Today, we’re matchmaking your pet rats with their dream rat cage. Let’s evaluate pet rat cages throughout all sizes and classes, in an effort to choose the proper one for you.
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Our Top Ten Rat Cages
Here are our high picks for the very best rat cages. Click on these hyperlinks to learn extra about every possibility. Or preserve scrolling for a take a look at all the cages we’ve received for you!
Important Features for Pet Rat Cages
Pet rat lovers already know one thing everybody else is simply now studying – rats make superior pets!
With their enjoyable personalities and skill to shortly bond with carers. A cute and cuddly pet rat can add a lot pleasure to your life!
But your pet rat additionally wants sure particular issues from you so as to thrive.
The most vital of those is a suitably roomy rat cage.
The cage doesn’t must be dear. In truth, there are some low-cost rat cages that may work simply superb! But it does want to fulfill sure requirements by way of flooring area, cage top, enrichment and security.
If you’re on the point of go purchasing for an enormous rat cage on your new fur child, learn on to find out about the very best rat cage for a single pet rat or a pair of pet rats! There are tons of various rat cage concepts for various kinds of habitat.
Rat Cage Size
Choosing the appropriate rat cage measurement is crucial standards to safeguard your new pet rat’s well being and wellbeing.
Each grownup rat requires a minimal of two sq. ft (0.185 sq. meters) of devoted flooring area.
But pet rats are finest housed with not less than one different rat companion. So, plan on 4 sq. ft (0.37 sq. meters) of flooring area for a pair of rats.
Minimum cage flooring area per single grownup rat:
12 by 24 inches (30.48 by 60.96 cm).
Pet rats like to climb and discover. So a big rat cage is the very best recipe for rat happiness.
A great way to offer them area and climbing potential with out taking on the ground area in your own home is by selecting a tall rat cage, with a number of tales.
Minimum cage top for an grownup pet rat:
24 inches (60.96 cm).
Cage Construction
Most consultants agree that wire cage partitions (with ½ inch bar spacing or smaller to forestall escape) supply a really perfect surroundings for curious, climbing rats.
However, rat cage flooring needs to be fabricated from a strong materials that’s straightforward to scrub, snug for delicate rat ft and resists chewing and corrosion from rat urine.
Plastic or powder-coated steel are each good decisions for a rat cage flooring.
Glass or plastic strong-sided cages are usually not advisable to be used with pet rats. This is because of insufficient air flow.
Rats can develop respiratory misery from respiration within the ammonia from their very own urine. Even a mesh high for air flow is probably not ample to diffuse this safely.
Best Rat Cages
Rat Cages by Kaytee
Kaytee is an extended-time trusted identify in pet care merchandise and equipment.
These three Kaytee rat cage choices every supply various kinds of lodging based mostly on the quantity and measurement of your pet rat.
Kaytee My First Home Habitat Multi-Level for Exotics
This Kaytee cage for small pocket pets* earns high marks from pet rat house owners. It has slender cage bar spacing, multi-stage play areas with constructed-in ramps and platforms and a deep base to carry bedding inside.
At 30.5″ (H) x 18″ (D) x 30″ (W), the size will accommodate two grownup rats.
My First Home Habitat for Pet Rat by Kaytee
Rat house owners who’ve already purchased this smaller cage* suggest it as among the finest rat cages to supply a short lived residence or journey habitat.
However, it’s not fairly sufficiently big to be a full-time rat residence.
The cage bar spacing is escape-proof and the cage comes with just a few constructed-in extras. Such as a strong ramp with a strong platform and a constructed-in cup for contemporary meals.
Kaytee Complete Ferret Kit
This extremely rated cage* is designed to be used with ferrets. But, rat house owners say that with dimensions of 30” (H) x 18” (D) x 29” (W), it really works fairly nicely for a pair or trio of grownup rats (this cage is NOT advisable for small or younger rats).
The equipment refers to inclusion of a number of strong-floor platforms and ramps which are excellent for a rat’s delicate ft.
The equipment additionally contains bedding and a meals dish and water dispenser.
Best Wire Rat Cage
One tremendous vital truth to recollect when choosing a wire rat cage is that you just don’t want to limit your search to rat cages particularly.
Sometimes these cages are too small or unsuitable for different causes.
But many cages designed for ferrets, chinchillas, sugar gliders and different unique small “pocket pets” may also meet the wants of pet rats fairly nicely. As a few of these cages show.
Prevue Hendryx Earthtone Dusted Rose Rat & Chinchilla Cage
This pretty and ornamental rat manor cage* is decked out with posh extras.
One of the very best is that this cage is mounted on wheels so you possibly can simply transfer your rats from room to room.
There can be a helpful storage shelf below the cage itself.
Happy rat house owners say the bar spacing prevents escape and the cage is straightforward to assemble.
The roomy dimensions of 31” (L) x 20.5” (W) x 40” (H) x 27” (cage-H) will home two grownup rats comfortably.
Midwest Homes for Pets Critter Nation with Stand
Continuing with the coverage that larger is healthier, right here’s a wonderful giant rat cage*, which is a success with rat house owners – one even pronounced it “perfect!”
But massive doesn’t imply unwieldy: it sits on a rolling base with lockable casters.
The cage itself has three larger ranges of strong floor no-slip ladders and rat cage cabinets. Plus a large plastic flooring and ½ cage bar spacing to forestall escapes.
The dimensions are 36” (L) x 25” (W) x 62.5” (L) x 24.5” (L-cage).
Best Large Rat Cages
Rats love having additional area to discover. If you’re planning on getting a couple of rat within the cage, you must also present as a lot additional area as attainable. They like to roam round and have a habitat sufficiently big to discover. These are the very best rat cages for housing a number of pets.
MCage NEW 3 Levels Animal Cage
This economical and extremely rated cage* is a superb giant rat cage alternative.
The wire bar spacing is half an inch to forestall escape makes an attempt. Plus, the multi-stage design contains quite a few platforms and ladders (though these you will have to cowl with a strong plastic or different materials to guard your rat’s delicate ft).
The wire flooring grate will be lined or eliminated.
The cage dimensions are 30″ (H) x 18″ (D) x 24″ (W) which can accommodate two grownup rats.
Homey Pet
The Homey Pet cage is marketed as a Cat, Chinchilla and Ferret Cage. Luckily, it is going to do a superb job for rats too, and it may be purchased in two sizes. L36″x W23″ x H51″ sizing makes it an ideal giant rat cage. Plus, it will probably even accommodate a few rats.
It contains cabinets and even a hammock, with thrilling areas on your pet to discover. The casters on the underside additionally make this cage straightforward to maneuver round if it’s essential to. They’re lockable for stability, too.
Living World Deluxe Habitat
The Living World Deluxe Habitat is a among the finest rat cages on the bigger facet of the market, with some caveats! The bars are fairly far aside. Small rats would possibly be capable of sneak by way of, so that is finest for larger rats.
This is marketed as a ‘small animal’ habitat. It has an important set of options for chinchillas in addition to rats. It has a big space on your rat to discover. 46 8/9”L x 22 ⅘”W x 24”H. There are additionally choices of various sizes. Which is ideal for matching as much as your personal particular pet.
The Living World habitat has a balcony space in addition to a sheltered space beneath on your rats to discover. A plastic backside is mixed with wire on the high.
Cheap Rat Cages
Finding low-cost rat cages could be a difficult balancing act between false financial system, and recognizing the nice rat cages which do the fundamentals nicely, at a extra modest value.
These low-cost rat cages are extremely rated by pet rat house owners and nonetheless include some enjoyable additional bells and whistles so that you get probably the most worth on your buy.
MCage Two Size, 3 Level Animal Cage
This is the inexpensive model of the MCage* listed earlier right here.
The dimensions are nonetheless a cushty 24” (H) x 16” (D) x 24” (W) and the cage bar spacing is ½ inch to forestall grownup rats from escaping.
Pawhut 4-Level Indoor Small Animal Cage
This helpful small animal cage* comes on casters to make motion straightforward when wanted.
It comes with a system of strong-floor ramps and platforms plus a meals field and water bottle.
The backside wire grate is detachable if wanted.
With dimensions of 25.2″ (L) x 17.1″ (W) x 36.6″ (H), this cage positively delivers worth.
Rat house owners say it is a good match for a pair of huge grownup rats.
Prevue Hendryx Cocoa Frisky Ferret & Rabbit Cage
This cage is a extra reasonably priced model of the Prevue Hendryx* cage listed right here earlier.
It additionally options the decrease storage shelf and is mounted on casters for simple motion.
The equipment features a plastic strong-floor ramp and platform system to create two ranges contained in the cage.
With dimensions of 17.13” (W) x 25” (L) x 34” (H), rat house owners say it accommodates a pair of grownup rats fairly properly.
However it’s one among our smallest recommendations right here, and we expect it’s finest as a stopgap resolution. It isn’t among the finest rat cages to supply a long run residence.
Cool Rat Cages
These cool fancy rat cages offer you numerous choices by way of discovering the appropriate rat cage for the scale of your area and the quantity and measurement of the pet rats you propose to accommodate collectively.
Each cage presents a a number of-stage possibility for climbing plus worthwhile extras to maintain your prices extra manageable.
Most importantly, every rat cage listed right here has been endorsed by rat house owners as appropriate for his or her pets!
Midwest Critter Nation with Stand, Single Level
This single story rat cage* has a second inside stage accessed by a ramp (which you will have to cowl for foot safety).
The cage bar spacing is ½ inch to forestall escape. And at 36″ (L) x 25″ (W) x 38.5″ (H), the size total are ample for a pair of grownup rats or a mama rat nursing infants. But it’s just a little small to supply a very snug lengthy-time period residence.
Best of all, this cage has a decrease storage shelf and lockable caster wheels to maneuver it about as wanted.
You & Me Rat Manor Habitat
This rat manor cage* has ample area (size/width) to accommodate two smaller measurement grownup rats.
Where it shines is within the top it offers. There are three full ranges above the ground stage, accessible with ramps.
However, you’ll want to change these out or cowl them to guard your rat’s delicate ft.
Rat house owners say their pet rats love this cage they usually particularly recognize the multi-stage design.
Rat Care Basics
Finally, earlier than choosing your the very best rat cages, it may be useful to know a bit extra about what to anticipate out of your rat.
For many years, individuals who heard the phrase “rat” would mechanically image laboratory experiments or dumpster-diving scavengers.
Today, the rat is lastly identified for who she has all the time been. A extremely social, energetic, clever, compassionate, delicate and inquisitive companion animal.
Rats are playful, curious, affectionate and nicely in a position to bond with human carers.
Best of all, pet rats are enjoyable to coach and they’re very quick learners!
Rats are additionally clear-freaks.
If there may be an odor to your pet rat or to his cage, it’s probably from one among these two causes: your pet rat is ailing and must be seen by a vet, or it’s essential to change the cage bedding extra continuously.
(To be taught extra about normal care necessities on your pet rat, we suggest that you just learn this informative article!)
Rat Cage Setup
So now let’s dig into the nitty-gritty of rat housing so you possibly can stand up to hurry!
With these well timed rat cage setup suggestions, you possibly can guarantee your pet rat’s fundamental housing wants are met in full!
Cage Bedding
For your pet rat’s well being and security, be sure you solely select ink-free, rat-secure mushy materials for bedding.
If you wish to use wooden or pellets, avoid cedar or pine (each are poisonous to rats). But aspen is okay. If you employ hay, be certain that the perimeters are mushy and never sharp.
Shredded tissues, paper towels or dye-secure newspaper can be low-cost, helpful bedding choices.
Pre-made rat-secure bedding may also work nicely.
Cage Setup
Your rat will want fixed 24/7 entry to contemporary water and dry meals.
To preserve water and meals sanitary, you’ll want to choose a water bottle/sipper tube and a dangling dry meals dispenser.
You can use a heavy, no-tip flooring dish for contemporary meals.
Add bedding liberally (not less than one inch thick) in all areas the place your rat will sleep, cover, burrow or nest.
You can use small plastic plant pots, cardboard containers, PVC pipe sections and different comparable containers for nesting and hiding locations.
Try to maintain the meals, sleep and bathrooming areas separated from one another inside your rat’s cage.
Rat Cage Accessories
Rats are good and curious they usually LOVE toys!
Some nice rat cage equipment embrace ladders, PVC tunnels and tubes, hammocks, ropes, and strong-floor exer-wheels.
Be positive to supply loads of rat-secure chew-ables similar to untreated wooden, rawhide, and cardboard to assist your rat preserve his tooth naturally filed down.
Cage placement
Rats are extraordinarily delicate to excessive temperatures and drafts (sizzling or chilly).
For your rat’s well being and security, you will have to maintain the temperature within the space close to your rat’s cage between 60 and 80 levels Fahrenheit (15.55 to 26.66 levels Celsius) and the humidity vary between 40 and 70 %.
Choose a location on your rat’s cage that’s draft-free and out of vary of any flooring, wall or ceiling air vents that would produce drafts.
Also be certain that the cage isn’t within the path of direct daylight coming from home windows or skylights.
Rats are extraordinarily social pets. But they’re extra energetic at night time than through the day.
During the day, your rats will want a quiet place to relaxation and sleep.
At night time, nonetheless, your rats will crave your organization!
For this cause, evenings are a good time to supply out-of-cage play time as nicely.
Best Rat Cages
We hope you will have loved studying by way of this rigorously curated number of the very best rat cages for various numbers and sizes of pet rats!
Perhaps you will have picked up some rat cage concepts. Or even found the proper new rat cage that fulfills all of your necessities and desires!
Let us know which rat cage you chose (whether or not it’s on this record or not) and what your valuable pet rat’s expertise with that cage has been. Please really feel welcome to put up your story within the Comments part under!
Affiliate hyperlink disclosure: Links on this article marked with an * are affiliate hyperlinks, and we could obtain a small fee if you buy these merchandise. However, we chosen them for inclusion independently, and all the views expressed on this article are our personal.
References and Resources
Stern, H., DVM, “Caring for Pet Rats” Animal Hospital of Soquel, 2011.
Quesenberry, Okay. E., DVM, MPH, DABVP, “Providing a Home for a Rat” Merck Veterinary Manual, 2016.
O’Connell, J., CVT, et al, “Rat Care (Rattus norvegicus)” Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital, 2011.
Robbins, Okay., “AFRMA – Pet Rats & Mice – General Care” American Fancy Rat & Mouse Association (AFRMA), 2015.
Vella, D., BSc, BVSc (Hons), DABVP (ECM), “Pet Rat Care” Sydney Exotics and Rabbit Vets, 2013.