Housing
_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
Includes: 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
Includes: 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.
My First Home Multi-Floor, Large
By Super Pet found on amazon.com
Size: 18"L x 30"W x 29"H
Includes: One inch wire spacing complete with 3 comfort shelves, 3 safety ramps, food dish, and fun toy. The deep plastic base prevents bedding from scattering while the white wire top makes for easy viewing and superb ventilation.
Cage will house 4 rats.
Size: 18"L x 30"W x 29"H
Includes: One inch wire spacing complete with 3 comfort shelves, 3 safety ramps, food dish, and fun toy. The deep plastic base prevents bedding from scattering while the white wire top makes for easy viewing and superb ventilation.
Cage will house 4 rats.
My First Home Multi-Floor, Extra Large
By Super Pet found on amazon.com
Size: 18"L x 40.5"W x 32"H
Includes: One inch wire spacing complete with 4 comfort shelves, 4 safety ramps, 2 food dishes, and a hammock.
Cage will house 6 rats.
Size: 18"L x 40.5"W x 32"H
Includes: One inch wire spacing complete with 4 comfort shelves, 4 safety ramps, 2 food dishes, and a hammock.
Cage will house 6 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 63 1/4"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 63 1/4"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 25"W x 62 1/2"H with stand.
Includes: Half inch horizontal 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: Half inch horizontal 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.
Prevue Small Animal Cage 495
By Prevue found on ferret.com
Size: 31"L x 20 1/2"W x 40"H
Includes: Has 3/8" bar spacing along with large front door and small roof top door allow 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. Solid metal ramps and platforms allow your pet to move easily throughout the cage without his feet getting caught up.
Cage will house 5 rats.
Size: 31"L x 20 1/2"W x 40"H
Includes: Has 3/8" bar spacing along with large front door and small roof top door allow 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. Solid metal ramps and platforms allow your pet to move easily throughout the cage without his feet getting caught up.
Cage will house 5 rats.
A and E 3-Level Ferret Cage
Made by A&E Cage Company found on ferret.com
Size: 33"L x 22"W x 63"H
Includes: Half in bar spacing with 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, 4 stainless steel feeder cups, bottom shelf for storage and non-toxic, durable and safe powder-coated finish.
Cage will house 7 rats.
Size: 33"L x 22"W x 63"H
Includes: Half in bar spacing with 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, 4 stainless steel feeder cups, bottom shelf for storage and non-toxic, durable and safe powder-coated finish.
Cage will house 7 rats.
Feisty Ferret Home model 485
By Prevue found on ferret.com
Size: 31"L x 20"D x 54"H with stand.
Includes: 7/8" bar spacing, floor grid spacing 1/2", 2 platforms, 3 ladders, 1 hammock and removable plastic pan slides out for easy cleaning. Also has 2 large front-opening doors that are escape proof.
Cage will house 7 rats.
Size: 31"L x 20"D x 54"H with stand.
Includes: 7/8" bar spacing, floor grid spacing 1/2", 2 platforms, 3 ladders, 1 hammock and removable plastic pan slides out for easy cleaning. Also has 2 large front-opening doors that are escape proof.
Cage will house 7 rats.
Marshall Chalet
By Marshall found on ferret.com
Size: 27.5"L x 22.4"W x 39.4"H
Includes: One inch bar spacing. White powder coat finish, easy to assemble and clean. Deep plastic base keeps mess inside of cage. Has 2 access doors - 1 flip top and 1 drop down style along with 2 adjustable platforms and 2 textured ramps.
Cage will house 5 rats.
Size: 27.5"L x 22.4"W x 39.4"H
Includes: One inch bar spacing. White powder coat finish, easy to assemble and clean. Deep plastic base keeps mess inside of cage. Has 2 access doors - 1 flip top and 1 drop down style along with 2 adjustable platforms and 2 textured ramps.
Cage will house 5 rats.
Marshall Ferret Townhouse
By Marshall found on ferret.com
Size: 39.5"L x 22.5"W x 46.5"H
Includes: One inch bar spacing. Has 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: One inch bar spacing. Has 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: One inch bar spacing. Has 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: One inch bar spacing. Has 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.
Marshall Penthouse II
By Marshall found on ferret.com
Size: 31"L x 19"W x 54"H
Includes: One inch bar spacing. Penthouse II offers new levels of excitement for ferrets, chinchillas and other small pets. Its lightweight yet sturdy construction will stand up to years of use. Includes a base tray, litter pan, platforms, feeder and hardware. Wheels sold separately. Tool free assembly. Made in Italy.
Cage will house 9 rats.
Size: 31"L x 19"W x 54"H
Includes: One inch bar spacing. Penthouse II offers new levels of excitement for ferrets, chinchillas and other small pets. Its lightweight yet sturdy construction will stand up to years of use. Includes a base tray, litter pan, platforms, feeder and hardware. Wheels sold separately. Tool free assembly. Made in Italy.
Cage will house 9 rats.
Martin's Cages Inc.
Rat owners are excited by the different styles of cages that Martin's has to offer... and the rats think they're pretty cool, too! All rat cages are constructed of 1/2" x 1" wire and each has a drop-in pan. All balconies, ramps, and full middle floors are constructed of 1/2" x 1/2" galvanized wire mesh. The bottom floor of our rat cages are solid--the drop-in pan serves as the bottom floor of the cage. Rat cages are also ideal for hamsters and gerbils. Rat cages are available in your choice of galvanized or powder-coated wire. Powder coated cages are available in black only.
Martin's Cages do not come assembled. You will have to put them together with C rings which can take some muscle to get them clamped on properly.
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 bumble foot. 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 website.
Flip-top lid option available on most models for an additional charge. Flip-top lids are convenient hinged cage lids that allow you easy access to the cage from the top.
Martin's Cages do not come assembled. You will have to put them together with C rings which can take some muscle to get them clamped on properly.
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 bumble foot. 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 website.
Flip-top lid option available on most models for an additional charge. Flip-top lids are convenient hinged cage lids that allow you easy access to the cage from the top.
Mini Collapsible Carrier (CC-1811)
- Size: 18" x 11" x 11"
- 1/2" x 1" powder-coated mesh ideal for rats and other smaller pets
- Flip-top lid
- Drop-in plastic pan - no floor wire
- Collapses flat for convenient storage
- Cage will house 0 rats.
(Not suitable for long-term housing.)
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.
(Not suitable for long-term housing.)
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.
(Not suitable for long-term housing.)
The Rat Highrise (H-600HR)
- Size: 18"L x 11"W x 24"H
- Two balconies
- Three ramps
- Full middle floor
- Drop-in 3" deep 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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Ruud 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.
The Rat Playpen with Pan (PWP-RAT)
- Measures 36" wide x 30" deep x 24" high
- Made out of 1/2" x 1" black powder coated wire
- Flip-top lid
- Collapsible for easy transport and storage
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.
We would like to thank Diana Martin directly from Martin's Cages, Inc. for giving STWR permission to use photos, dimensions, and information on their cages. This way we can better help adopters choose the right cages for their new companions. To order one of these fantastic cages please visit Martin's Cages, Inc.