If you’re familiar with the concept of Phil Spencer and Kirsty Allsop’s Channel 4 Show, Love It or List It, why not apply the same idea to your small pet’s tired-looking home?

Just as Phil and Kirsty do with homeowners, the veterinary nurses at our practice in Northampton challenge you to create a space that your hamster, gerbil, fancy rats, guinea pigs or rabbits will love. This may mean upgrading their current housing so your pets (and you) will love it, or indeed listing it on eBay and looking for their perfect new home.

Before we dig in, you can get more advice on caring for small furry pets from our friendly team, when you contact us to book a nurse appointment at Northlands.

Book a nurse appointment

Is it time for a habitat upgrade?

First things first. Before you decide to invest some love into your pet’s current habitat or buy new, the nursing team at Northlands recommend asking yourself these questions:

1. Has your pet outgrown their space or do they need more room to play?
2. Does their housing include hide spots, tunnels, or toys for enrichment?
3. Is the enclosure easy to clean and free of lingering odours?
4. Are there any safety concerns, like loose bars, sharp edges, damage, or escape routes that need fixing?
5. Is the housing watertight (if outdoors) and showing no signs of wear?

If you’re re-using, or upcycling your pet’s current home, download our habitat cleaning tips to help you maintain a clean and safe space.

Top tips for a perfect tiny pet home

Whether you’re repairing existing or choosing new, these tips from Northlands’ veterinary nurses will help ensure your small pet thrives.

1. Choose housing that suits their needs

Every small pet has unique housing requirements based on size, activity level, and natural behaviour:

• Hamsters and Gerbils: Prefer deep bases for burrowing and enjoy tunnels. Glass enclosures can be ideal.
• Guinea Pigs and Rabbits: Need ample room to roam and jump about and will benefit from multiple levels (apart from seniors), and an outdoor run for sunlight.
• Rats and Mice: Thrive in modular cages with climbing options. Proper ventilation is essential to keep your pet healthy. Avoid cramped spaces or overly enclosed setups.

2. Add enrichment and comfort

Your pet’s home should offer more than just a place to sleep. Northlands’ team suggest including:

• Exercise Wheels: Great for active pets like hamsters and rats (too dangerous for guinea pigs).
• Hiding Spots: Provide safety and a sense of security.
• Interactive Toys: Tunnels, chew toys, or treat dispensers to keep them entertained. Also, don’t forget soft, cosy bedding for extra comfort during rest times.

3. Location, location, location!

So much great TV, Phil and Kirsty! The location of your pet’s enclosure matters. Keep them in a space where they can feel secure without being isolated. Northlands’ nursing team recommend:

• Avoiding areas with drafts or direct sunlight.
• Placing them where they can see you but avoid overwhelming noise.
• Ensuring their environment stays at a stable temperature.

Make this year the best for your small pets

So, do you think you and your small pet can love their existing housing again after a New Year blitz and revamp, or will you choose to fix it up and list it on eBay so you can start searching for their perfect new home?

Whichever you decide, you’ll be giving your hamster, gerbil, fancy rats, guinea pigs or rabbits a safe and stimulating home to enjoy. If you have questions or need advice, contact our nursing team at Northlands. 

Contact us for advice or to register your small pet

Before you go, remember to download our Habitat Cleaning Tips.