Last Updated: 19/08/2026
Best Toys for Small Pets (Pocket Pets)
Vet-reviewed toys and enrichment ideas for guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, rats and mice, plus what to look for to keep them safe, busy and happy
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 3 minutes - short read
Small mammals are all special in their own way. Rats are incredibly smart and love problem solving. Rabbits are famous for the 'binky' - an uncontainable burst of energy released during playtime. And ferrets are an energetic, quirky snake-cat hybrid with keen hunting instincts and desire to chase.
Why not treat your pint-sized squeeky pal to an array of ridiculous mini things? You know you want to...
We've collected some of our most outrageously cute toys and accessories for small mammals, some which you'll need to see to believe!
How We Review Our Products
Our Vet team use their health and husbandry knowledge, along with their own personal and clinical experiences to evaluate each product and provide detailed, informative reviews, free of any commercial bias. We then collate this information into our 'best of' recommendations.
Top recommended toys and accessories for small pets in Australia [Vet Reviewed]
Best Feeding Accessory
Veggie Patch Tool Box Hay Rack
Pros
- Doubles as a feeder for hay, fresh veg or other food, so it earns its spot in the enclosure beyond just hay duty
- Novelty tool-box design adds a bit of personality to the setup without sacrificing function
- Open design makes it easy to see at a glance how much is left and top up accordingly
- Suits guinea pigs and rabbits
Cons
- Open design means it doesn't keep hay quite as contained as an enclosed rack, so expect a bit more scatter around the enclosure
- Needs regular cleaning to stay hygienic, particularly if fresh veg goes in alongside hay
Why we love it
Hay isn't a side dish for rabbits and guinea pigs — it should make up the bulk of what they eat, available around the clock (see our tips for getting more hay into fussier eaters if yours needs convincing). This one keeps things simple and lets you use the same spot for hay, greens or the odd extra treat, which cuts down on how many separate dishes you're washing up each day. The tool-box design is a fun touch too — enrichment doesn't have to look clinical to do its job.
Vet tip
Unlimited hay isn't just about nutrition, the constant chewing wears down rabbits' and guinea pigs' teeth, which grow continuously throughout their life. Without enough fibrous hay to grind on, they're at real risk of dental disease.
Best Ball Toy
Nature Island Woven Assorted Fun Balls 8 Pack Toys for Small Animals
Pros
- Contains 8 different balls
- Crafted from 100% nature fibres for multiple textures
- Encourages natural foraging, gnawing and tossing
- Lightweight design
- Durable construction
Cons
- Due to being made from natural materials they may not be long-lasting
Why we love it
All small pets require mental stimulation and balls encourage natural behaviours like foraging and exploration which can help prevent boredom and destructive behaviours. Each ball is made from a different natural fibre which provides a diverse sensory experience for small pets.
Best Tunnel
Rosewood Seagrass Small Animal Tunnel
Pros
- Comes in 3 different sizes
- Suitable for rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and mice
- Made from pet safe seagrass
- multiples uses including play, sleep and for nibbling on
- Provides mental stimulation for small pets
Cons
- It has the potential to be chewed through quite quickly leading to separation
- It may be more difficult than other materials to clean if it becomes soiled
Why we love it
It is made from natural material so not only safe to chew but it can stimulate small pets natural behaviours. It's versatility for both play and hiding makes it a great option to add in any enclosure.
What our customer say
"I got this for my bunnies birthday and he absolutely loves it. He will nibble it all day if I let him. Great size for him to go through and a good you to keep the teeth down."
Best Treat Holder
Veggie Patch Peg N Snack Line Small Animal Treat Holder
Pros
- Source of enrichment for small animals
- Helps to prevent boredom
- Encourages exploration, foraging and play
- Keeps your pet mentally active and physically stimulated
- Comes in both medium and large size
Cons
- Only suitable for rabbits and guinea pigs
Why we love it
This is an effective enrichment tool for rabbits and guinea pigs. It uses natural wood so safe for chewing and ease of treat placement on the "clothesline" design. The use of this interactive feeder can encourage slow feeding as well as stretching as the pet reaches for the treats. The tower also have holes where you can add extra treats for your pet to discover.
Best Rest and Play Toy
TS Small Animal Igloo
Pros
- Enclosed igloo shape gives a genuine sense of security, plus a spot for hide-and-seek style play
- Removable lining, so it's easy to wash and keep clean
- Suits guinea pigs and rabbits
- Comes in bold colours if you want the enclosure to look a bit less beige
Cons
- Single entry point, so in a multi-pet enclosure it's worth adding a second hide so nobody has to defend the only way in
- Polyester construction is comfortable but not chew-proof, fine for guinea pigs and rabbits who aren't big gnawers of soft furnishings, but inspect regularly for holes
Why we love it
This product gives guinea pigs and rabbits somewhere to retreat when the household gets loud, and doubles as a genuine play feature, most small pets will happily dash in and out of an igloo like this purely for the fun of it.
Vet tip
Wash fabric hides every one to two weeks, more often in a multi-pet enclosure. Damp fabric sitting on urine-soaked bedding is a common, easily avoidable cause of skin irritation on the feet and belly.
Best Activity Toy
Rosewood Small Pet Activity Climbing Tower
Pros
- Encourages natural behaviours like climbing, jumping, chasing and hiding
- Made from pet-safe wood that's built to be gnawed on
- Helps wear down nails and keep teeth in good condition through natural chewing
- Great fit for rats and mice
- Simple to set up straight in the enclosure
Cons
- Only really suitable for mice or small rats
Why we love it
Not only does it provide both exercise and mental stimulation for your small pet but it looks great in their enclosure as well! You can also rest assured knowing that it is made from natural and pet-safe materials.
New to rats or mice? Our Rat Care Guide and Mouse Care Guide cover the basics of set-up, diet and health before you start adding enrichment like this.
What our customer say
"Bought this 1 year ago and is still going strong - my mice still love it. They chewed off the twine that was attached to the swing, but before they did they loved sitting/swinging on it."
What to look for
Choosing the right toys for small pets is about more than just fun, it’s about keeping them active, mentally stimulated, and safe. From chew toys and tunnels to puzzle feeders and balls, the best options encourage natural behaviours while preventing boredom and stress. Always supervise play and select toys designed specifically for your pet’s size and species to ensure their safety.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Wed Aug 19 2026
Edited by Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Carla graduated from the University of Queensland in 2013 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and worked for a number of years in small animal clinics across South East Queensland. While Carla enjoys most facets of clinical veterinary work, she holds a special passion for feline medicine, pocket pets, and nutrition.
