As someone who raised hamsters, I can tell you that the hamster does not go through the cedar shaving unless the hamster wants to. Of course, I always made sure they had a couple inch layer of shavings. Sometimes, the hamster would push them aside because they liked the cool metal floor but that was their choice. On the other hand, they are also free to pile the shavings up even deeper and just cover themselves. You act like they have no choice in the matter.