Cages
One thing to keep in mind when looking for a cage for your rat is they get bigger than a hamster and therefore a hamster cage is not suitable for a rat. Guinea Pig and Rabbit cages are normally one story and they also have wider bar spacing which your rat may escape especially the smaller females. Ferret cages are also great housing options as well. Only thing to watch for again is bar spacing. Also something everyone may not know is if a rat can get its head through the body will sure follow. You can modify a cage with larger bar spacing using 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch wire mesh.
Another mistake is aquariums. I see this very often. They are not suitable enclosures due to their poor ventilation. Even with a proper screen cover they have no place to climb as it's a one story. A tank would only be suitable for a pregnant mother and her nursing young and the minimum tank size for that would be a 20 gallon. There are also cage toppers which fit onto of the aquarium. They do give more ventilation and climbing room, it's just not ideal.
Make sure the cage you buy has more than one floor because rats love to climb. Also make sure the cage doesn't have a wire bottom. It can cause bumble foot which is very painful. If you do have a wire bottom cage you can always modify it such as putting purchasing a pan to fit in the cage, tiles, etc.. There are many options. Make sure you purchase a powder coated or sealed cage. Galvanized cages rust much faster and then begin to smell really bad. And you do not want your rats trying to eat the rust.
Also remember rats should have 2 cubic feet per rat. Shelves must be counted in as well. There is a link to a cage calculator on our links page.
Another mistake is aquariums. I see this very often. They are not suitable enclosures due to their poor ventilation. Even with a proper screen cover they have no place to climb as it's a one story. A tank would only be suitable for a pregnant mother and her nursing young and the minimum tank size for that would be a 20 gallon. There are also cage toppers which fit onto of the aquarium. They do give more ventilation and climbing room, it's just not ideal.
Make sure the cage you buy has more than one floor because rats love to climb. Also make sure the cage doesn't have a wire bottom. It can cause bumble foot which is very painful. If you do have a wire bottom cage you can always modify it such as putting purchasing a pan to fit in the cage, tiles, etc.. There are many options. Make sure you purchase a powder coated or sealed cage. Galvanized cages rust much faster and then begin to smell really bad. And you do not want your rats trying to eat the rust.
Also remember rats should have 2 cubic feet per rat. Shelves must be counted in as well. There is a link to a cage calculator on our links page.
Pet Store Cages
Here are some cages that can be bought at a pet store. Some cages you can buy at pet stores are very nice while others just horrible. These below are some good pet store cage options.
Deluxe My First Home for Exotics
• By Super Pet found on amazon.com
• Size: 30"L x 18"W x 30"H
• Half inch wire spacing for safety, 3 comfortable shelves, 3 safety ramps, food dish, hammock and giant 11" run around exercise wheel.
• Cage will house 4 rats.
• Size: 30"L x 18"W x 30"H
• Half inch wire spacing for safety, 3 comfortable shelves, 3 safety ramps, food dish, hammock and giant 11" run around exercise wheel.
• Cage will house 4 rats.
Super Pet Welcome Home 32" X 18"
• By Super Pet found on ferret.com
• Size: 32"L x 18.5"W x 39"H (with stand 54.5"H)
• Includes: One inch wire spacing, 4 comfort shelves, 4 safety ramps, 1 hammocks and 1 food dish.
• Cage will house 6 rats.
• Size: 32"L x 18.5"W x 39"H (with stand 54.5"H)
• Includes: One inch wire spacing, 4 comfort shelves, 4 safety ramps, 1 hammocks and 1 food dish.
• Cage will house 6 rats.
Super Pet Welcome Home 24" X 24"
• By Super Pet found on ferret.com
• Size: 24"L x 24"W x 39"H (with stand 54.5"H)
• Includes: One inch wire spacing, 3 comfort shelves, 3 safety ramps, 1 hammocks and 1 food dish.
• Cage will house 6 rats.
• Size: 24"L x 24"W x 39"H (with stand 54.5"H)
• Includes: One inch wire spacing, 3 comfort shelves, 3 safety ramps, 1 hammocks and 1 food dish.
• Cage will house 6 rats.
Super Pet My First Home 2' X 2'
• By Super Pet found on ferret.com
• Size: 24"L x 24"W x 41.5"H (with stand 46"H)
• Includes: One inch bar spacing, 3 adjustable comfort shelves, safety ramp, extreme spiral slide, twisted funnel tubing and a hammock.
• Cage will house 6 rats.
• Size: 24"L x 24"W x 41.5"H (with stand 46"H)
• Includes: One inch bar spacing, 3 adjustable comfort shelves, safety ramp, extreme spiral slide, twisted funnel tubing and a hammock.
• Cage will house 6 rats.
Super Pet Deluxe Care Home
• By Super Pet found on ferret.com
• Size: 32"L x 20"W x 58"H (with stand 67"H)
• Includes: One inch wire spacing, 9 adjustable comfort shelves, 2 safety ramps, a funnel climbing tube, hammock and an "E-Z" roll stand.
• Cage will house 10 rats.
• Size: 32"L x 20"W x 58"H (with stand 67"H)
• Includes: One inch wire spacing, 9 adjustable comfort shelves, 2 safety ramps, a funnel climbing tube, hammock and an "E-Z" roll stand.
• Cage will house 10 rats.
Ferret Nation Habitat model 181
• By Midwest Homes for Pets found on ferret.com
• Size: 36"L x 25"W x 38 1/2"H with stand.
• Includes: One inch bar spacing, full-width double door openings, one-hand operation duel locking door latches, swing up locking ramp, 1 wide shelf, 1 full plastic platform pan and maneuverable stand with locking casters.
• Cage will house 6 rats.
• Size: 36"L x 25"W x 38 1/2"H with stand.
• Includes: One inch bar spacing, full-width double door openings, one-hand operation duel locking door latches, swing up locking ramp, 1 wide shelf, 1 full plastic platform pan and maneuverable stand with locking casters.
• Cage will house 6 rats.
Ferret Nation Habitat model 182
• By Midwest Homes for Pets found on ferret.com
• Size: 36"L x 25"W x 62 1/2"H with stand.
• Includes: One inch bar spacing, full-width double door openings, one-hand operation duel locking door latches, swing up locking ramp, 2 wide shelves, 2 full plastic platform pans and maneuverable stand with locking casters.
• Cage will house 12 rats.
• Size: 36"L x 25"W x 62 1/2"H with stand.
• Includes: One inch bar spacing, full-width double door openings, one-hand operation duel locking door latches, swing up locking ramp, 2 wide shelves, 2 full plastic platform pans and maneuverable stand with locking casters.
• Cage will house 12 rats.
Critter Nation Habitat model 161
• By Midwest Homes for Pets found on ferret.com
• Size: 36"L x 24"W x 39"H with stand.
• Includes: Half inch horizontal bar spacing, full-width double doors, swing up locking ramp, one-hand operation duel locking door latches, 1 wide shelf, 1 full plastic platform pan and maneuverable stand with locking casters.
• Cage will house 6 rats.
• Size: 36"L x 24"W x 39"H with stand.
• Includes: Half inch horizontal bar spacing, full-width double doors, swing up locking ramp, one-hand operation duel locking door latches, 1 wide shelf, 1 full plastic platform pan and maneuverable stand with locking casters.
• Cage will house 6 rats.
Critter Nation Habitat model 162
• By Midwest Homes for Pets found on ferret.com
• Size: 36"L x 24"W x 63"H with stand.
• Includes: Half inch horizontal bar spacing, full-width double doors, swing up locking ramp, one-hand operation duel locking door latches, 2 wide shelves, 2 full plastic platform pans and maneuverable stand with locking casters.
• Cage will house 12 rats.
• Size: 36"L x 24"W x 63"H with stand.
• Includes: Half inch horizontal bar spacing, full-width double doors, swing up locking ramp, one-hand operation duel locking door latches, 2 wide shelves, 2 full plastic platform pans and maneuverable stand with locking casters.
• Cage will house 12 rats.
Marshall Chalet
• By Marshall found on ferretdepot.com
• Size: 39.4"L x 22.4"W x 27.6"H
• Includes: White powder coat finish, easy to assemble and clean. Deep plastic base keeps mess inside of cage. Has 2 access doors flip
top and 1 drop down style along with 2 adjustable platforms and 2 textured ramps.
• Cage will house 6 rats.
• Size: 39.4"L x 22.4"W x 27.6"H
• Includes: White powder coat finish, easy to assemble and clean. Deep plastic base keeps mess inside of cage. Has 2 access doors flip
top and 1 drop down style along with 2 adjustable platforms and 2 textured ramps.
• Cage will house 6 rats.
Marshall Ferret Townhouse
• By Marshall found on ferret.com
• Size: 39.5"L x 22.5"W x 46.5"H
• Includes: 8 adjustable platforms, 2 with holes for added entertainment, 4 textured ramps, and 3 large doors for easy access. Cage is on
easy rolling casters, making it easy to move. Deep plastic base helps keep mess inside of home and easy to assemble.
• Cage will house 11 rats.
• Size: 39.5"L x 22.5"W x 46.5"H
• Includes: 8 adjustable platforms, 2 with holes for added entertainment, 4 textured ramps, and 3 large doors for easy access. Cage is on
easy rolling casters, making it easy to move. Deep plastic base helps keep mess inside of home and easy to assemble.
• Cage will house 11 rats.
Marshall Ferret Penthouse
• By Marshall found on ferret.com
• Size: 41"L x 24.5"W x 57"H
• Includes: 8 adjustable platforms, 2 with holes for added entertainment, 4 textured ramps, and 3 large doors for easy access. Cage is on
easy rolling casters, making it easy to move. Deep plastic base helps keep mess inside of home and easy to assemble.
• Cage will house 16 rats.
• Size: 41"L x 24.5"W x 57"H
• Includes: 8 adjustable platforms, 2 with holes for added entertainment, 4 textured ramps, and 3 large doors for easy access. Cage is on
easy rolling casters, making it easy to move. Deep plastic base helps keep mess inside of home and easy to assemble.
• Cage will house 16 rats.
Feisty Ferret Home
• By Prevue found on ferret.com
• Size: 31"L x 20 1/2"W x 54"H on stand (Interior cage height: 41 1/2").
• Cage includes: 3 ladders, 2 platforms, 1 hammock
• 2 large front-opening doors that are escape prooof.
• 2 main levels to provide plenty of space
• Removable pan slides out quickly for easy cleaning
• Storage shelf provides additional space to store extra food, toys, etc..
• Cage will house 7 rats.
• Size: 31"L x 20 1/2"W x 54"H on stand (Interior cage height: 41 1/2").
• Cage includes: 3 ladders, 2 platforms, 1 hammock
• 2 large front-opening doors that are escape prooof.
• 2 main levels to provide plenty of space
• Removable pan slides out quickly for easy cleaning
• Storage shelf provides additional space to store extra food, toys, etc..
• Cage will house 7 rats.
Prevue Small Animal Cage 495
• By Prevue found on ferret.com
• Size: 31"L x 20 1/2"W x 40"H on stand (Interior cage height: 28 1/4").
• Includes: 3/8" bar spacing, 2 solid metal ramps, and platforms.
• Large front door and small roof top door for easy access to pets.
• Pull-out bottom grill and tray make cleaning quick and easy.
• Bottom shelf provides extra storage for food, treats, and supplies.
• Cage will house 5 rats.
• Size: 31"L x 20 1/2"W x 40"H on stand (Interior cage height: 28 1/4").
• Includes: 3/8" bar spacing, 2 solid metal ramps, and platforms.
• Large front door and small roof top door for easy access to pets.
• Pull-out bottom grill and tray make cleaning quick and easy.
• Bottom shelf provides extra storage for food, treats, and supplies.
• Cage will house 5 rats.
A and E 3-Level Ferret Cage
• By A&E Cage Co. found on ferret.com
• Size: 33"L x 22"W x 63"H on stand (Interior cage height: 35").
• Ideal 1/2" bar spacing to house a variety of small animals.
• 4 sturdy wheels for easy movement
• 3 large front-access doors on each level
• 2 slotted ladders connect all 3 levels
• Slide-out tray and grate for easy cleaning and waste removal
• 4 swing-out feeder doors with steel feeder cups
• Bottom shelf for storage
• Cage will house 7 rats.
• Size: 33"L x 22"W x 63"H on stand (Interior cage height: 35").
• Ideal 1/2" bar spacing to house a variety of small animals.
• 4 sturdy wheels for easy movement
• 3 large front-access doors on each level
• 2 slotted ladders connect all 3 levels
• Slide-out tray and grate for easy cleaning and waste removal
• 4 swing-out feeder doors with steel feeder cups
• Bottom shelf for storage
• Cage will house 7 rats.
Martin's Cages
Martin's Cages do not come assembled. You will have to put them together with C rings or even J clamps which can take some time and muscle to get them clamped on properly, but these cages are well worth it.
When buying a Martin's cage remember to buy powder coated rather than galvanized. I know the powder coated is more expensive, but it will hold up much longer than the galvanized that will rust and hold odors. Another concern is the wire shelves and platforms. It can possibly cause bumblefoot. You can get creative to solve that problem by simply putting linoleum down, using clamps on the sides to hold a nice comfy material, etc. The bottom pan is solid plastic so no worries there.
For more information and pictures of the cages go to Martin's Cages on my links page.
When buying a Martin's cage remember to buy powder coated rather than galvanized. I know the powder coated is more expensive, but it will hold up much longer than the galvanized that will rust and hold odors. Another concern is the wire shelves and platforms. It can possibly cause bumblefoot. You can get creative to solve that problem by simply putting linoleum down, using clamps on the sides to hold a nice comfy material, etc. The bottom pan is solid plastic so no worries there.
For more information and pictures of the cages go to Martin's Cages on my links page.
The Rat Den (H-600)
• Size: 18"L x 11"W x 12"H
• One ramp and one balcony.
• Drop-in 2 1/2 in. plastic pan.
• Cage will house 0 rats.
• One ramp and one balcony.
• Drop-in 2 1/2 in. plastic pan.
• Cage will house 0 rats.
The Rat Carriage House (R-640)
• Size: 18"L x 11"W x 16"H
• Two ramps.
• Two balconies.
• Drop-in 2 1/2 in. plastic pan.
• Cage will house 0 rats.
• Two ramps.
• Two balconies.
• Drop-in 2 1/2 in. plastic pan.
• Cage will house 0 rats.
The Rat Highrise (H-600HR)
• Size: 18"L x 11"W x 24"H
• Two balconies.
• Three ramps.
• Full middle floor.
• Drop-in 2 1/2 in. plastic pan
• Cage will house 1 rat. (Rats are social and need company. Find a cage that will house at least 2 rats.)
• Two balconies.
• Three ramps.
• Full middle floor.
• Drop-in 2 1/2 in. plastic pan
• Cage will house 1 rat. (Rats are social and need company. Find a cage that will house at least 2 rats.)
The Rat Cubbyhole (R-660)
• Size: 24"L x 14"W x 16"H
• One ramp and one balcony.
• Drop-in 3" plastic pan.
• Cage will house 1 rat. (Rats are social and need company. Find a cage that will house at least 2 rats.)
• One ramp and one balcony.
• Drop-in 3" plastic pan.
• Cage will house 1 rat. (Rats are social and need company. Find a cage that will house at least 2 rats.)
The Rat Cabin (R-670)
• Size: 24"L x 14"W x 24"H
• Two balconies.
• Two ramps.
• Drop-in 3" plastic pan.
• Cage will house 2 rats.
• Two balconies.
• Two ramps.
• Drop-in 3" plastic pan.
• Cage will house 2 rats.
The Rat Lodge (R-680)
• Size: 30"L x 18"W x 24"H
• Two balconies.
• Two ramps.
• Drop-in 3 1/2 in. plastic pan.
• Cage will house 3 rats.
• Two balconies.
• Two ramps.
• Drop-in 3 1/2 in. plastic pan.
• Cage will house 3 rats.
The Rat Retreat (R-685)
• Size: 30"L x 18"W x 24"H
• 2 full levels
• Ramps with small landing in-between.
• Front door for access of bottom level.
• Full flip-top lid for easy access to top level.
• 3 1/2 in. drop in style plastic pan
• Cage will house 3 rats.
• 2 full levels
• Ramps with small landing in-between.
• Front door for access of bottom level.
• Full flip-top lid for easy access to top level.
• 3 1/2 in. drop in style plastic pan
• Cage will house 3 rats.
The Rat Tower (R-690)
• Size: 24"L x 14"W x 36"H
• Two balconies.
• Three ramps.
• Full middle door.
• Drop-in 2 1/2 in. plastic pan
• Cage will house 3 rats.
• Two balconies.
• Three ramps.
• Full middle door.
• Drop-in 2 1/2 in. plastic pan
• Cage will house 3 rats.
The Rat Skyscraper (R-695)
• Size: 30"L x 18"W x 36"H
• Two balconies.
• Three ramps.
• Full middle floor.
• Drop-in 3 1/2 in. plastic pan
• Cage will house 5 rats.
• Two balconies.
• Three ramps.
• Full middle floor.
• Drop-in 3 1/2 in. plastic pan
• Cage will house 5 rats.
The Rudd Cage (R-699)
• Size: 30"L x 18"W x 60"H
• Four balconies.
• Six ramps.
• Seven levels.
• Two full floors.
• One full solid bottom floor (pan is bottom floor for cage).
• Drop-in 3 1/2 in. deep plastic pan.
• Cage will house 9 rats.
• Four balconies.
• Six ramps.
• Seven levels.
• Two full floors.
• One full solid bottom floor (pan is bottom floor for cage).
• Drop-in 3 1/2 in. deep plastic pan.
• Cage will house 9 rats.
The Rat Playpen (RPP-22 or RPP-44)
• Small Playpen: 44"L x 22"W x 24"H
• Large Playpen: 44"L x 44"W x 24"H
• Flip-top lid.
• Collapsible for easy transport and storage.
• Large Playpen: 44"L x 44"W x 24"H
• Flip-top lid.
• Collapsible for easy transport and storage.
The Rat Playpen with Pan (PWP-RAT)
• Size: Size: 36"L x 30"W x 24"H
• Flip-top lid.
• Made out of 1/2" x 1" black powder coated wire.
• Collapsible for easy transport and storage.
• Flip-top lid.
• Made out of 1/2" x 1" black powder coated wire.
• Collapsible for easy transport and storage.