5 Best Rat Cages Reviewed: Expert Picks Inside

Have you ever looked at a tiny, scared rat and wondered what kind of home would truly make it happy and safe? Choosing the perfect cage for your pet rat feels like a big job. You want the best for your furry friend, but the sheer number of cages, sizes, and features can quickly become overwhelming. It’s frustrating when you worry if the bars are too wide, or if the plastic base is easy to clean.

Many well-meaning owners end up with cages that are too small or lack proper ventilation, causing stress for their clever pets. Finding a balance between safety, space, and budget is a real challenge. But don’t worry; that struggle ends here!

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what features matter most, from bar spacing to shelf placement, ensuring you pick a durable and enriching environment. Get ready to learn the secrets to selecting a fantastic rat habitat.

Top Rat Cage Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

Large Two Full Story Deluxe Double Unit 4-Tiers Tight 1/2-Inch Bar Spacing Durable Front Doors Water Bottle Food Bowl for Feisty Ferret Squirrel Hammock Rat Gerbil Small Animal Critter Rolling Cage

【Two Story, Double Unit, 4-Tiers Durable Frame Cage】【Full Middle Floor With 1/2-Inch Wire Spacing】Able to access between Floor with ladder. 【Durable Wrought Iron Construction】 is Easy to Assemble
【Large Size】24-Inch Long, 17.5-inch Wide,53.5-inch High (on rolling stand)
【Tight Spacing On Horizontal Wire】 Narrow 1/2-Inch Wire Spacing RECOMMENDED FOR a wide variety sizes of small animals Critters to prevent escape and stuck. 【Horizontal Wire Spacing】Allow pets to fulfill their instinct to climb & explore in a secure environment
【Durable Frame Double Large Hinged Front Doors】 (15" x 18") With Improved Safty Lock 【Top Hook Door】Easy Access From The Top (8" x 9") 【Paw Safe】 2 x Easy Ajustable and Washable Solid Platforms and 2 x Anti-Slip Solid Ramps Safe For Small Animals
【Accessories Included】【1 x Hammock Included】【1 x Water Bottle and 1 x Food Bowl Included】

SaleBestseller No. 2

VEVOR 34" Rolling Metal Ferret Cage, Large 2-Tier Critter Nation Cage, Small Animal Cage with Ramps & Tray, Easy to Set up for Pet Mice, Hamster, Guinea Pig, Chinchilla, Squirrel, Hedgehogs, Bunny

Spacious Living Area: This ferret nation cage provides your pet with a spacious activity area of 24"x17.3"x34.1"/610x440x865 mm. Our ferret cage includes a fabric-covered non-slip ramp to support your pet's play and exercise needs. Get Vevor metal chinchilla cage to get ample space for both living and activities!
Sturdy and Practical: This pet cage is reinforced thick metal square tubes ensures great stability and rust resistance thanks to the fine and even powder coating and welding. The small animal cage features narrow 0.55" metal mesh spacing, with screw-in door latches, to prevent small animals from escaping.
Easy to Clean: The removable platforms and grids make the small ferret cage cleaning easy. The ABS-coated metal bottom tray fits tightly with the metal mesh to prevent urine leakage and foot injuries, providing a safe environment.Vevor ferret nation cage with the pull-out design and openable front door facilitate quick and convenient cleaning.
Convenient Feeding & Playing: With a narrow 0.55" spacing, this critter nation cage is suitable for various small animals including ferrets, chinchillas, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, and small kittens. The dual-layer door with the openable top window enables easy feeding and close interaction with your pets, making feeding simple and enjoyable.
Easy to Move and Store: Our metal rolling pet cage comes with lockable rolling wheels, allowing easily move your pets from indoors to outdoors, letting them enjoy sunlight and nature. Additionally, there's a large storage shelf above the wheels for keeping pet supplies organized and saving space.

Bestseller No. 3

Metal Large Hamster Cage with Acrylic Viewing Panels, 360° View Small Guinea Pig Cage with Ventilated Top, 37.8" l Stackable Critter Nation Cage for Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas, Gerbils

[Comfort & Spaciousness]: Measuring 37.8"L x 18.5"W x 20"H, this hamster enclosure provides ample space for toys, wheels, and deep bedding for natural burrowing. Rat cage, features a wide front door and a ventilated, openable top for easy access and optimal air circulation.
[Visual Enjoyment]: Guinea pig cages, features fully transparent panels and a ventilated top window, providing a 360-degree panoramic view. This design allows you to observe your hamster’s activities anytime, enhancing your pet ownership experience.
[Chew-Proof & Durable Design]: Crafted from a sturdy metal frame and 0.1" thick acrylic panels, this ferret cage provides a solid, chew-resistant structure that ensures your pet’s safety while extending the critter cage’s lifespan.
[Easy to Clean]: Equipped with a removable front acrylic panel and made with washable materials, this mouse cage simplifies routine cleaning and maintenance to keep your pet’s habitat fresh and hygienic.
[Stackable, Portable & Easy to Assemble]: Gerbil cage, features a removable top cover with handles and four casters for easy mobility and space-saving vertical stacking. Hedgehog cage, comes with clear, detailed instructions for quick and hassle-free setup, so you can have your hamster’s new home ready in no time.

Bestseller No. 4

PawHut Metal Small Animal Cage, 4-Tiers Rolling Big Ferret Cage with Hammock, Removable Tray, for Chinchilla, Sugar Glider, Gray

Spacious Size: This large ferret cage offers your pet height to climb for fun and exercise. A hanging hammock is included for a comfortable nap spot at the top. The four-tier layout allows a big, cozy living space.
Easy to move: With four smooth-rolling wheels, this rabbit cage glides effortlessly across your home, whether you're chasing sunlight, cleaning up, or simply rearranging. Portability meets convenience for stress-free pet care.
Easy to Clean: A pull-out bottom tray makes cleaning this small animal cage simple and quick, and the two doors provide quick and easy access to reach in and feed or pet your furry pals.
Robust: With a strong steel wire, this chinchilla cage provides a stable structure, a pleasant, well-ventilated home, and a see-through design to keep easy track of your furry friends.
Small Animal Cage Information: Overall Dimensions: 20.5" L x 20.5" W x 44.75" H. Provides a safe and secure house for Ferrets, Chinchillas, Kittens, and Sugar Gliders. Easy assembly with the clear manual

Bestseller No. 5

Homey Pet 3 Levels Chinchilla Ferret Pet Crate Small Animals Cages for Rat, Hamster, Guinea Pig, Squirrel, Include Caster Tray and Urine Guard (Black)

Size: 25"L x 17"W x 38"H, bar spacing: 0.7", color: black
Urine Guard & Hygienic Mesh: Urine guard keep your home clean and plastic bottom mesh keep your pet tidy
Removable Tray: Pull out tray provide convenient cleaning
Smooth Mobility: Lockable casters allow you move your pet anywhere easily
Effortless Setup: Easy assemble with no tools needed

Bestseller No. 6

3-Levels Easy Portable Collapsible Ferret Chinchilla Sugar Glider Rats Mouse Animal Critter Chew-Proof Metal Carrier Travel Cage with Narrow 3/8-Inch Bar Spacing Easy to Setup No Tools Needed

【Easy Portable】【Cage Size: 24"L x 16"W x 24"H】【All Metal, Chew Free】3-Levels, Wire Cage With Tight 3/8-Inch Cross Bar Spacing Wire Shelves and Ladders
【Narrow 3/8-Inch Wire Spacing】 Prevent Escape and Stuck; For Baby To Adult Size Small Animals Critters, Suitable for Chinchillas, Ferrets, Rats, Dwarf Hamster, Guinea Pig, Rabbit, Mice, Mouse, Hamster, Gerbil, Sugar Glider & Other Small Animals
【Two Front Access Doors】Size: 6.5" x 11'5" With Locking Door Clip For Extra Security. Extra narrow 1/2” wire spacing, 1/2-Inch Metal Grated Floor, 1/2-Inch Plateforms and Ladders. Chew-Proof!!
【Easy To Clean】 Removable Raised 3/8-Inch Bar Spacing Bottome Grate and Pull Out Washable Tray; Animal Safe Epoxy Coated Finish
【Easy Foldable and Setup】Fold For Storage. Two Top Side Carrier Handle for Travel; Easy To Setup. No Tools Needed.

Bestseller No. 7

GarveeLife 3Pcs Hamster Cage Kit, Guinea Pig Cage with Storage Shelf, Rolling Rat Critter Cage with Fooder, Water Bottle, Hay Feeder, Perfect for Hamster, Chinchilla, Gerbil, Hedgehog,

Spacious, Comfortable Habitat: Measuring 39.0" x 20.9" x 36.8", this small animal cage is crafted from low carbon steel with tight bar spacing for safety. It features an elevated platform for privacy, non-slip ramp for play, and a handy storage shelf for your pet's food or accessories
Complete Starter Kit for Pets: Your furry friend will feel right at home with included essentials: a food bowl, hay feeder, and water fountain, plus a spacious deep tray that provides ample room for paper bedding and makes bedding changes easy—all they need for healthy, happy living.
Detachable Stand for Versatile Placement: The detachable stand offers flexibility—remove the small pet cage from its base and set it on a table or other surfaces as needed, easily adapting to your pet's and your own living space
Smooth Mobility with Lockable Wheels: Equipped with two universal wheels and two lockable wheels, this rolling pet cage lets you easily move your pet to a sunny spot or rearrange your space, then secure the cage in place for safety
Front and Top Doors for Easy Access: Featuring both a top and front door, this rabbit cage makes cleaning, feeding, and interacting with your pet simple and convenient, ensuring your furry friend's space stays tidy and accessible

Bestseller No. 8

3-Levels Easy Portable Collapsible Ferret Chinchilla Sugar Glider Rats Mouse Animal Critter Chew-Proof Metal Carrier Travel Cage with Narrow 3/8-Inch Bar Spacing Easy to Clean No Tools Needed

【Easy Portable】【Size: 20" x 14" x 20"H】【All Metal, Chew Free】3-Levels, Wire Cage With Narrow 3/8-Inch Cross Bar Spacing Wire Shelves and Ladders, Paw Safe
【Narrow 3/8-Inch Wire Spacing】 Prevent Escape and Stuck; For Baby To Adult Size Small Animals Critters, Suitable for Chinchillas, Ferrets, Rats, Dwarf Hamster, Guinea Pig, Rabbit, Mice, Mouse, Hamster, Gerbil, Sugar Glider & Other Small Animals Critters
【Two Front Doors】 With Narrow 3/8-Inch Removable Wire Raised Grate Floor; With Easy Carry Handle
【Easy to Clean】 Easy Removable Raise 3/8-Inch Bar Spacing Grate and Pull Out Washable Tray
【Foldable and Easy Setup】Easy Foldable For Storage or Travel; Two Top Side Carrier Handles Included. Easy To Setup. No Tools Needed.

The Essential Rat Cage Buying Guide: Finding the Right Home

Choosing the right habitat for your pet rat is a big decision. Rats are smart and active animals. They need space to explore and play. This guide helps you select the best cage for your furry friends.

Key Features to Look For

When you shop for a rat cage, look closely at a few important things.

Size Matters: Bigger is always better for rats. A small cage makes rats unhappy. Look for cages with multiple levels or platforms. Rats love climbing! Aim for a cage that gives each rat at least 2 cubic feet of space, but more is ideal.
Bar Spacing: This is very important for safety. Baby rats, or “pinkies,” can squeeze through wide bars. For adult rats, bars should be no more than 1/2 inch apart. Narrow spacing keeps them safe inside.
Door Security: Rats are escape artists. Check that the doors have strong, secure latches. Simple hooks are easy for clever rats to open. Look for locks or double-action latches.
Easy Cleaning Access: You will clean the cage often. Look for large doors that let you reach all corners easily. A pull-out tray at the bottom helps a lot with daily clean-up.

Important Materials

The material of the cage affects its lifespan and safety.

Most good cages use metal wire for the walls and plastic or metal for the base tray.

Wire Quality: Powder-coated metal wire is the best choice. This coating resists rust and stops harmful zinc from hurting your pets (zinc poisoning is a real danger). Avoid cages with cheap paint that chips easily.
Plastic Components: Platforms, ramps, and the base tray should be made of thick, durable plastic. Thin plastic cracks easily when chewed or dropped.
Avoid Wood: Never buy a cage primarily made of wood. Rats chew wood quickly, which ruins the cage and can cause them to swallow splinters.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

A high-quality cage lasts longer and keeps your rats healthier.

What Makes a Cage Great:

Vertical Space: Cages that build upwards give rats more room without taking up your whole floor.
Smooth Ramps: Ramps should have a solid cover or texture. Bare metal ramps can hurt their feet.
Wire Bottoms (Use Caution): Some cages have wire bottoms. While this helps droppings fall, it is hard on rat feet. If the cage has a wire bottom, you must cover it completely with soft bedding or plastic mats.

What Lowers Cage Quality:

Sharp Edges: Check all welds and cut edges. Sharp spots can injure your pets.
Small Doors: If you struggle to get your arm inside for cleaning, the quality of your maintenance will drop.
Flimsy Construction: If the cage wobbles when you touch it, it is too weak. Strong cages stand steady.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you will actually use the cage every day.

A good cage makes your life easier. If cleaning takes forever, you might put it off. This is bad for the rats!

For Multiple Rats: Always choose the largest model available if you own three or more rats. They need room to maintain their social structure without fighting over space.
For Shy or New Rats: You need easy access. Cages with large front doors are excellent for gently handling new pets or checking on sick ones.
Placement: Consider where the cage will sit. Deep base trays catch bedding and mess better, reducing the amount of litter scattered around your room.

Rat Cage Buying Guide FAQ

Q: What is the minimum size cage I should buy for two rats?

A: For two adult rats, you should aim for a cage that is at least 30 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 24 inches tall. Remember, more space is always better for happy rats!

Q: Why is bar spacing so important?

A: Bar spacing must be narrow (half an inch or less). Rats are small when they are young, and they can squeeze through wide gaps. This keeps them safe from escaping or getting stuck.

Q: Should I buy a plastic bin cage or a wire cage?

A: Wire cages are generally better for ventilation. Plastic bins trap moisture and ammonia smells quickly, which harms the rats’ sensitive respiratory systems. Stick to sturdy wire cages.

Q: What kind of bedding should I use in a new cage?

A: Aspen shavings or kiln-dried pine are good choices for bedding. Avoid cedar shavings because the oils in cedar can make rats sick.

Q: How often do I need to clean the cage?

A: You should spot clean soiled areas daily. A full deep clean, where you wash all accessories and change all the bedding, should happen at least once a week.

Q: Are ladders and ramps included with most cages?

A: Many multi-level cages include ramps, but check the product description. If they are included, make sure they are solid or covered, not just thin metal bars.

Q: Can I attach toys to the cage bars?

A: Yes, you can attach toys and chew blocks using metal clips or carabiners. Ensure whatever you attach is strong enough that the rats cannot pull it down on themselves.

Q: What if the cage rattles when the rats run?

A: Rattling usually means the frame is not very sturdy. You can sometimes dampen the noise by placing soft fabric or thick cardboard pieces between any loose panels or where accessories touch the wire.

Q: Do I need a cage with a stand?

A: A stand is convenient because it raises the cage to a good viewing height. It also provides useful storage space underneath for food and supplies.

Q: Is it okay if the cage has a plastic base tray?

A: Yes, a plastic base tray is standard and good. It is easy to pull out and wash. Make sure the plastic is thick so the rats cannot chew through it easily.