Rat Approved Cages
There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a cage or enclosure for your rats. Rats get much bigger than a hamster and thus hamster cages are definitely not suitable for rats. Likewise rabbit and guinea pig cages aren't recommended seeing as they are only one level and often have wide bar spacing. It is possible to outfit or convert a large rabbit or guinea pig cage to something more suitable with enough effort, however it's much easier to just get a cage that is suitable for rats to begin with.
A common mistake is keeping rats in aquariums. The bare minimum size for a pair of rats would be a twenty gallon aquarium/tank. However, aquariums are not suitable enclosures for rats because they have poor ventilation (rats have enough respiratory problems!) even with a proper screen top and have no climbing room since they are only one level. The most common use of tanks in rat keeping would be a ten or twenty gallon tank used for a mother birthing and raising young. The only other somewhat "acceptable" way to use an aquarium is to use a cage topper with it. A cage topper is a cage part that fits on top of an aquarium, giving more ventilation and climbing room to the rats. While it's "acceptable" it's still not ideal and your best bet would be to get a proper rat cage instead of a tank.
When purchasing a cage you want to make sure that it has more than one level to it as rats are avid climbers and love to climb from level to level. Also always make sure that the bar spacing isn't too wide apart (such as in some ferret cages) as rats are masters at squeezing out. Many rats bulk up enough upon reaching adulthood to be kept in some of the cages with the wider bar spacing but some rats are just sleek by nature and of course babies and youngsters are just too small. Many people will solve the problem of wide bar spacing by covering the cage in hardware cloth so that the rats cannot get out (coated hardware cloth would probably be better than galvanized).
Make sure that the very bottom of the cage is not wire. The upper levels may be wire (assuming you provide things on each level for them to get off of it, such as hammocks and tubes) but your rats should have a nice solid bottom floor so that they are not always on wire. Many people will cover the wire floors and levels so it's more comfortable for the rats (wire probably isn't the most comfortable thing to be walking on!). Cages with solid flooring and levels are another option, though these need to be kept especially clean (the levels should be wiped down daily) so the rats aren't walking in their waste. I recommend making sure the cage is powder coated rather than galvanized, as powder coating better protects against rust, doesn't trap odors, and is easier to clean. (Some say bare galvanized wire can also cause zinc poisoning if chewed on).
A proper rat cage should provide a bare minimum of two cubic feet per rat. One should keep in mind that shelves and levels must be added into the equation as well. A lot of the rat cage calculators available for use do not calculate in shelves or levels and only look at the height, width, and depth of a cage.
Pet Store Rat CagesThe most obvious place to get a rat cage would be a local pet store. Pet stores can stock many kinds of cages, some suitable and some downright horrible. A lot of the cages in pet stores marketed for an animal are too small. Here are some examples of suitable cages for rats that can be found in pet stores.
Some Examples
Deluxe My First Home Cage for Exotics
This happens to be the cage we currently own for our female rats.
Finally, a Super Pet cage perfect for rats! People have long used Super Pet's ferret cages as rat cages with the common issue of the bar spacing being too wide for some rats. With it's smaller bar spacing and good size, this cage makes for a much better choice for those with concerns about their smaller rats escaping.
Put out by: Super Pet
Size: 30"L x 18" W x 30"H
Layout: Includes 3 comfort shelves, 3 safety ramps, a cozy hammock, an 11" exercise wheel, and a pet name plate.
Rats held comfortably: 6 rats
Found at: This cage can be found at PetSmart.
Midwest Critter Nation
The Critter Nation came out after the huge success of the Ferret Nation as a rat cage. The biggest difference between the two cages is that the Critter Nation has more rat friendly bar spacing, so there are no concerns of younger or smaller rats squeezing through the bars. The Critter Nation comes in a single level cage and a double level cage. There is no add-on unit available for the Critter Nation like there is for the Ferret Nation at this point in time, but Midwest is looking into possibly providing one in the future.
Put out by: Midwest
Size: Single levels are 36"L x 24"W x 39"H and double levels are 36"L x 24"W x 63"H
Layout: The single level cage provides a single solid floor level as well as a ramp up to a solid half-level/shelf. The double level cage provides two solid floor levels each with a ramp up to a solid half-level/shelf.
Rats held comfortably: 5 rats for the single level cage, 10 rats for the double level cage (these numbers are assuming that the space is used wisely via the addition of hammocks and/or additional levels)
Found at: This cage can be found at PetSmart.
Midwest Ferret Nation
The Ferret Nation was initially put out, obviously, as a ferret cage. However, many people with rats found that it fit the bill for their smaller critters as well. The biggest concern with the Ferret Nation is the bar spacing, which is a bit wide and can be of concern for young or small rats. Most rat owners remedy this issue by wrapping the cage in hardware cloth so that their younger or smaller rats cannot escape. The Ferret Nation comes in a single level cage and a double level cage, and an add on unit is also available for purchase.
Put out by: Midwest
Size: Single levels are 36"L x 25"W x 38 1/2"H and double levels are 36"L x 25"W x 62 1/2"H
Layout: The single level cage provides a single solid floor level as well as a ramp up to a solid half-level/shelf. The double level cage provides two solid floor levels each with a ramp up to a solid half-level/shelf.
Rats held comfortably: 5 rats for the single level cage, 10 rats for the double level cage (these numbers are assuming that the space is used wisely via the addition of hammocks and/or additional levels)
Found at: This cage can be found at PetSmart.
Additional information: Additional information on the cage as a rat cage (including how to modify the cage with hardware cloth for smaller rats) can be found here.
Note: Information on the above cages was found online and a rat cage calculator as well as the opinion of owners using the cages were used to estimate the number of rats the cages could hold comfortably.
Martin's Cages: A Guide To Choosing A Martin's Cage
Martin's Cages Inc. is pretty well known for their cages. I've heard them recommended for ferret cages, and sugar glider cages, as well as rat cages. But obviously we will be talking about their rat cages! Martin's rat cages are often recommended because of how roomy and well built they are. This is not to say there aren't any cons to these cages.
One popular complaint is a difficulty in cleaning. Between being large and wire, cleaning these cages is not always an easy task. Another occasional complaint is assembly. Martin's Cages do not come pre-assembled. You are given all the parts along with C rings (quick clips) and ring closing pliers. Though it might take a bit of time (and some muscle) to get it all together, in all honesty most people do not have much trouble with this part. Some people will use zip ties in the place of C rings which makes the cage far easier to disassemble if necessary. They are fairly easy to replace if chewed on. Though the instructions tend to be vague, it is not that difficult to simply print a picture of the cage and go off of that.
One more complaint that some people have is the wire floors. Some people believe this causes bumblefoot to occur in rats. Honestly it has not been proven that this is true, in fact even rats on solid floors are known to get bumblefoot. Not only this but it is not difficult to provide areas in the cage where they can get off the wire, and also the bottom floor (the drop in pan) is not wire, thus they have the option of hanging out on the bottom floor if the wire gets bothersome. You can even cut linoleum or something similar to fit over the wire floors and just wipe it down a few times daily. Hopefully this has helped you make your choice on whether you wish to purchase a Martin's Cage. If you have decided you would like one, here is my writeup about each of the cages, but first... a tip:
Tip: When buying a Martin's Cage you'll want to choose the powder coated option. More expensive? Yes. But worth it. A powder coated cage is better protected from rusting and is less likely to absorb odors. A galvanized cage is more likely to rust and smell quickly. Also galvanized cages might be capable of causing zinc poisoning if chewed on enough. It is recommended to clean (neutralize) any new galvanized cage with a 50% vinegar/50% water solution.
The CagesThe Rat Den (H-600)
No Image AvailableSize: 18" x 11" x 12"
Layout: One ramp & balcony
Pan: Drop in 2 1/2" plastic pan
Additional options: A flip-top lid can be added for an extra $10.00
Galvanized price: $32.00
Powder coated price: $39.00
Rats held comfortably: 0 rats
The Rat Cubbyhole (R-660)
Size: 24" x 14" x 16"
Layout: One ramp & balcony
Pan: Drop in 3" plastic pan
Additional options: A flip-top lid can be added for an extra $10.00
Galvanized price: $44.00
Powder coated price: $55.00
Rats held comfortably: 1 rat
The Rat Carriage House (R-640)
No Image AvailableSize: 18" x 11" x 16"
Layout: Two ramps, two balconies
Pan: Drop in 2 1/2" plastic pan
Additional options: A flip-top lid can be added for an extra $10.00
Galvanized price: $38.00
Powder coated price: $47.00
Rats held comfortably: 1 rat
The Rat Cabin (R-670)
Size: 24" x 14" x 24"
Layout: Two ramps, two balconies
Pan: Drop in 3" plastic pan
Additional options: A flip-top lid can be added for an extra $10.00
Galvanized price: $55.00
Powder coated price: $68.00
Rats held comfortably: 2 rats (rats should be kept in same sex pairs or groups!)
The Rat Lodge (R-680)
Size: 30" x 18" x 24"
Layout: Two ramps, two balconies
Pan: Drop in 3 1/2" plastic pan
Additional options: A flip-top lid can be added for an extra $10.00
Galvanized price: $73.00
Powder coated price: $90.00
Rats held comfortably: 2 rats
The Rat Retreat (R-685)
Size: 30" x 18" x 24"
Layout: Two levels (including bottom), two ramps, a small landing
Pan: Drop in 3" plastic pan
Additional features: A flip-top lid is automatically included
Galvanized price: $90.00
Powder coated price: $109.00
Rats held comfortably: 3 rats
The Rat Highrise (H-600HR)
No Image AvailableSize: 18" x 11" x 24"
Layout: Two levels (including bottom), three ramps, two balconies
Pan: Drop in 2 1/2" plastic pan
Additional options: A flip-top lid can be added for an extra $10.00
Galvanized price: $49.00
Powder coated price: $62.00
Rats held comfortably: 0 rats (makes a good mouse cage though!)
The Rat Tower (R-690)
Size: 24" x 14" x 36"
Layout: Two levels (including bottom), three ramps, two balconies
Pan: Drop in 2 1/2" plastic pan
Additional options: A flip-top lid can be added for an extra $10.00
Galvanized price: $74.00
Powder coated price: $92.00
Rats held comfortably: 4 rats
Possible problems: This cage has steep ramps, which may not be good for older rats. However, there is a way to modify them.
The Rat Skyscraper (R-695)
Size: 30" x 18" x 36"
Layout: Two levels (including bottom), three ramps, two balconies
Pan: Drop in 3 1/2" plastic pan
Additional options: A flip-top lid can be added for an extra $10.00
Galvanized price: $98.00
Powder coated price: $119.00
Rats held comfortably: 5 rats
Note: Picture depicted is of an older version of the cage. In the newer version the ramps are all located at the back of the cage, leaving room for much larger doors.
The Ruud Cage (R-699)
No Image Available (Sorry)Size: 30" x 18" x 60"
Layout: Three levels (including bottom), six ramps, four balconies
Pan: Drop in 3 1/2" plastic pan
Galvanized price: $170.00
Powder coated price: $205.00
Rats held comfortably: 10 rats
The Rat Playpen (RPP-24 or RPP-44)
No Image Available (Sorry)Small size: 44" x 24" x 24"M
Small price: $58.00
Additional features: A flip-top lid, collapsible
Large size: 44" x 44" x 24"
Large price: $70.00
Additional features: A flip-top lid, collapsible
Note: Please note that this is a playpen not a cage, though I'm sure with enough effort it can be made into one.
Tools used: Please note that I used a cage calculator to estimate how many rats could be kept comfortably in the cages. The numbers the calculator gives out tend to be a bit on the low or high side (probably isn't factoring in levels and balconies) so we may have bumped the number of rats held comfortably up a rat in some (and down to 0 in some that equalled out to 1 but weren't really suitable even for a single rat). The cage calculator we used can be found here.
ConclusionAll in all there are quite a few caging options available to a rat owner. You can purchase suitable cages from pet stores, buy good cages online, or even build your own cage. Please visit the Martin's Cages website for more pictures of their cages and to order the cage you desire. Also please note that the pictures on the website aren't terribly good depictions of the cages. Not only are they galvanized in most of the pictures (they're silver, powder coated ones are black) but it's very difficult to visualize the actual size of the cages.
Martin's Cages (We recommend choosing powder coated!)
Critter Nation
Ferret NationTop 10 Rat Cages
Fancy Rats rat cage calculator (How many rats can fit in a cage comfortably.)
KMW's rat cage calculator
Rats R Us rat cage calculator
Ratty Corner rat cage calculator
The Grotto (Cage example.)
Build your own Grotto-style cage
How to build your own rat cage
Info on and examples of cages
The Great Cage Page
Cage Cleaning
How Clean is Clean
A common mistake is keeping rats in aquariums. The bare minimum size for a pair of rats would be a twenty gallon aquarium/tank. However, aquariums are not suitable enclosures for rats because they have poor ventilation (rats have enough respiratory problems!) even with a proper screen top and have no climbing room since they are only one level. The most common use of tanks in rat keeping would be a ten or twenty gallon tank used for a mother birthing and raising young. The only other somewhat "acceptable" way to use an aquarium is to use a cage topper with it. A cage topper is a cage part that fits on top of an aquarium, giving more ventilation and climbing room to the rats. While it's "acceptable" it's still not ideal and your best bet would be to get a proper rat cage instead of a tank.
When purchasing a cage you want to make sure that it has more than one level to it as rats are avid climbers and love to climb from level to level. Also always make sure that the bar spacing isn't too wide apart (such as in some ferret cages) as rats are masters at squeezing out. Many rats bulk up enough upon reaching adulthood to be kept in some of the cages with the wider bar spacing but some rats are just sleek by nature and of course babies and youngsters are just too small. Many people will solve the problem of wide bar spacing by covering the cage in hardware cloth so that the rats cannot get out (coated hardware cloth would probably be better than galvanized).
Make sure that the very bottom of the cage is not wire. The upper levels may be wire (assuming you provide things on each level for them to get off of it, such as hammocks and tubes) but your rats should have a nice solid bottom floor so that they are not always on wire. Many people will cover the wire floors and levels so it's more comfortable for the rats (wire probably isn't the most comfortable thing to be walking on!). Cages with solid flooring and levels are another option, though these need to be kept especially clean (the levels should be wiped down daily) so the rats aren't walking in their waste. I recommend making sure the cage is powder coated rather than galvanized, as powder coating better protects against rust, doesn't trap odors, and is easier to clean. (Some say bare galvanized wire can also cause zinc poisoning if chewed on).
A proper rat cage should provide a bare minimum of two cubic feet per rat. One should keep in mind that shelves and levels must be added into the equation as well. A lot of the rat cage calculators available for use do not calculate in shelves or levels and only look at the height, width, and depth of a cage.
Pet Store Rat CagesThe most obvious place to get a rat cage would be a local pet store. Pet stores can stock many kinds of cages, some suitable and some downright horrible. A lot of the cages in pet stores marketed for an animal are too small. Here are some examples of suitable cages for rats that can be found in pet stores.
Some Examples
Deluxe My First Home Cage for Exotics
This happens to be the cage we currently own for our female rats.
Finally, a Super Pet cage perfect for rats! People have long used Super Pet's ferret cages as rat cages with the common issue of the bar spacing being too wide for some rats. With it's smaller bar spacing and good size, this cage makes for a much better choice for those with concerns about their smaller rats escaping.
Put out by: Super Pet
Size: 30"L x 18" W x 30"H
Layout: Includes 3 comfort shelves, 3 safety ramps, a cozy hammock, an 11" exercise wheel, and a pet name plate.
Rats held comfortably: 6 rats
Found at: This cage can be found at PetSmart.
Midwest Critter Nation
The Critter Nation came out after the huge success of the Ferret Nation as a rat cage. The biggest difference between the two cages is that the Critter Nation has more rat friendly bar spacing, so there are no concerns of younger or smaller rats squeezing through the bars. The Critter Nation comes in a single level cage and a double level cage. There is no add-on unit available for the Critter Nation like there is for the Ferret Nation at this point in time, but Midwest is looking into possibly providing one in the future.
Put out by: Midwest
Size: Single levels are 36"L x 24"W x 39"H and double levels are 36"L x 24"W x 63"H
Layout: The single level cage provides a single solid floor level as well as a ramp up to a solid half-level/shelf. The double level cage provides two solid floor levels each with a ramp up to a solid half-level/shelf.
Rats held comfortably: 5 rats for the single level cage, 10 rats for the double level cage (these numbers are assuming that the space is used wisely via the addition of hammocks and/or additional levels)
Found at: This cage can be found at PetSmart.
Midwest Ferret Nation
The Ferret Nation was initially put out, obviously, as a ferret cage. However, many people with rats found that it fit the bill for their smaller critters as well. The biggest concern with the Ferret Nation is the bar spacing, which is a bit wide and can be of concern for young or small rats. Most rat owners remedy this issue by wrapping the cage in hardware cloth so that their younger or smaller rats cannot escape. The Ferret Nation comes in a single level cage and a double level cage, and an add on unit is also available for purchase.
Put out by: Midwest
Size: Single levels are 36"L x 25"W x 38 1/2"H and double levels are 36"L x 25"W x 62 1/2"H
Layout: The single level cage provides a single solid floor level as well as a ramp up to a solid half-level/shelf. The double level cage provides two solid floor levels each with a ramp up to a solid half-level/shelf.
Rats held comfortably: 5 rats for the single level cage, 10 rats for the double level cage (these numbers are assuming that the space is used wisely via the addition of hammocks and/or additional levels)
Found at: This cage can be found at PetSmart.
Additional information: Additional information on the cage as a rat cage (including how to modify the cage with hardware cloth for smaller rats) can be found here.
Note: Information on the above cages was found online and a rat cage calculator as well as the opinion of owners using the cages were used to estimate the number of rats the cages could hold comfortably.
Martin's Cages: A Guide To Choosing A Martin's Cage
Martin's Cages Inc. is pretty well known for their cages. I've heard them recommended for ferret cages, and sugar glider cages, as well as rat cages. But obviously we will be talking about their rat cages! Martin's rat cages are often recommended because of how roomy and well built they are. This is not to say there aren't any cons to these cages.
One popular complaint is a difficulty in cleaning. Between being large and wire, cleaning these cages is not always an easy task. Another occasional complaint is assembly. Martin's Cages do not come pre-assembled. You are given all the parts along with C rings (quick clips) and ring closing pliers. Though it might take a bit of time (and some muscle) to get it all together, in all honesty most people do not have much trouble with this part. Some people will use zip ties in the place of C rings which makes the cage far easier to disassemble if necessary. They are fairly easy to replace if chewed on. Though the instructions tend to be vague, it is not that difficult to simply print a picture of the cage and go off of that.
One more complaint that some people have is the wire floors. Some people believe this causes bumblefoot to occur in rats. Honestly it has not been proven that this is true, in fact even rats on solid floors are known to get bumblefoot. Not only this but it is not difficult to provide areas in the cage where they can get off the wire, and also the bottom floor (the drop in pan) is not wire, thus they have the option of hanging out on the bottom floor if the wire gets bothersome. You can even cut linoleum or something similar to fit over the wire floors and just wipe it down a few times daily. Hopefully this has helped you make your choice on whether you wish to purchase a Martin's Cage. If you have decided you would like one, here is my writeup about each of the cages, but first... a tip:
Tip: When buying a Martin's Cage you'll want to choose the powder coated option. More expensive? Yes. But worth it. A powder coated cage is better protected from rusting and is less likely to absorb odors. A galvanized cage is more likely to rust and smell quickly. Also galvanized cages might be capable of causing zinc poisoning if chewed on enough. It is recommended to clean (neutralize) any new galvanized cage with a 50% vinegar/50% water solution.
The CagesThe Rat Den (H-600)
No Image AvailableSize: 18" x 11" x 12"
Layout: One ramp & balcony
Pan: Drop in 2 1/2" plastic pan
Additional options: A flip-top lid can be added for an extra $10.00
Galvanized price: $32.00
Powder coated price: $39.00
Rats held comfortably: 0 rats
The Rat Cubbyhole (R-660)
Size: 24" x 14" x 16"
Layout: One ramp & balcony
Pan: Drop in 3" plastic pan
Additional options: A flip-top lid can be added for an extra $10.00
Galvanized price: $44.00
Powder coated price: $55.00
Rats held comfortably: 1 rat
The Rat Carriage House (R-640)
No Image AvailableSize: 18" x 11" x 16"
Layout: Two ramps, two balconies
Pan: Drop in 2 1/2" plastic pan
Additional options: A flip-top lid can be added for an extra $10.00
Galvanized price: $38.00
Powder coated price: $47.00
Rats held comfortably: 1 rat
The Rat Cabin (R-670)
Size: 24" x 14" x 24"
Layout: Two ramps, two balconies
Pan: Drop in 3" plastic pan
Additional options: A flip-top lid can be added for an extra $10.00
Galvanized price: $55.00
Powder coated price: $68.00
Rats held comfortably: 2 rats (rats should be kept in same sex pairs or groups!)
The Rat Lodge (R-680)
Size: 30" x 18" x 24"
Layout: Two ramps, two balconies
Pan: Drop in 3 1/2" plastic pan
Additional options: A flip-top lid can be added for an extra $10.00
Galvanized price: $73.00
Powder coated price: $90.00
Rats held comfortably: 2 rats
The Rat Retreat (R-685)
Size: 30" x 18" x 24"
Layout: Two levels (including bottom), two ramps, a small landing
Pan: Drop in 3" plastic pan
Additional features: A flip-top lid is automatically included
Galvanized price: $90.00
Powder coated price: $109.00
Rats held comfortably: 3 rats
The Rat Highrise (H-600HR)
No Image AvailableSize: 18" x 11" x 24"
Layout: Two levels (including bottom), three ramps, two balconies
Pan: Drop in 2 1/2" plastic pan
Additional options: A flip-top lid can be added for an extra $10.00
Galvanized price: $49.00
Powder coated price: $62.00
Rats held comfortably: 0 rats (makes a good mouse cage though!)
The Rat Tower (R-690)
Size: 24" x 14" x 36"
Layout: Two levels (including bottom), three ramps, two balconies
Pan: Drop in 2 1/2" plastic pan
Additional options: A flip-top lid can be added for an extra $10.00
Galvanized price: $74.00
Powder coated price: $92.00
Rats held comfortably: 4 rats
Possible problems: This cage has steep ramps, which may not be good for older rats. However, there is a way to modify them.
The Rat Skyscraper (R-695)
Size: 30" x 18" x 36"
Layout: Two levels (including bottom), three ramps, two balconies
Pan: Drop in 3 1/2" plastic pan
Additional options: A flip-top lid can be added for an extra $10.00
Galvanized price: $98.00
Powder coated price: $119.00
Rats held comfortably: 5 rats
Note: Picture depicted is of an older version of the cage. In the newer version the ramps are all located at the back of the cage, leaving room for much larger doors.
The Ruud Cage (R-699)
No Image Available (Sorry)Size: 30" x 18" x 60"
Layout: Three levels (including bottom), six ramps, four balconies
Pan: Drop in 3 1/2" plastic pan
Galvanized price: $170.00
Powder coated price: $205.00
Rats held comfortably: 10 rats
The Rat Playpen (RPP-24 or RPP-44)
No Image Available (Sorry)Small size: 44" x 24" x 24"M
Small price: $58.00
Additional features: A flip-top lid, collapsible
Large size: 44" x 44" x 24"
Large price: $70.00
Additional features: A flip-top lid, collapsible
Note: Please note that this is a playpen not a cage, though I'm sure with enough effort it can be made into one.
Tools used: Please note that I used a cage calculator to estimate how many rats could be kept comfortably in the cages. The numbers the calculator gives out tend to be a bit on the low or high side (probably isn't factoring in levels and balconies) so we may have bumped the number of rats held comfortably up a rat in some (and down to 0 in some that equalled out to 1 but weren't really suitable even for a single rat). The cage calculator we used can be found here.
ConclusionAll in all there are quite a few caging options available to a rat owner. You can purchase suitable cages from pet stores, buy good cages online, or even build your own cage. Please visit the Martin's Cages website for more pictures of their cages and to order the cage you desire. Also please note that the pictures on the website aren't terribly good depictions of the cages. Not only are they galvanized in most of the pictures (they're silver, powder coated ones are black) but it's very difficult to visualize the actual size of the cages.
Martin's Cages (We recommend choosing powder coated!)
Critter Nation
Ferret NationTop 10 Rat Cages
Fancy Rats rat cage calculator (How many rats can fit in a cage comfortably.)
KMW's rat cage calculator
Rats R Us rat cage calculator
Ratty Corner rat cage calculator
The Grotto (Cage example.)
Build your own Grotto-style cage
How to build your own rat cage
Info on and examples of cages
The Great Cage Page
Cage Cleaning
How Clean is Clean