Choosing The Perfect Rat Cage
Choosing a rat cage and filling it up with toys, enrichment and cozy sleeping places was my favorite part when I was preparing for pet rats. In this guide I will share why it is so crucial to get a spacious, quality cage that will ensure your rat’s happiness. Keep reading to find out my top choice and why I recommend it as the number one rat cage on the market.
Rats Need Adequate Space!
When it comes to a rat cage…bigger is always better. It is very important that a rat cage consists of at least 2 – 2.5 cubic square feet per rat or more. This will allow them to run, jump, climb and play with each other comfortably.
To make sure your rats can climb and exercise properly, it is best to have at least two levels within your rat cage. By having a taller cage, you have more space to hang hammocks and platforms, which allows for a little more running room on the ground and second level. I will cover how to optimize your cage space in another post.
Important! Do NOT use an aquarium as a rat habitat. The lack of ventilation and space could have dire consequences on your new pets.
Your Rat Cage Needs Appropriate Bar Spacing
Pet rats, especially when they are young, can squeeze through very small openings. The last thing you want is for your new furry friend to go missing or potentially get injured trying to squeeze through the bars.
The bar spacing on a rat cage should be no larger than 1/2 an inch. Keep in mind that many small animal cages labeled for ferrets, chinchillas, or rabbits often have wider spacing between the bars and are not suitable for rats.
Tip: Horizontal bars are best because it is easier for your rats to climb, and also to hang different things such as platforms and hammocks and other fun toys.
What to Avoid When Buying a Rat Cage
- Aquariums – This is a big no-no. Aquariums are not suitable for rats because of the lack of ventilation and space. They have very sensitive respiratory systems and using one of these to house your rats could have dire consequences.
- No Wood – Rats urine has very high concentrations of ammonia and will soak into wood, making them sick. They will also chew through wood, allowing them to escape, or possibly splintering and then injuring them.
- Plastic Bottomed Cages – Cheap cages such as this one to the left, is not acceptable. While there are cages out there that are marketed as “Rat Cages”, this does not always make them suitable. As you can see here, this cage is clearly far too small, and a rat will easily chew through the bottom of it.
The Best Rat Cage on the Market
The finest abode thou can procure for thy rats — Drum roll, please — Is the Deluxe Critter Nation. Behold the specifications and reasons I shall deem no other worthy:
- Dimensions: The single unit is 36 inches wide x 24 inches deep x 36 inches high/ Double unit is 36 inches wide x 24 inches deep x 63 inches high
- Bar Spacing: 1/2 inch apart
- Material: Cage is sturdy with a metal frame which is rust and wear resistant
- Tray: Includes removeable plastic trays for easy cleaning, which can be swapped out for a stainless-steel deep pan from Bassequipment.com
- Adjustability: Shelves and ramps can be moved and rearranged to suit your rats needs
- Doors: Easy access floor to ceiling double doors for easy access and cleaning
- Secure Latches: This cage is like Fort Knox. There shall be no Houdini rats escaping
- Wheels: Cage is equipped with wheels making it easy to reposition or move to another location
- Assembly: The Critter Nation cage is remarkably easy to assemble. Having two people on hand will expedite the process, and using rubber mallet can help if some areas are a bit tricky to fit into place
My recommendation is 2-3 rats per single Deluxe Critter Nation unit. If you have a larger group, the Double Critter Nation is a great option. You can use two separate units or connect the bottom level to have one massive rat palace, just like my own (pictured above).
While there are other commendable rat cages out there, the Deluxe Critter Nation is the one I use and can confidently recommend to new rat owners. Its blend of versatility, safety, spaciousness and easy maintenance makes this the perfect choice for creating a comfortable and stimulating environment.
