Small Pet Agility

Guinea Pig In Tunnel

Agility is not just for dogs! Cat owners are also starting to discover the fun their pets can have with obstacle courses that demand skill and a strong level of trust from all those taking part. And now even small pets are getting in on the act – rabbits, guinea pigs, degus, chipmunks, chinchillas, rats and other small pets love the variety and extra excitement that agility can bring to their lives.

The First Steps…

…are easy! Setting up a little obstacle course for your small pet won’t take any time at all. Depending upon the size and weight of your pet, a great adventure playground can be created just from a few small cardboard boxes, bits of wood, toilet roll tubes and paper bags. You can also find special bridges, wheels, tunnels and dens to expand your small pet’s agility course.

Do it Yourself

With a little bit of skill and imagination, you can even make similar obstacles yourself. A tea towel can be easily transformed into a ferret hammock, while an empty toilet roll tube makes a great tunnel for mice, degus and hamsters. A small wooden board can be turned into a ramp and a thin stick is the perfect obstacle for energetic rabbits.

There are just a few basic rules you need to follow when creating your own agility course for small pets. Avoid using toxic adhesives and remove any traces of varnish from wooden scraps before use. You must also always check cardboard and wood for old nails or staples, which can be fatal if chewed by small pets. All obstacles and hiding places need to be very stable to stop them from collapsing and potentially injuring your pet. Always supervise your pet while it plays.