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Why is my guinea pig holding pee with new fleece bedding? UTI concern?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Guinea Pig | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 26 days old

I had changed my guinea pig's bedding from paper to fleece for the night, I noticed he didn't pee as much as he normally would over night. By putting the fleece bedding in his cage instead of paper, did I put him at risk of a UTI infection or bladder stones or could it be that he didn't have to go much? Oh and when I took him out of his cage this morning to give him the paper bedding after running out to get it, he immediately peed on my bed. I feel like he held it. If he had to go would he?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 11th, 2018

If you change the bedding and they don't like it, yes, they can and will hold it. One night of him holding his bladder is not going to cause him any harm so I wouldn't worry about that. Fleece is not a recommended substrate for guinea pigs. I suggest you use CareFresh bedding. I think it is the best. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/carefresh-natural-pet-bedding ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 11th, 2018

    If you are concerned that you won't be able to tell if your guinea pig is urinating normally, you can pull up the fleece daily to check the material underneath. If you use a light colored product, such as a white towel, it should be easier to see the urine spots, or feel for wetness.

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