The Best Cages for Keeping Pet Rats: Ranked and Reviewed

Did you recently adopt your first pet rat? Perhaps you’re thinking of upgrading your rodent’s current cage. Whatever your situation may be, we’ve done the work to find the top cages on the market for your little friend. 

While rats are relatively small, they need a large space to roam. They get a sense of safety and security from having a spacious, high-quality cage they can explore.

In this review, we’ll talk about the best cages, the types of cages, which ones you should avoid, and more! Let’s start off with our favorite! 

Top Picks: The Best Pet Rat Cages Available Today

#1 Best Overall: Prevue Pet Products Rat Critter Cage

After extensive research, we’ve determined that the #1 Best Overall cage for pet rats is the Prevue Pet Products Rat Critter Cage.

Dusty rose hammer tone wrought iron bars provide a sturdy and durable exterior of the cage. Inside you’ll find solid ramps with tight wire spacing to allow for easy accessibility as your rat travels from one level to another. 

The large front door makes for quick access if you need to take your rodent friend out for a vet trip or simply clean the cage. There are two full metal platforms with plenty of room for a rat to relax or play. The ramps and platforms are chew-proof, making the cage last longer.  

One of our favorite features is the pull-out plastic platform that makes maintaining the cage a breeze. Another great thing about the Prevue rat cage is that it can fit up to three rats comfortably with dimensions of 31” x 20.5” x 40”. 

You can rest easy with the wind-bell lock on the bottom of the unit. This lock makes it impossible for rodents to push their way out of the cage. Lastly, the bottom shelf provides rat owners with plenty of storage space for supplies, food, or extra bedding. 

Reviews for this cage were overwhelmingly positive (90% of 855 ratings on Amazon), but there were some negative reviews as well. One reviewer wrote, “The ramps, platforms, and even floor were not made with rats’ feet in mind. I was hoping for a low maintenance cage but now I have to cover absolutely every surface because they’d get bumblefoot, snag toes, or even get their whole foot caught in all these weirdly placed and roughly cut square holes along the edges of the metal platforms.” Other complaints had to do with bar spacing and construction.

We recommend that you read the reviews for all cages that you’re considering prior to purchase.

Pros and Cons of the Prevue Pet Products Rat Critter Cage

Overall Best

Prevue Pet Products Rat Cage

• Dusty rose wrought iron bars make this a durable and sturdy choice
• Features ramps for your pet rat to go from one level to the other
• Large door for quick access
• Two metal platforms for playing and relaxing
• Pull-out plastic platform for easy cleaning

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2. Best for Multiple Rats: MidWest Critter Nation Deluxe Small Animal Cage 

Get the MidWest Critter Nation Deluxe Small Animal Cage if you have a lot of rodents and need plenty of room. At 36″L x 24″W x 63″H, it can house multiple rats and is well worth the price tag if you require the extra space. Additionally, the bottom rack has additional storage space for all of your materials. 

Manufactured of sturdy metal wire with a gray hammer tone finish, this enclosure is exceptionally well made. The bar width is 1/2 inch to accommodate even the tiniest rodents.

To prevent waste spills, there are two leak-proof pans that also make cleaning easy. The ramps on each level have a cushioned coating to make climbing a pain-free experience for your rats. 

The locks are critter-proof, which means your rats won’t be able to open them. There are four doors in all, each of which opens completely for maximum access. The best part? There are no tools necessary. It’s quite simple to set up, making this the perfect cage for new rat owners. 

Out of nearly 10,000 Amazon ratings, 92% were positive. Most of the negative reviews had to do with assembly, which some customers found to be difficult. The best way to avoid surprises is to read the reviews before purchasing.

Pros and Cons of the MidWest Critter Nation Deluxe Small Animal Cage 

Best for Multiple Rats

MidWest Critter Nation Deluxe

• The perfect home for up to six rats
• Bottom rack for pet supply storage
• Constructed from sturdy metal wire
• Two leak-proof pans contain waste and make cleanup easy
• The ramps feature a cushioned coating to protect your pets' little paws

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3. Best Affordable: Yaheetech Metal Cage

For adult rats, the very affordable YAHEETECH Metal Cage, which measures 25″L x 17″W x 36.5″H, is the ideal choice. It is not appropriate for rats under the age of six months due to the vertical bars. They may be able to quickly slide between the bars, posing a potential danger.

The cage is made of steel covered with non-toxic hammer tone paint. You’ll find two double-latch doors on either side of the cage that provides easy access to the entirety of the cage. A thick plastic litter box on the bottom can be pushed out to empty and wash. This rat cage comes with a food dish and water bottle, saving you money from buying them separately. 

The enclosure is on 360° rotating wheels, so you can move it about at your leisure. The outside is completely corrosion-free, prohibiting rust from developing in the case of excessive moisture. It’s the ideal spot for your adult rats to rest, play, and call home! 

The majority of nearly 4,400 reviews (82%) for this product were positive. Some rat owners left negative reviews about the vertical bar spacing, which they said is wider than advertised. As always, we encourage you to read reviews for feedback from actual users.

Pros and Cons of the Yaheetech Metal Cage

Best for Adult Rats

Yaheetech Metal Cage

• Ideal for adult rats who are too large to slip between the vertical bars
• Double-latched doors provide easy access
• A thick plastic litter box can be pushed out for easy cleaning
• Comes with a food dish and a water bottle
• The cage features 360-degree rotating wheels

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Choosing the Best: What to Look For

Buying a new cage can be fun for some and a chore for others. To make it easier for everyone, we’ve compiled an in-depth look at some of the features any rat parent should consider when looking for a new home for their furry friend. Let’s take a look at these essential elements. 

Size Requirements

According to the Ottawa Humane Society, a single rat requires an enclosure that measures 20′ long x 14″ wide x 24″ high. For every additional rat, you should increase the floor space by one square foot. While these guidelines will accommodate most rats comfortably, there are a few exceptions, particularly for larger breeds of rats and those that are extremely sensitive. 

You will be able to appreciate a variety of benefits after you have selected the appropriate rat cage size. For example, if you buy a spacious cage, your rats will be healthier since they will be able to exercise anytime they want and there will be less danger of ammonia accumulation.

Please keep in mind that these little creatures live the majority of their lives within their cages, so it’s essential that they have enough space to be happy and healthy. 

Portability

Rat cages come in a variety of sizes and can be pretty large, particularly if you have numerous rats and use a metal cage as recommended. Look for cages with wheels located at the base for easy transportation. Moving the rodents around the house and clearing up stray litter will be a lot easier now. 

One factor to take into consideration when purchasing rat cages is the ease of assembly. Some cages have more intricate directions than others, and construction may even include the use of some basic tools. 

Platforms

Rats are excellent climbers, so a cage with numerous levels to scale and roam will appeal to them. Platforms also help fill areas that would otherwise be vacant and underused because the rats wouldn’t be able to enjoy them. Hammocks, hanging tunnels, and accessories, in addition to platforms, can be used.

Doors

Look for at least two wire doors in the rat cage. Solid doors will merely prevent the cage from receiving adequate air. Furthermore, wire doors will allow you to clean a rat cage easily and have access to all of the cage’s nooks and crannies. 

Ensure the cage has a functional lock mechanism that works before you buy it. You don’t want your rodents to flee or injure themselves in any way when attempting to escape. Besides locks, make sure there are no gaps between the doors that might allow the rats to get out in any manner.

Safety

Even if you can build a cage from scratch, buying one that is already built will save you time, money, and effort. However, this does not imply that you should disregard their safety and purchase one simply because you enjoy the style.

Material Composition

The cage should ideally be composed of metal or plastic. It should also have wire bars to prevent the rats from getting out. If you’re considering utilizing glass aquariums, you should reconsider since this material is prone to trapping ammonia and dust, which can aggravate a rat’s already delicate respiratory system. 

Aside from choosing a cage made of metal or plastic, the cage’s base must also be built with sturdy material. Though it may appear that having a cage with wire floors is a good idea since your companion’s droppings would simply fall through, it can hurt your rat’s feet.

You should acquire a cage with a stable floor without large gaps to avoid them from getting bumblefoot, which is a dangerous ailment. If you have a cage with wire ramps, all you have to do now is cover it with a solid material. You could use cardboard or plastic, and cut it out to fit the cage’s dimensions. Then cover it with a soft towel or fleece blanket so you can easily wash it. 

Cleanliness

A high-quality cage alone does not guarantee that your pet will live longer. You should still consider its cleanliness. Scrubbing or bleaching a plastic cage is a quick and easy way to clean it. If your cage is constructed of metal, however, make sure it is protected with PVC before brushing or washing it with soap. 

You should double-check it to ensure that it does not corrode. Bear in mind, though, that PVC-coated enclosures are more prone to cracking and deterioration. As a result, you must keep an eye out for any evidence of cracks.

Lifestyle 

Households with children should get a cage with an exceptionally small bar width so that children are not enticed to poke rats with their fingers. However, as a caring pet owner, it is your responsibility to teach them how to properly handle and train pet rats. 

You should tell kids not to poke the critters with their fingers or other pointy items. If you’re the sort of person who travels a lot, you’ll want to find a cage that’s portable and easy to put up and take apart.

The Different Types of Cages for Keeping Pet Rats: Pros and Cons Compared

There are a variety of different types of cages on the market. Here are the most common types that you’ll have to choose from. 

• Solitary Units: Purchasing a single-level cage is OK as long as the cage provides the requisite height and climbing area. Many one-of-a-kind sets contain wheels or storage sections for your rat’s cage accessories.
• Stacking Cages: Stackable units are useful for a variety of reasons. The ability to lock off each piece of the cage is available on many stacking systems. You may split your rats into males and females, as well as rats that aren’t getting along or possibly be sick. If your rats are all of the same genders, you can let them run around together, only isolating them when necessary. If you’re cleaning the cage, it’s also a good idea to keep the rats from getting into space.
• Multi-Level Units: Rats love multi-level houses because they allow them so much room to roam. You may also use hammocks and other interesting tunnels to create a large exploring area surrounding the cage. Multi-level cages are also beneficial for general exercise.

Cages to Avoid

Some first-time rodent parents think that rats don’t require much space. However, after seeing them scurry around for the first time, it should be clear that they are high-energy creatures that need lots of room to climb, leap, and tunnel. There are several types of enclosures that should be avoided for your furry friend’s safety. 

Rabbit or Guinea Pig Cages

Rats, unlike bunnies and guinea pigs, have a strong drive to climb. Rodents also don’t have the same anatomy and physiology as rabbits or guinea pigs, so they don’t develop as big or thick as other caged animals. A rat is more likely to escape the broader bars of a rabbit or guinea pig cage since they are slim and can easily slip through items.

Gerbil or Hamster Cages

Rats aren’t much bigger than gerbils and hamsters, although this is only visible to the naked eye. Rats are actually three times the size of most hamsters and gerbils. Rats also have a tremendous amount of chewing strength, which they put to good use on a regular basis. 

Due to the sheer lack of room and mobility available in plastic gerbil cages, your rodent may get sad. In addition, the wiring and plastic in most gerbil or hamster cages are less robust. Rats, especially adults, don’t fit in the tunnels. If you have a large rat, this might lead them to become trapped in the tunnels, which can be dangerous. 

Conclusion

Overall, it’s important to find a cage that’s within your budget, that provides adequate space, and that meets the other criterion in the section “Choosing the Best: What to Look For” (above). Try one of the top options listed above and your furry friend will be sure to love it! 

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