How Big Should A Rat Cage Be? A Rat Cage Size Guide

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Rat Cage Size Guide - how big should my rat cage be?

Welcome to our complete guide to rat cage size! Helping you select the right new indoor rat cage house for your furry new pet. So let’s find out – how big should a rat cage be?

If you are thinking about adding a new pet rat to your home life, you must be excited!

Rats are highly intelligent and love to socialize with their owners and other rats. And despite the popular belief that they are dirty animals, rats are actually quite clean.

With that in mind, pet rats require safe and proper housing. Rat cages are typically the most expensive item you will need to purchase for your new pet.

We will explore what type and size of rat cage is ideal for your pet. Let’s read on.

All of these products were carefully and independently selected by the Squeaks and Nibbles team. If you decide to make a purchase from one of the links marked by an asterisk, we may earn a small commission on that sale. This is at no extra cost to you.

Best Rat Cages

We’re going to take a look at some of the best indoor rat cages in a moment.

Now let us take a look at why each cage is the best size for your rat(s).

How big does a rat cage need to be?

So, how big should a rat cage be?

There are many types of rat cages to choose from. The general rule of thumb for rat cage size is at least 2 cubic feet of space per rat. This is the minimum rat cage size.

If your pet rat is larger than average or you simply want to give your pet(s) more room to live in, which we recommend, you may choose to buy one with extra space.

Rat Cage Size Guide - How big should my rat cage be?

Since the rat cage is where your rat will be living most of its life, erring on the side of a roomier cage is recommended.

It will give them more room to play in and hide and generally make for a happier living situation for your beloved pet.

Larger cages also encourage your rat to exercise more, possibly extending the life of your pet by reducing the likelihood of obesity related issues.

Also, if you have multiple pet rats, they will get along with each other better if there is ample room for them to spread out and have some private time as needed.

Another factor to keep in mind is the cages bar size. It should be ½ inch or narrower to prevent your pet rat(s) from escaping.

Best Rat cage size for 1

How big should a rat cage be for one rat? Rats should be kept with at least one other rat due to their high social needs. However, in the rare situation that a rat needs to be kept alone, either permanently or for a short time, you must choose a large enough cage.

When choosing a rat cage, you will want to purchase one that has proper ventilation.

The ones we recommend have wire bars on top and have a plastic or metal pan on the bottom to contain bedding.

Although at first glance it may seem like a good idea to get a rat cage with a wire bottom for droppings to go through, this is actually not good for your rats to walk on.

Walking on wire all the time may cause swelling and an infection, a problem called bumblefoot, which is certainly not something you want to have happen.

Kaytee My First Home Habitat

An excellent starter home for one rat would be thishabitat(paid link)* for pet rats.

(paid link)

Its dimensions are 25.5’’L x 12.5’’W x 14’’H, which is perfect for one rat.

Best Rat cage size for 2

How big should a rat cage be for two rats?

Now you may be wondering, what size cage for 2 rats?

If you decide to give your rat a companion, and rats do love company, the minimum rat cage size should be at least 4 cubic feet of space.

3 Levels Ferret Chinchilla Sugar Glider Rats Animal Cage

We love this 3 Level Cage(paid link)*.

(paid link)

The dimensions of it are 24’’L x 16’’D x 24’’ H.

You will find that this is ample space for 2 rats to live in.

Best Rat cage size for 3

How big should a rat cage be for three rats.

Prevue Hendryx Black Feisty Ferret Cage

For 3 rats, we happily recommend this Cage(paid link)*.

(paid link)

This cage has dimensions of 31’’L x 20’’W x 54’’H.

Tall rat cage

Tall rat cages tend to have multiple levels, which is a great idea because it allows for your rat to jump and climb. Making your pet happier and healthier.

Critter Nation Cage with Stand

Our favorite tall rat cage is the Critter Nation Cage with Stand(paid link)*.

(paid link)

Its dimensions are 36’’L x 24’’W x 63’’H.

Best rat cage size

So, how big should a rat cage be? What’s the best rat cage size?

When trying to determine which size rat cage will best suit your needs, it pays to think long term.

The minimum recommended is 2 cubic feet of space per rat, but we do recommend that you go beyond the minimum to offer your pet rat ample room to lead a good life.

When it comes to purchasing the right rat cage size for your pet(s), bigger is better.

Affiliate link disclosure: Links in this article marked with an * are affiliate links, and we may receive a small commission if you purchase these products. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.

10 COMMENTS

  1. You say wire bottom cages are bad for their feet, but some of the enclosures you recommend have wire bottoms. Are these wire bottoms removable?

    • As long as most of the shelves don’t have wire bottoms you should be fine, but we will still always put blankets (these need changing regularly) on the shelves that do have wire in them.

  2. Yeah, don’t get just one rat the fact that it was even put on here makes it think it’s an option for new rat owners that it’s ok to only have one rat. I’m very disappointed. Rats are social creatures and NEED to be in pairs minimum. Shame on you guys for spreading false care and essentially promoting neglect by putting that in here. DO NOT GET A LONE RAT. It’s abusive and neglectful to have a single rat when there is absolutely no need and actually negatively impacts their life and health. It’s way past the time of sharing harmful pet “care” that is very incorrect. Do better.

    • So glad someone actually has common sense… Rats do need to be kept in pairs or groups, and groups are better! Saying “well there are some cases where rats need to be kept alone” or “You’ll have to spend extra time with that rat” is totally promoting and enabling improper pet care. Rats can get respiratory infections from the stress! The only reason a rat should ever be kept alone is for medical reasons like they’ve just been neutered, and that would be temporary and hopefully you’d be able to put another rat or two with them so you’d still want to have a hospital cage big enough for two rats. The only other reason I can think of for keeping a rat alone is that it’s aggressive, but this can be overcome with neutering and rat therapy! The bottom line: Rats shouldn’t be alone ever, and there’s no excuse for keeping them alone.

      • Ultimately i think most people are gonna do what they do. Its easier to persquade someone though by encouragement rather than scolding. And im certain thered be circumstances where the keepimg a lone Rat wasnt planned for, maybe a case of rescue or just the way it is./. Its not going to cause direct harmThere are many thing to be avoided and loneltness is definatelt one of them. Its to be avoided as much as possible but someitimes its not intentional,

  3. The fiesty ferret cage has bar spacing that young rats and females can literally walk right through.
    It needs covered in hardware cloth to be safe for rats. Which is an added expense and not mentioned at all.

    More than just size and barred floors is important to keep pet rats safe.

  4. You have the dimensions incorrect on the first multi rat cage. It should be 32x18x69”

    I do appreciate the information you have posted!

  5. I designed a couple cages for my rats 2’x4’x6’, I have male and female rats. Hammocks,hides raised feed dishes and multiple water bottles. Lots of activities for them :hides,tunnels and wheel. I have 21 rats or a colony. Great pets.

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