I know that your pets are family members. It’s the same for us. Every product is made as if I were making it for our own animals. In fact, any DonCha item could go straight to one of our pets. That already says a lot, doesn’t it?
Each item is unique, made with dedicated time and care. I carefully inspect every product and sew with small, precise stitches, minimizing the chance that little claws could get caught. I also avoid visible external seams wherever possible, reducing the risk of injury. Because of this, many of our items are usable on both sides.
However, I cannot guarantee 100% safety. In reality, no product can. Which furniture you buy and how your pets use it is entirely your decision.
Who is the furniture suitable for?
Most of the furniture is designed for rodents. DonCha creates products for:
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Sugar gliders
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African pygmy hedgehogs
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Rats, degus, hamsters, guinea pigs
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Chinchillas, ferrets, rabbits
…and other small pets.
Some items are also suitable for small wild animals, for those of you who care for hedgehogs, squirrels, birds, etc.
Be mindful of materials and ask if you’re unsure. For example, chinchillas should only have fleece on the outside of their furniture.
Can they chew wooden furniture?
Before starting DonCha, I did a lot of research. Of course, I didn’t “reinvent the wheel” (read: wooden furniture for rodents). I reviewed materials that have already been tested in Austria, Germany, and the USA, where people work with animals in the same way.
Our wooden products are made from solid spruce. They are not painted, coated, or impregnated with protective finishes.
I also use every product and material with my own animals (for over four years now). This is very important to me—I wouldn’t make anything that could harm animals.
However, wooden furniture is not meant as food and is not intended for chewing. It is designed as “furniture.” Of course, rodents may explore new items in their space. From experience, they may nibble a little, but usually they aren’t interested (probably because it doesn’t taste good).
So while the wood is not harmful in small amounts, it isn’t tasty either.
If you notice that your pet is actively destroying a piece (e.g., eating half a stand), it could indicate a dietary or social deficiency, and you should remove the item. I would do the same. Minor scratches could also occur, for example with a naked guinea pig.
In almost four years of DonCha, we have never had a serious incident.
Tips for Safe Use:
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Consider your pet’s size and abilities (this affects where and how high you place the item).
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Know your pet’s habits, species, and tendency to chew. You know your pet best.
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Inspect furniture daily and repair or remove damaged items to ensure continued safety.
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Keep hygiene in mind. DonCha fabric products are washable, for repeated use.
Glue in Wooden Products:
Some DonCha furniture is glued, especially the Luxus Stand, which is fully glued.
About the glue:
From Mitol:
“Our experts have developed adhesives that meet high environmental standards, safety requirements, and help reduce environmental impact. Dispersion glues are water-based, free of organic solvents, and represent the most ecological choice for humans and the environment.”
Areas of Use:
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Bonding paper, cardboard, wood, textiles, leather, synthetic leather, cork, photos, etc.
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At home, schools, kindergartens, and offices
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Safe for children
Mitol dispersion glues are marketed under the MEKOL brand.
Because we love them!
@DonCha
