Soft bedding for older guinea pigs with reduced mobility

A six-year-old guinea pig with reduced mobility — that's a genuinely senior pig, and getting the bedding right at this stage makes a real difference to their comfort day to day. Guinea pigs are social animals and should always be kept in pairs or groups, and space is the most consistently underestimated requirement — most cages sold for guinea pigs are simply too small for two. Before I point you in the right direction: is your pig living with a companion, and are you looking to replace what you're already using, or starting fresh with a new setup?

That's exactly the right instinct. Wood shavings can be abrasive and don't offer much cushioning, which matters more as guinea pigs age and spend longer resting in one spot. What size is their enclosure roughly — and has your pig shown any signs of sore hocks or skin irritation on her feet, or is it more that she just seems less keen to move around?

Good that there's no skin breakdown yet — you're catching this at the right moment. For two senior pigs spending more time resting, fleece liners are the clear choice. They're soft, flat, and warm underfoot, with no loose particles to irritate respiratory systems or catch in aging nails. My recommendation is the Kavee fleece cage liners — they make them in standard C&C grid sizes including 2x4, which fits your 120x60cm footprint well. They're double-layered with an absorbent inner and a fleece top that wicks moisture away from the surface, so your pigs are sitting on something dry and soft rather than damp shavings. They're machine washable and last well with regular washing. One thing to note: you'll want to do a couple of washes before first use to boost the wicking.

They sit directly in the cage base — no extra layer needed unless you want additional cushioning, in which case some people add a thin foam mat underneath for older pigs. That's optional rather than essential. The liner itself handles absorbency fine on its own with daily spot-cleaning and a full wash every three to four days. Given both your pigs are senior, it's worth having two liners so one's always ready while the other's in the wash.

You're welcome. Two liners is definitely the practical move. Keep an eye on her foot pads every week or so — senior pigs can develop bumblefoot quietly, and catching any redness early is much easier to manage than leaving it. She sounds well looked after.