Oxbow Timothy Club Timothy Hay Small Animal Mat

Hand-Woven 100% Timothy Hay Edible Enrichment Bed

Product Description

The Oxbow Timothy Club Small Animal Mat is a hand-woven, 100% timothy hay bed that doubles as an edible enrichment toy. All-natural and chemical-free – no wires, strings, or synthetics – it encourages healthy foraging and safe chewing for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, and degus.

Benefits

• 100% edible nutrition: High-fiber timothy hay supports digestion and dental wear.
• Foraging engagement: Hand-woven strands invite tearing, chewing, and exploration.
• Hand-crafted quality: Consistent, durable construction.
• All-natural & safe: No chemicals, wires, threads, or adhesives.
• Daily enrichment: Reduces boredom and stress; encourages active play.
• Multi-species: Ideal for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, and degus.

Materials Used

100% Premium Timothy Hay: Hand-selected, high-quality timothy hay that is hand-woven into a mat structure using traditional weaving techniques without any adhesives, glues, or synthetic binding materials.

Features

• Hand-Woven Construction: Traditional craftsmanship creates durable, secure weaving that withstands normal chewing and play while remaining completely safe if small pieces are ingested.
• High-Fiber Timothy Composition: Premium timothy hay naturally supports digestive health with high fiber content, making it beneficial whether your pet chews it or incorporates it into their regular diet.
• Varied Texture for Engagement: Natural stem variation and leaf structure create interesting textures that stimulate sensory exploration and keep pets mentally engaged during extended play sessions.
• No Wire or String: Completely safe design eliminates risks associated with wires or strings that could cause serious intestinal blockages or injuries to your pet's mouth and digestive system.
• Natural Tan Color: Attractive, natural appearance complements various cage décors while the neutral color ensures the focus remains on enrichment rather than visual distractions.

How to Use

Specifications

• Mat Dimensions: 15.75" L x 11.4" W x 0.75" H (approximately 40cm x 29cm x 2cm)
• Material: 100% Premium Timothy Hay
• Construction: Hand-woven traditional craftsmanship
• Suitable For: Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, degus
• Country of Origin: Made in Vietnam
• Weight: Lightweight, portable design
• Available Sizes: Medium & large options for different habitat sizes

Usage Instructions

• Placement in Habitat: Position the mat in a clean, dry area of your pet's cage where they commonly rest or gather, away from water bowls and soiled bedding areas.
• Introduction: Place the mat in the habitat and allow your pet to naturally explore and interact with it without forcing engagement or immediate use.
• Supervision: Monitor your pet's initial interaction to ensure they accept the mat and are chewing appropriately rather than consuming excessive amounts at once.
• Rotation and Replacement: Remove the mat periodically for spot cleaning and replace it with a fresh mat if excessive soiling occurs or if the mat becomes matted and compacted.
• Complementary Bedding: Use alongside other bedding materials like Eco-Straw litter for complete habitat coverage that combines enrichment with moisture absorption and comfort.

Additional Information

Care Instructions

• Spot Cleaning Only: Wash gently with cool water if needed to remove excess debris or soiling, avoiding hot water that could degrade the hay fibers or create mold.
• Air Drying: After washing, dry thoroughly outdoors in direct sunlight when possible to eliminate moisture and prevent mold development in the hay structure.
• Storage of Unused Mats: Store extra mats in a cool, dry location away from humidity and moisture to maintain freshness and prevent mold or deterioration before use.
• Monitor for Moisture: Keep the habitat humidity levels controlled to prevent excess moisture absorption into the mat, which can lead to mold growth and spoilage.
• Regular Inspection: Check the mat regularly for signs of mold, excessive dampness, or deterioration, and replace it immediately if any musty odor or discoloration appears.

Safety Instructions

• Prevent Excessive Ingestion: While timothy hay is edible and nutritious, monitor consumption to ensure your pet is not eating the mat exclusively instead of their regular hay and pellets.
• Watch for Mold: Never offer a mat that displays signs of mold, musty odor, or any discoloration, as moldy hay can cause serious digestive and respiratory issues in small animals.
• Check Structural Integrity: Ensure the weaving remains secure and there are no loose strands that could pose choking hazards or cause intestinal impaction if consumed in large quantities.
• Not a Primary Bedding: Do not use the Timothy Club Mat as your pet's primary bedding or litter material, as it is not absorbent enough to manage moisture and odors effectively.
• Supervise Long-Haired Pets: Monitor long-haired rabbits and guinea pigs to ensure hay strands do not get caught in their coats, though this is rare during normal use.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, priority, and international delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is the Oxbow Timothy Club Mat safe for my rabbit or guinea pig to eat?

Ans: Yes, the mat is 100% edible and completely safe if your pet consumes small pieces. Timothy hay provides high fiber and nutritional benefits that support digestive health and dental maintenance. However, monitor consumption to ensure your pet is eating their regular hay diet and using the mat for enrichment rather than consuming it as their primary food source.

Q2: How long will the Timothy Club Mat last before it needs replacement?

Ans: Durability depends on your pet's chewing intensity and habitat size. With light to moderate use, a mat typically lasts 2-4 weeks before requiring replacement due to compaction, soiling, or deterioration. Rabbits and chinchillas that actively tear and chew the mat may require replacement every 1-2 weeks for optimal enrichment value.

Q3: Can I use the Timothy Club Mat as the primary bedding in my small animal's habitat?

Ans: No, the mat is not absorbent enough to function as primary bedding for moisture and odor control. It is designed as enrichment and should be used alongside absorbent bedding like Eco-Straw litter or Pure Comfort paper bedding. Using it with other bedding materials creates a complete habitat that provides both enrichment and proper hygiene.

Q4: What should I do if the Timothy Club Mat develops a musty or moldy smell?

Ans: Discard the mat immediately and do not offer it to your pet. Moldy hay can cause serious respiratory infections, gastrointestinal problems, and other health issues in small animals. Prevent mold by ensuring proper habitat ventilation, controlling humidity levels, and keeping the mat dry. Replace the mat before visible mold or musty odors develop.

Q5: Is the Timothy Club Mat suitable for all small animal species, or are there limitations?

Ans: The mat is suitable for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, and degus. All these species benefit from the enrichment and high-fiber timothy hay. However, ensure the mat size is appropriate for your pet's habitat – smaller pets may prefer the Small mat, while larger rabbits or guinea pig groups should use the Medium size.

Q6: Will the Timothy Club Mat help wear down my rabbit or guinea pig's teeth naturally?

Ans: Yes, the coarse timothy hay fibers naturally encourage chewing that helps wear down your pet's continuously growing teeth. The chewing action provides dental maintenance benefits while also serving as enrichment and supplemental nutrition. This makes the mat an excellent addition to your pet's daily care routine for preventing dental overgrowth.

Q7: Can I reuse or wash the Timothy Club Mat to extend its life?

Ans: You can gently wash the mat with cool water if needed to remove debris, then air-dry thoroughly outdoors in sunlight. However, washing may reduce the mat's structural integrity and encourage mold if not dried completely. It's generally more practical to replace the mat when soiled rather than attempting to wash and reuse it multiple times.

Q8: How does the Oxbow Timothy Club Mat compare to other hay-based enrichment toys?

Ans: Oxbow's hand-woven construction ensures superior quality and durability compared to other hay mats. Each mat is individually crafted without glues, wires, or synthetic materials, making it completely safe for small animals. The premium timothy hay and expert weaving provide consistent quality and reliable enrichment value.

Q9: My guinea pig seems to love the mat but is eating mostly the mat instead of their hay pellets. Is this a problem?

Ans: Monitor your pet's overall diet to ensure they're consuming appropriate amounts of hay, pellets, and fresh vegetables in addition to the enrichment mat. If consumption is excessive, remove the mat temporarily and reintroduce it in shorter sessions. Your veterinarian can assess whether your guinea pig is receiving balanced nutrition.

Q10: Should I place the Timothy Club Mat directly on the cage floor or on top of other bedding?

Ans: Place the mat on top of your absorbent bedding layer to prevent moisture from seeping through to the cage floor. Position it in a clean area where your pet commonly rests, ensuring proper airflow underneath. Keeping it elevated on bedding allows for better moisture management and easier spot cleaning around the mat.