bedding setup, giving their habitat a warm and welcoming look.
- Internal layers should prioritise performance: For the parts of accessories that experience direct contact, such as the inner surfaces of tunnels or beds, we recommend using the same high-quality fleece materials we use in our liners. This ensures that any contact point with moisture maintains dryness and hygiene.
Why Quality Fleece Matters
Our high-quality fleece types—anti-pill, polar, husky, and blizzard—are specifically chosen for their wicking ability and durability. Combined with our thick, eco-friendly cotton absorbent base, these fleece liners ensure maximum performance, hygiene, and comfort for your small pet.
How Our Fleece Liners Stand Out
- High-quality materials: By selecting premium fleece fabrics such as anti-pill, polar, husky, and blizzard, we ensure our liners provide maximum comfort and durability.
- Eco-conscious design: Our absorbent layer is made from recycled cotton fabric waste, reflecting our commitment to sustainability.
- Thoughtful construction: With a carefully designed multi-layer structure, our liners keep moisture away from the surface, minimise odour, and are easy to wash and maintain.
In Summary
Choosing bedding made from quality fleece materials not only keeps your pet comfortable but also supports their health by providing a dry, odour-free environment. Thin fleece, cotton, and flannel may seem like economical choices, but they often lead to more frequent changes, higher maintenance, and potential health risks. Our premium fleece liners are crafted to meet the needs of small pets while remaining sustainable, easy to clean, and long-lasting.