Which cage should I choose for my rats?

Choosing the right cage is one of the most important decisions you will make for your rats. A good cage gives them space to move, climb, rest, and feel secure, while poor housing can quickly lead to stress or health issues. Below is practical, welfare-led guidance based on established rat care standards.

Quick summary

• Choose a metal bar cage with good ventilation
• Go bigger than the minimum wherever possible, especially for height
• Bar spacing should be 8–12 mm (8–10 mm for young or small rats)
• Avoid glass tanks and enclosed plastic cages
• Cover wire floors and shelves with solid surfaces

What rats need from a cage

Rats are active, intelligent animals that spend most of their lives inside their cage. A suitable cage should provide:

• Space to move, climb, and stretch fully
• Continuous airflow to reduce ammonia build-up
• Bar spacing that prevents escapes and injuries
• Enough room to add enrichment without overcrowding

A cage should support natural behaviour, not restrict it.

The best type of cage for rats

The safest and most suitable cages for pet rats are metal bar cages.

They provide:

• Excellent ventilation compared to enclosed cages
• A strong, chew-resistant structure
• Multiple fixing points for hammocks, ropes, shelves, and baskets

Glass tanks, aquariums, and enclosed plastic cages should be avoided. These trap moisture and ammonia from urine, increasing the risk of respiratory irritation and long-term breathing problems.

How big should a rat cage be?

There is no single perfect size, but minimums are often misunderstood.

As a practical guide:

• Two rats should have at least 80–100 cm of height to allow climbing
• Width and depth should allow full-body movement and turning without restriction
• Taller cages are usually easier to enrich than low, wide cages
• Small cages become cramped quickly once shelves, hammocks, and toys are added

If you are choosing between two cage sizes, the larger option will always be easier to set up safely and comfortably.

Bar spacing explained

Bar spacing is critical for safety.

Recommended spacing:

• 8–10 mm for young rats or smaller females
• 10–12 mm for adult rats

Spacing wider than 12 mm can allow rats to squeeze through or become stuck, particularly juveniles. Always check spacing carefully before buying.

Bar orientation and cage design

Cages with horizontal bars make climbing easier and allow rats to move around the cage more naturally. Vertical bars are not unsafe, but they usually require more shelves, ropes, and hammocks to prevent long drops.

It is also important to choose a cage designed for rats rather than ferrets. Ferret cages often have wider bar spacing and layouts that are not suitable for rats without significant modification.

Well-known rat-appropriate cages include models such as Critter Nation and Little Zoo Venturer, which combine suitable bar spacing, good ventilation, and layouts that are easier to enrich safely.

We will be adding a separate guide comparing popular rat cages side by side to help you choose the right option for your setup.

Shelves and flooring

Bare wire floors and shelves should be covered.

Standing on wire can lead to:

• Sore feet
• Pressure injuries
• Increased risk of bumblefoot over time

Solid shelves, mats, or fleece covers help distribute weight more evenly and improve long-term comfort.

Where to place the cage

Cage placement affects daily wellbeing.

Choose a location that is:

• Well ventilated but not drafty
• Away from direct sunlight
• Free from strong smells, sprays, or cleaning chemicals

Rats do best in a room where they can see and hear normal household activity, without being right in the middle of noise or traffic. This helps them feel settled and included without becoming stressed.

A good location, combined with the right cage size and layout, makes it much easier to create a comfortable setup with hammocks, tunnels, and climbing space that rats can use happily.