If you’re looking to add a furry friend to your home but are concerned about smells, you may be debating between getting a rabbit or a guinea pig. Both make great pets, but they do have differences when it comes to odor.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Guinea pigs tend to smell more than rabbits overall due to their musky scent glands and urine smells. However, rabbits can also develop an odor if their living area is not cleaned regularly.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about rabbits vs guinea pigs when it comes to smells. You’ll learn about their scent glands, urine, feces, cages, bedding, and more.
We’ll also provide tips to control odors for both pets so you can make the best decision for your home.
Natural Scent Glands
Rabbits
Rabbits have natural scent glands located under their chins and around their genitals that produce pheromones and oils. When a rabbit rubs its chin on objects, it is marking its territory with its scent. Though slight, this musky odor is normal rabbit behavior.
However, if the smell is particularly strong, it could be a sign that the glands need to be cleaned.
Some tips to reduce rabbit odor:
- Clean the litter box frequently, at least 1-2 times per day.
- Spot clean soiled bedding daily and do a full change 1-2 times per week.
- Gently wipe the scent glands every few weeks with unscented baby wipes to remove excess oils.
- Use odor eliminating litters and beddings. Paper-based litters tend to trap smells less than wood shavings.
- Make sure the rabbit is fixed – unneutered males spray urine to mark territory.
- Brush regularly to redistribute natural oils and loose hair.
- Bathe only if absolutely necessary, as it can dry out the skin and coat.
With proper care, rabbit odor can be minimized for an enjoyable pet experience.
Guinea Pigs
Like rabbits, guinea pigs have natural scent glands that can produce an odor. They have scent glands near their nose, ears, rear, and genitals. When a guinea pig is startled or feels threatened, it will release pheromones that can smell strong and musky.
Some tips to control guinea pig odor:
- Spot clean soiled bedding and poop daily.
- Do a full cage cleaning 1-2 times per week.
- Use absorbent beddings like fleece bedding or recycled paper bedding.
- Bathe guinea pigs only when necessary using a gentle guinea pig shampoo.
- Brush the fur 1-2 times per week to redistribute natural oils.
- Clean scent glands periodically by gently wiping with unscented baby wipes.
- Make sure guinea pigs are fixed – unneutered boars are more likely to scent mark.
- Use odor eliminating cage deodorizers and products.
Proper hygiene and grooming practices can help control guinea pig odor. Weekly cage cleanings and daily spot cleaning are key to minimizing any unpleasant smells.
Urine Smells
Rabbit Urine
Rabbit urine can have a strong, pungent odor due to the high concentration of ammonia. This is because rabbits produce two types of urine – caecotrophs and normal urine. Caecotrophs are soft pellets rabbits ingest directly from their anus to obtain essential nutrients.
The excess is then excreted as normal urine, which is high in ammonia. Here are some key facts about rabbit urine smell:
- Intact rabbits spray urine to mark territory, causing stronger smells.
- Improper litter box habits can increase urine odor if the rabbit urinates outside the box.
- Urine smell increases if litter boxes are not cleaned frequently, at least 1-2 times per day.
- Certain diets and dehydration can concentrate the urine and increase odor.
- Urinary tract infections or bladder sludge problems can lead to foul-smelling urine.
To reduce rabbit urine odor:
- Neuter/spay rabbits to reduce territorial marking.
- Use a large litter box and replace litter frequently.
- Clean litter boxes at least twice daily.
- Ensure adequate water intake to dilute urine.
- Feed a healthy diet with lots of hay.
- Treat any urinary tract issues.
With proper care, diet and cleaning, rabbit urine smell can be minimized. But a mild ammonia odor is natural for rabbit urine.
Guinea Pig Urine
Guinea pig urine contains chemical compounds that can cause stronger odors than some other pets. Here’s an overview of guinea pig pee smell:
- Male guinea pig urine often smells stronger than females due to hormones.
- Like rabbits, guinea pigs may mark territory with urine.
- Odor increases if bedding or litter isn’t changed regularly.
- Smells worsen with bladder infections or other health issues.
- Foods like cabbage family vegetables may increase urine odor.
Tips to reduce guinea pig urine smells:
- Neuter males to decrease hormone levels and marking.
- Spot clean soiled bedding/litter areas daily.
- Change all bedding 2-3 times per week.
- Feed a balanced diet with limited gas-causing veggies.
- Ensure they drink enough water daily.
- Treat any UTIs or health problems.
With diligent cleaning, guinea pig urine odor can be managed. A mild smell is normal, but strong ammonia odors warrant a vet visit.
| Pet | Urine Smell Level | Key Causes | Ways to Reduce Odor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabbits | Strong due to ammonia | Territorial marking, poor litter habits, infrequent cleaning, diet, UTIs | Neuter/spay, large litter box, frequent cleaning, ensure hydration and hay diet, treat UTIs |
| Guinea Pigs | Quite strong | Hormones in males, Territorial marking, soiled bedding, gassy veggies, UTIs | Neuter males, frequent bedding changes, limit gas-causing veggies, ensure hydration, treat UTIs |
Feces Odor
Rabbit Poop
Rabbit poop generally has an earthy, hay-like smell that is not very offensive to most human noses. This is because rabbits are herbivores and their digestive system is adapted to digesting plant materials like grasses, vegetables, fruits, leaves, twigs, etc.
The digestive process results in round, dry fecal pellets that have a relatively mild odor.
However, the smell can get stronger if the litter box is not cleaned regularly. Ammonia from urine soaks into the poop over time, mixing with bacteria and releasing a sharper, more pungent odor. Additionally, uneaten wet greens or vegetables in the litter box can make the smell more unpleasant.
Guinea Pig Poop
Guinea pig droppings typically have an earthy, musty, hay-like smell similar to rabbits, but it is often described as stronger or more pungent. There are a few reasons for this:
Like rabbits, the smell gets worse if litter boxes and bedding are not frequently cleaned. Allowing urine and poop to sit and mix breeds bacteria which gives off robust, unpleasant odors.
| Factor | Rabbit Poop | Guinea Pig Poop |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture Content | Dry, firm pellets | Higher moisture, softer poop |
| Digestibility of Food | Food more thoroughly digested | More undigested plant matter in poop |
| Bacteria Levels | Lower bacteria levels | Higher bacteria levels |
| Where They Poop | Usually only in litter box | Will poop anywhere, even where they eat and sleep |
For more tips on managing pet odors, visit:
Cage Considerations
Rabbit Cages
When it comes to rabbit cages, bigger is always better. Rabbits are active animals that need plenty of space to hop around and exercise. The House Rabbit Society recommends a minimum cage size of at least 8 square feet for a large breed rabbit.
However, even larger cages of 10-12 square feet are ideal to give bunnies more room to roam.
Rabbit cages should have a solid floor rather than a wire flooring to prevent foot injuries. Common flooring options include wood, grass mats, or linoleum. Absorbent bedding like paper-based litters, aspen shavings, or straw should cover the floor to soak up urine and odors.
Multi-level rabbit cages with ramps add vertical space for binkying (popcorning) and allow bunnies to separate their eating, sleeping, and litter areas. An enclosed nesting box gives rabbits a safe, cozy place to sleep and retreat.
To keep the cage smelling fresh, spot clean daily by removing soiled bedding, and empty the litter box as needed. A thorough weekly cleansing of the entire cage is also advised. With proper husbandry, rabbit cages should not have a strong odor.
Guinea Pig Cages
Like rabbits, guinea pigs appreciate spacious accommodations to scamper about. The Humane Society recommends a minimum cage size of 7.5 square feet for one guinea pig, 10.5 square feet for two, and at least 13 square feet for three.
Cages with multiple levels add space for popcorning, lounging in hay lofts, and establishing pee corners away from food and beds. Ramps should have gritty textures and low inclines to prevent slipping. Avoid wire flooring which can cause foot sores.
Fleece liners over absorbent bedding help keep guinea pig cages clean and odor-free. Spot clean daily and change liners fully 2-3 times per week. Pine or aspen shavings also work well for odor control.
Provide space for a large hay rack, food bowl, water bottle, and hideaway house. Hideouts give guinea pigs a sense of security while snacking.
With good husbandry practices like frequent cage cleanings, providing absorbent bedding, and picking up poops, guinea pig cages should not have an offensive smell.
Bedding Options
Rabbit Bedding
When selecting bedding for pet rabbits, owners have several options to consider for odor control and their bunny’s comfort. Popular choices include recycled paper bedding, aspen wood shavings, grass hay, straw, shredded cardboard, and fleece blankets.
Each material has pros and cons regarding absorbency, cost, safety, and ease of cleaning.
Recycled paper products tend to be highly absorbent and effective at controlling odors thanks to their high ink content. Brands like Carefresh and Yesterday’s News paper bedding are soft, comfortable, and dust-free. However, they may be more expensive than other bedding options.
Aspen wood shavings also rate well for odor control and offer a natural feel, though they may not be as cushy underfoot. Grass hay makes an appetizing litter for bunnies to munch, but it requires more frequent changing than wood shavings or paper to prevent smells.
In a recent poll on RabbitOwner.com[1], 52% of rabbit owners said they use recycled paper bedding due to its superior absorbency and soft texture that is gentle on sensitive rabbit feet. 34% preferred inexpensive wood shavings or straw, while 14% opted for snuggly fleece blankets in their rabbits’ living spaces.
Guinea Pig Bedding
For guinea pig owners, odor control is often the top priority when selecting cage liners and bedding. Guinea pigs are prone to more pungent smells than other small pets due to their higher urine output.
Top choices like recycled paper and aspen shavings can help minimize odors and moisture while keeping piggies comfortable.
Paper beddings like Carefresh and Kaytee Clean & Cozy do an excellent job of absorbing liquid and dissipating ammonia fumes from guinea pig pee. The material is also soft and cushiony for lying on. Wood shavings similarly soak up moisture well and allow for burrowing or hiding under tunnels.
Both materials should be spot cleaned and fully changed out weekly.
Fleece bedding is another odor-reducing option, though it requires an absorbent layer underneath, like puppy training pads, to avoid dampness. Daily washing of soiled fleece is recommended. Alternatively, plain shredded newspaper over an absorbent puppy pad also helps soak up smells at low cost, though ink safety may be a concern.
Based on a survey by Guinealynx.com[2], 67% of guinea pig owners prefer paper litter due to excellent absorbency, while 20% like fleece for softness and 13% use wood shavings for affordability and burrowing enrichment.
Tips to Control Odors
For Rabbits
Rabbits are adorable pets, but they do tend to have a distinct scent that not everyone finds pleasant. Here are some tips to help control odors from your bunny:
- Litter box maintenance – Scoop urine and feces from the litter box daily. Dump everything, wash with mild soap and completely replace the litter 1-2 times per week.
- Air purifiers – Place air purifiers around your home to help circulate fresh air. HEPA filters are great for capturing dander, fur and other allergens.
- Baking soda – Sprinkle baking soda in the litter box and around your bunny’s habitat. The sodium bicarbonate is a natural deodorizer.
- Clean habitat frequently – Wash your rabbit’s habitat, toys, food bowls, etc. weekly to prevent build up of odors.
- Brush regularly – Brush your rabbit at least weekly to remove loose fur and distribute oils around their coat instead of letting it accumulate in the environment.
- Litter choices – Use paper based pellet litters instead of wood shavings or straw which can retain urine odors.
- Air out the room – Make sure your rabbit’s room gets plenty of ventilation. Open windows regularly to let fresh air circulate.
- Clean litter feet – Wipe your rabbit’s paws after playtime or when returning from outside to prevent tracking waste through the house.
- Hygiene spray – Use special rabbit-safe odor eliminating sprays designed for hutches and litter boxes in between deep cleanings.
- Watch diet – Feed a healthy diet to avoid excess cecotropes that can cause foul odors.
With conscientious care and cleaning, it’s possible to successfully manage the signature scent of pet rabbits. Maintaining good hygiene keeps your home smelling fresh and prevents health issues in your rabbits too.
For Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are endearing pocket pets, but they are prone to having a strong, musky odor. Here are some tips for controlling smells from guinea pig cages:
- Spot clean daily – Scoop out urine soaked bedding, droppings and uneaten produce each day.
- Disinfect – Use a pet-safe disinfectant to wash cages, bottles, toys, etc. weekly.
- Replace bedding – Dump all substrates out and replace with fresh bedding 1-2 times per week.
- Clean feet – Rinse guinea pig feet after playtime or floor time to prevent tracking waste.
- Bathe periodically – Bathe guinea pigs every 1-2 months with a pet-safe shampoo to reduce oils contributing to musk.
- Odor absorbers – Place zeolite stones or baking soda in the cage to help absorb moisture and smells.
- Air purification – Use HEPA air filters and open windows regularly to circulate fresh air.
- Change diet – Avoid overfeeding treats. Give a balanced pellet diet with lots of hay and some veggies.
- Clean objects – Thoroughly wash hideys, food bowls, water bottles and toys when dirty.
- Groom regularly – Brush long haired breeds 1-2 times per week to minimize shed hair and oils around the cage.
With diligent cleaning care, it’s possible to successfully manage the signature musky odor of guinea pigs. Maintaining proper hygiene keeps your home smelling pleasant and prevents health issues for pets.
Conclusion
When it comes to rabbits vs guinea pigs and smells, both pets can develop odors if their living space is not cleaned regularly. However, guinea pigs tend to have a stronger natural musky odor from their scent glands and urine.
With proper cage cleaning and maintenance, the smells of both pets can be minimized. Consider the odor factors along with other aspects like interaction, cost, and space when choosing between a rabbit or guinea pig.
With the right care, either can make an excellent addition to your home!
