Quick answer
For a Rex rabbit, the best bedding is a soft, solid resting surface that protects the hocks and stays dry. Line the enclosure with a thick layer of dust-extracted paper bedding such as Carefresh Confetti or Kaytee Clean and Cozy, then add a soft mat or washable fleece pad over any hard or slatted flooring. Kaytee Aspen is a safe, low-oil wood option, and kiln-dried pellets like Small Pet Select belong in the litter box under a softer top layer, not as the main bed.
Why bedding matters for Rex rabbits
Rex rabbits have short, plush, velvet-like fur, and that same coat covers their feet with less protective padding on the hocks than most breeds carry. Less padding means more pressure lands on the heel of each back foot, which makes a Rex noticeably more prone to sore hocks (pododermatitis), the pressure sores that form on the hocks. Soft, solid bedding spreads that load and cushions every hop, while damp or matted bedding does the opposite. Keeping the surface clean and dry is a core part of preventing both sore hocks and urine scald, so a Rex needs comfort and hygiene together.
What to look for
Prioritize softness over a solid floor. Thick paper bedding, a soft rubber-backed mat, or a fleece liner across solid flooring gives the hocks a forgiving surface. Choose high absorbency so moisture pulls away from the skin, and low dust to protect the airway. Paper options like Carefresh and Kaytee Clean and Cozy are virtually dust-extracted, while Oxbow Pure Comfort blends paper for a plush, burrow-friendly feel. Depth helps too: aim for about 2 to 3 inches so your rabbit can nest without pressing onto a hard base. Unscented formulas are safest, since a Rex will often nibble whatever it sits on.
How we chose
We compared widely sold rabbit beddings on the traits that matter for this breed: softness against the hocks, absorbency, dust level, and how safely each material handles moisture. We favored paper and aspen products with clear sourcing and no added fragrance, and we flagged any setup that leaves the feet on bare wire or hard flooring. Picks that pair real cushioning with easy daily spot cleaning scored highest, because a dry, plush surface is what keeps Rex feet healthy. We also checked that each option was unscented and free of dyes, since a curious Rex will taste its bedding, and we preferred materials that spot clean without leaving dust behind.
What to avoid
Skip cedar and aromatic softwood pine shavings, since their oils release compounds that can irritate and harm a rabbit’s lungs. Avoid clumping clay litter, which is dusty and dangerous if swallowed. Never leave a Rex on bare wire or hard flooring, and do not let bedding sit damp. If you use kiln-dried pine pellets for absorbency, keep them in the litter box and give your rabbit a soft mat or fleece to rest on instead.
