Small pets
Rat cages
Small pets, big personalities.
21 items picked for everyday life with your pet, with shipping estimates on every item.
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All rat cages
Little essentials. Lots of love.
Glass hamster cages
Glass-Base Hamster Cage with Platforms, Ramps, Wheel and Hut
- Options
- 2 to choose from
From $113.99
A little guidance
Help choosing rat cages
Buying guides and care advice written for this range: what to measure, what matters and what to skip.
From our guides
- Best Bird Cages: How to Choose the Right Size, Shape and Bars →
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- Best Chinchilla Cage: Size, Levels and Safety →
- Best Ferret Cage: How to Choose a Safe, Roomy Enclosure →
- Best Gerbil Cages: What Actually Matters →
- Best Hamster Cage: How to Choose for Syrian or Dwarf →
This page gathers cages for pet rats: multi-level rolling cages with deep trays and storage shelves, extra-large wooden cages up to 45 inches, two-tier metal cages that also suit ferrets, three-tier wooden hutches, and smaller two-level houses for mice. Some cages here are sold for hamsters and rats together, so check the size against the guide below. It is for anyone setting up a home for a pair or group of rats.
Rats need height and space
Rats are intelligent, social and active climbers. They are happiest in pairs or groups, so a cage has to fit more than one rat with room to explore. The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends multiple levels, because rats enjoy climbing, and enough space for exercise as well as separate areas for food and nesting.
That means rats need a larger, taller cage than a hamster. Many small cages sold for hamsters and mice are too small for adult rats. On this page, the multi-level rolling cages and extra-large wooden cages are the best fit; smaller two-level houses suit mice or very young rats.
Floors, shelves and bar spacing
Merck advises a solid cage floor, because wire mesh or grid flooring can injure rats' feet and legs. If a cage has wire shelves, the openings should be no wider than half an inch by half an inch, so a back foot cannot slip through and be broken.
Bar spacing on the walls matters too. Adult rats need gaps small enough that they cannot squeeze out, and young rats can fit through surprisingly small spaces. Check the listed spacing, and cover wire shelves with fabric or solid platforms if needed.
Wooden or metal cages
Powder-coated metal cages with solid shelves are the easiest to clean, Merck notes, and they resist chewing and odor. Rolling cages with lockable wheels are easy to move for cleaning, and deep plastic trays hold bedding in.
Wooden cages look attractive but rats chew and wood absorbs urine. Seal any exposed wood, use deep trays and plan to replace chewed panels over time. Clear acrylic panels help with viewing but reduce ventilation, so check for adequate airflow.
Bedding, wheels and furnishings
Use absorbent paper-based bedding. Merck warns that cedar, pine and other wood shavings contain oils that can irritate rats' sensitive respiratory tracts. Clean the cage at least weekly and change bedding regularly, spot-cleaning toilet corners in between.
If you add a wheel, Merck recommends one at least 12 to 14 inches in diameter with a smooth interior so toes and tails cannot be trapped. Add hammocks, hides, ropes, ramps and chew toys, and rotate them so the cage stays interesting.
Placement and health
Place the cage in a room with steady temperatures, away from drafts, direct sun and strong smells. Rats are sensitive to ammonia from dirty bedding, which can irritate their airways, so regular cleaning protects their health.
Watch for sneezing, wheezing, red discharge around the eyes or nose, lumps or weight loss. Rats are prone to respiratory infections and tumors, and an exotics vet should see any rat showing these signs.
What size cage does a pet rat need?
Rats need a large, tall cage with several levels, room for a pair or group to move and climb, and separate feeding and nesting areas. Many cages sold for hamsters are too small for adult rats.
Can rats live in a hamster cage?
Only very large, multi-level hamster cages can work for rats, and even then they may be too small for a pair. Check floor area, height and bar spacing before using one for rats.
What bedding is safe for rats?
Paper-based bedding is a safe and absorbent choice. Avoid cedar and pine shavings, which contain oils that can irritate rats' airways. Change bedding regularly to prevent ammonia buildup.
How often should I clean a rat cage?
Spot-clean toilet areas every day or two and do a full clean with fresh bedding at least once a week. Groups of rats may need more frequent cleaning.
How many rats should live together?
Rats are highly social and should not live alone. A pair or a small group of the same sex is ideal, and the cage must be large enough for all of them to climb, nest and move away from each other when they want space.