If you’re thinking of upgrading your furry friend’s home, you’ll definitely want to check out my picks for the best rat cages!
I rounded up the top options and put them all into a handy-dandy buying guide just for you!
Start with a quick peek and a side-by-side comparison.
Then keep reading for all of the glorious details!
READ MORE: Why Rats Make Good Pets?
Rat Cage Top Picks at a Glance
If you see the value in these products and choose to purchase via my referral links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
- Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation – Lots of room to play
- Prevue Hendryx Black Feisty Ferret Cage – Can be used for other pets too
- Prevue Rat and Chinchilla Cage 495 Earthtone Dusted Rose – Great for climbing
- Kaytee My First Home 30 X 18 Multilevel Exotics – Easy to clean
- Petco Brand – You & Me Rat Manor Habitat – Easy to assemble
Don’t have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!
5 Best Rat Cages (Buying Guide)
Rats are intelligent and social creatures, and you will find that they love to run around and interact with you, often sitting on your shoulder [1].
Like almost any other pet, though, they do like a place to call their own, and that is why you need a cage.
Rats need a place to go and have some alone time, a place to sleep, and a place to eat. While socializing with your rat and giving it exercise are essential, a great cage will do wonders for your pet [2].
There are so many rat cages out there that it can be hard to know what to look for. Fortunately, I’ve done the heavy lifting for you and found some of the best rat cages out there.
Stay around after my reviews for an expert buying guide, and find out what to look for.
#1 Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation
This cage looks amazing. It is amazing too.
If you opt for the two-story option, which is recommended for multiple rats, then you are getting a lot of space for your pets without the cage taking up a lot of floor space. The cages stack upwards to save space.
I also like the look of the cage. The wires are strong and sturdy, giving the option to climb the inside of the cage without the rats being able to escape, and there are some nice shallow ramps that will allow your rats to traverse the levels.
The four locking caster wheels make it easy to move the cage. When it is time to clean, you can move the cage to get to the floor underneath.
The large double doors give you ample room to get in and clean the cage, while the removable shelves allow additional accessibility, allowing you to remove the mess in bulk.
The shelves are large enough for your rat to play on and are leakproof so spills will not move from one level to the next.
The ramps between the shelves and floor are shallow enough that the joints on your rat will not be stressed when they are running up and down.
This is a large cage that your rat will love. It does not take up too much room, and it is extremely easy to clean.
Key Features
- 35” x 24” x 63”
- Leak-proof pans
- Wide Shelves
- Stackable
- 1/2” wire spacing
- Locking caster wheels
- Ramps
Benefits & Drawbacks of Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Easy to clean | Trays could have higher walls |
| Can be moved around the room | Can be tricky to assemble |
| Shelves are adjustable | |
| Can be used for multiple rats | |
| Lots of room to play |
Why I like it
There are a lot of places for your rat to run around in, climb, and get exercise. If you cannot be home a lot to let your rat run around, then this is a great backup option.
- Includes 2 pans, 2 adjustable shelves, 3 plastic ramps with covers & easily maneuverable stand with 4 locking wheel casters
- Full-width double doors on critter nation small animal cage and removable shelf provide maximum accessibility for easy cleaning & feeding
- Critter Nation's wide expanse shelves & full width leak proof pans provide maximized play area & prevent dangerous falls
- Great for Rats, Chinchillas, Dagus, Ferrets, tubing (corners) 0.6 inches square & 1/2 " horizontal wire spacing allow pets to fulfill their instinct to climb & explore in a secure environment
- Dimensions: 36" L x 24" W x 63" H
#2 Prevue Hendryx Black Feisty Ferret Cage
This is a wonderful cage for playful and energetic rats. There are four levels to play on two main levels and two shelves.
There are ramps that connect all four levels, and they can be easily traversed by your rat. The wire bars are also spaced close together so that your rat cannot escape but can still climb.
The cage is also big enough for multiple rats. If your rats need to run around, then this could be the perfect cage.
No cage is perfect, however, and this one could benefit from a couple of slight changes. The floor is wire mesh, but that is easily counteracted with some soft bedding or hay.
The doors on the front only open on one side which means you have to reach through to the other side when cleaning. This is not too big of a deal as the cage is still easy to clean.
The doors are big, so you still have a lot of access to the cage, and the wire mesh in the floor does mean that it is easier to clean, as debris will fall through to the level below and be caught in the removable tray at the bottom of the cage, which is easily removed for cleaning.
I like the accessories you get with the cage, along with the plastic platforms, ramps, and grille. You also get a cute little hammock for your rat to laze around in.
Key Features
- 31” x 20” x 54”
- Space-saving shelf
- Climbable bars
- Escape-proof doors
- Can be used for multiple rats
Benefits & Drawbacks of Prevue Hendryx Black Feisty Ferret Cage
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Accessories included | Cage can be loud when rats are climbing and jumping |
| Great for active rats | Wire bottom |
| Can be used for other pets too | |
| Shallow ramps protect joints | |
| Can be easily moved |
Why I like it
This is the perfect cage for active rats. The cage is large and has multiple levels.
Your rats will be able to run between levels, climb around on the inside of the cage, and relax in the hammock when they tire themselves out.
- Spacious: This ferret home offers plenty of space for even the most energetic adult ferrets to run, jump, and play. The steel metal cage includes ramps, shelves, and a hammock to keep your fuzzy friend entertained and happy.
- Easy Access: Two large doors means easy access to your small pet. The large hinged cage doors are escape-proof and ferrets cannot open the doors. This opening can also be closed off to create two separate spaces or be left open for full cage access.
- Easy to Move: Our portable ferret crate with stand features easy-rolling caster wheels to move the ferret cage from room to room. You can store toys, ferret treats, and supplies on the space-saver storage shelf stand.
- Easy to Clean: The platforms, grille, and bottom tray are easy to remove for convenient cleaning. Your pet ferret will enjoy a fresh, open metal crate home with this secure animal cage in a stylish hammertone finish.
- Dimensions: This ferret small animal enclosed pen measures 31 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 41 ½ inches high (54 inches high on the stand) with ⅞ inch wire spacing. Our ferret pet enclosure is comfy, spacious, and fun.
- Age Range Description: All Stages
#3 Prevue Rat and Chinchilla Cage 495 Earthtone Dusted Rose
I love the finish of this one! When it comes to cages for your pets, I am all about functionality, but it’s nice to have a bit of style, too!
It has a sepia-like finish, giving the cage an antique look that other cages do not have. It is very functional, and your rat will love it but you will love it too, and it will look amazing in any room.
This is a great cage for a pet rat. The bars on the cage are small enough to keep your rat inside while being spaced far enough apart to let your rat climb and enjoy some exercise on the inside.
The metal ramps leading from one level to another are solid and shallow. There is also a wind-bell lock on the door which makes it hard for any rats to escape.
Your pets will love to run around here and feel protected.
Key Features
- 31” x 20” x 40”
- Rolling casters
- Multiple levels
- Escape-proof
- Removable litter tray
Benefits & Drawbacks of Prevue Rat and Chinchilla Cage 495 Earthtone Dusted Rose
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Great for climbing | Wire floors |
| Easy to clean | Can be hard to assemble |
| Removable litter tray | |
| Lockable casters | |
| Stackable |
Why I like it
This cage not only looks stylish and elegant, but it is also functional and sturdy. The cage will last you for a long time and your rats will love to play inside of it!
- Versatile: The small wire spacing and solid metal ramps and platforms make this an ideal cage for small animals like rats, chinchillas, or baby ferrets. Our pet cage with stand has rolling caster wheels to easily move from room to room.
- Easy to Clean: The large front door and smaller rooftop door allow for easy access to your furry friends while a pull-out bottom grille and tray make cleaning quick and easy. Keep your pet’s metal crate home fresh every day.
- High-Quality: The rat and chinchilla cage comes in a powder-coated steel construction with an earthtone dusted rose hammertone finish for a sleek and stylish design. It also includes all-metal chew-proof ramps, platforms, and a bottom grille.
- Secure: The wind-bell lock on the bottom prevents pets from pushing out the tray if the cage is used without the grille. This practical design also includes a bottom shelf for storing extra food treats and pet supplies near your small crate.
- Dimensions: Our rat and chinchilla metal crate home measures 31 inches long x 20 ½ inches wide x 40 inches high with ⅜ inch wire spacing. The front door size is 13 inches x 13 inches for your pet’s and your convenience.
#4 Kaytee My First Home 30 X 18 Multilevel Exotics
This is a great starter cage for your pet rat. It has everything your rat needs to live a happy and healthy life.
The bars of the cage are spaced so that your rat can climb around inside, and there are four distinct levels for your rat to run between.
I like the design of the ramps. Instead of having straight ramps, they curve up and down. Your rat will find pleasure running up and down them.
The deep base helps to collect litter, and it will not spill over the edge. When it comes time to clean the cage, you can unclip the top from the base and clean out the litter tray, and anything else, with ease.
The shelves and ramps are included, and you also get the food bowl too.
Key Features
- 30” x 18” x 30”
- 1/2” wire spacing
- Chew-proof locks
- Multiple levels for play
- Deep base
- Multiple levels
Benefits & Drawbacks of Kaytee My First Home 30 X 18 Multilevel Exotics
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Easy to assemble | Smaller than other cages |
| Easy to clean | |
| Light and small | |
| Affordable |
Why I like it
“We love the multi-level design, and there is enough space inside for your rat to run around in. The cage is easy to assemble and disassemble, making cleaning a breeze.”
- Ideal habitat for chinchillas, rats and exotic pets
- Multiple levels to climb and play
- Deep base to prevent messes
- Easy assembly for cleaning
- Chew proof locks and wires for added safety
- Extra narrow 1/2” wire spacing
- Cage dimensions: 30.5” x 18” x 30”
#5 Petco Brand – You & Me Rat Manor Habitat
With a name like Rat Manor, you know that you are getting a fancy place for your pet to live.
There are five separate levels with ladders between them so that your rat can run up and down the cage. The bars on the side of the cage are also spaced far enough apart to let your rat climb the inside.
The cage allows for additional rat toys so you can combine purchases for more interactive areas; perfect for your smart rat.
The deep metal base makes cleaning a breeze, and you can snap off the top and empty the deep metal base without any problems.
The heavy-duty wires are chew-proof and have a stain-resistant powder coating that is not toxic to your rat.
A great cage with a lot of space.
Key Features
- Tall cage
- Multi-level
- Chew-proof wires
- Ladders between levels
- Lots of space
- Deep metal base
Benefits & Drawbacks of You & Me Rat Manor Habitat
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Easy to assemble | Wires can hurt their feet |
| Easy to clean | Can be hard to attach ramps |
| Heavy-duty construction | |
| Toys can be added | |
| Affordable |
Why I like it
This is a great cage for small spaces. It does not take up too much floor space but still has a lot of room for your rat due to how tall it is. It is a no-nonsense cage that is easy to clean and gives your rat what they need.
- Rat Manor features four 3/8" wire mesh levels and three ladders
- Wire mesh platforms provide a safe and sanitary living space for your pet rat
- Features washable, chew-proof, heavy duty welded wire that also has a convenient stain-resistant powder coated finish
- Deep metal base helps to prevent to prevent scatters and spills, which reduces mess around the habitat
- Spacious enough to allow for various toys and rat supplies
CHECK: When Do Rats Sleep?
Also, don’t forget to explore my article “Best Rat Bedding for Odor Control“. It’s a helpful guide for maintaining a fresh environment for your pet rats. Enjoy!
What to Look for When Buying a Rat Cage
Buying a rat cage is a relatively easy proposition, and there is not a lot to think about other than a safe environment for your furry little friend.
With a little information, you can buy the perfect cage for your rat without having to spend a lot of money.
What Are the Types of Rat Cages?
There are different sized cages, with multiple levels, and the right cage is the one in which your rat is comfortable [3].
I would not recommend one type of rat cage over another, but I would recommend the material from which it is made.
Rats like to climb, and having metal wires for them to do so will let them get exercise even when they are in their cages.
The wire cages offer good ventilation and are sturdier and more durable than other materials.
Look for wires which are not too far apart, so that your rat cannot escape, and wires which have powder coating, so that they do not rust.
How Much Are Rat Cages?
Rat cages vary in price, and a lot of that is tied to the size of the cage. You can expect to spend as little as $50 for a cheap cage made from plastic, while the multi-level metal cages can cost up to $200.
We recommend that you have a budget in mind and stick to it as much as you can. Rat cages can be affordable if you take the time to shop around, but you also get what you pay for.
Be prepared to spend a little more money to get a high-quality cage, and never worry about having to fix or replace that cage. A little more money upfront will save you in the long run.
How Do You Set Up a Rat Cage?
Rats are smart and energetic animals, so you should try and set up your cage with this in mind.
When looking for a cage, one with multiple levels will give your rat some exercise. You should also think about outfitting your cage with toys.
Rats love hammocks and hideouts (don’t we all?). They also love to chew, so throw some chew toys in there too. Throwing in old tubes and boxes will give them something to chew on and something to hide in.
As long as they have the space to run around in, you cannot have too many toys.
Take a look at this video for an actual demo:
Final Recommendation
Try Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation!
What are your favorite best rat cages? Let us know in the comments below!
- Includes 2 pans, 2 adjustable shelves, 3 plastic ramps with covers & easily maneuverable stand with 4 locking wheel casters
- Full-width double doors on critter nation small animal cage and removable shelf provide maximum accessibility for easy cleaning & feeding
- Critter Nation's wide expanse shelves & full width leak proof pans provide maximized play area & prevent dangerous falls
- Great for Rats, Chinchillas, Dagus, Ferrets, tubing (corners) 0.6 inches square & 1/2 " horizontal wire spacing allow pets to fulfill their instinct to climb & explore in a secure environment
- Dimensions: 36" L x 24" W x 63" H
References
- 1. Vermaercke B, Cop E, Willems S, D’Hooge R, Op de Beeck HP. More complex brains are not always better: rats outperform humans in implicit category-based generalization by implementing a similarity-based strategy. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review [Internet]. 2014 [cited 2021 Dec 7];21:1080–6. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/s13423-013-0579-9?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=commission_junction&CJEVENT=a8547307576e11ec83a59fd20a82b821&utm_campaign=3_nsn6445_brand_PID9069228&utm_content=de_textlink&?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_term=PID9069228
- 2. Owning a Pet Rat [Internet]. vca_corporate. 2021 [cited 2021 Dec 7]. Available from: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/owning-a-pet-rat
- 3. Pet Rat Care Sheet & Supplies | PetSmart [Internet]. Petsmart.com. 2021 [cited 2021 Dec 7]. Available from: https://www.petsmart.com/learning-center/small-pet-care/fancy-rat-care-guide/A0326.html#:~:text=What%20do%20fancy%20rats%20eat%3F%201%20Pellets%20should,access%20to%20fresh%2C%20clean%20water%20at%20all%20times.
- 4. Dale T. The Best Rat Cages for Your Pet Rodents [Internet]. Bob Vila. BobVila.com; 2020 [cited 2021 Dec 7]. Available from: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-rat-cage/.
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