How to set up a rat cage

A good rat cage is big, has several levels and plenty of places to hide. Here's a checklist based on RSPCA and PDSA guidance.

The cage calculator and care guides are also in the free Rattitude Care app. Get the app

How big should a rat cage be?

As large as possible — the RSPCA wants rats to have room to run, stretch up on their hind legs, climb and explore. As a minimum, the Rattitude Care app uses 60 liters of volume per rat, a floor of at least 2400 cm² and a height of at least 50 cm; check your cage with the cage size calculator.

Bars matter too: the RSPCA says the spacing should be small enough that rats can't poke their heads through. The app recommends no more than 1 cm for young rats and 1.3 cm (½ inch) for adults.

What should go inside a rat cage?

The RSPCA recommends a solid floor rather than wire mesh, which can lead to foot problems, and a complex space with places to hide, climb and explore at different heights:

• Platforms and ladders to climb between levels
• Tunnels, ropes and hammocks
• Shelters with more than one exit — at least one more shelter than you have rats, so nobody has to compete for one
• Nesting material such as white tissue paper or shredded paper
• Ceramic food bowls (metal ones make ultrasound noise rats can hear) and more than one water bottle

What bedding should I use?

Low-dust, paper-based bedding or washable fleece liners. Avoid pine and cedar shavings, sawdust and cotton wool. The details, and why rats' lungs make this matter, are in safe bedding for rats.

Where should I put the cage?

Indoors, out of direct sunlight and draughts, and well ventilated — not in a conservatory, garage or shed (RSPCA, PDSA). Rats are most active at night and sensitive to light, so a spot that isn't too bright during the day and is dark at night suits them. Once the cage has a good spot, keep it there; the RSPCA advises against moving it unless you have to. For hot weather, see keeping rats cool.

How often should I clean a rat cage?

Check the cage every day and clear out droppings, dirty bedding and uneaten food, then give it a full clean once a week with a pet-safe cleaner (PDSA). The RSPCA suggests leaving a handful of clean nesting material behind, and not cleaning in the middle of the day while your rats are asleep.

Do rats need time out of the cage?

Yes. The RSPCA says pet rats need time outside their cage to explore and enjoy themselves — just keep a close eye on them while they're out.