Rats love to chew—it’s an instinctive behavior that helps keep their teeth healthy. However, if they chew through their cage, it can lead to escapes, injuries, and damage to your home. If you’re looking for a rat cage that they can’t chew through, you need something made of metal with strong construction to ensure durability and safety.
This guide covers:
- The best chew-proof cages for rats
- What makes a cage chew-resistant
- Materials to avoid
- How to prevent cage chewing
- A free tool to check cage sizes
Why Do Rats Chew Through Cages?
Rats have teeth that never stop growing, so they chew on objects to keep them filed down. If they find a weak spot in their cage—such as plastic trays, wooden frames, or thin bars—they may try to gnaw through and escape.
Common reasons rats chew their cage:
- Boredom – Not enough stimulation in their environment
- Stress or anxiety – Feeling trapped or uncomfortable
- Teeth maintenance – Natural need to keep their teeth worn down
- Weak cage materials – Easily chewable parts make it tempting
To prevent chewing, it’s essential to pick the right cage and provide enrichment to keep your rats occupied.
What Makes a Cage Chew-Proof?
✔ Metal Construction
- Powder-coated steel or stainless steel is the best material.
- Avoid plastic-bottom cages, as rats can chew through them.
✔ Strong Wire Design
- ½-inch bar spacing prevents escapes.
- Thicker bars make it harder for rats to bite through.
✔ No Exposed Plastic Parts
- If the cage has a plastic tray, make sure it’s deep so rats can’t reach the edges.
Best Chew-Proof Cages for Rats on Amazon
1. Midwest Critter Nation Single Unit (Best Overall)
Dimensions: 36”L x 24”W x 39”H
Material: Powder-coated steel
Bar Spacing: ½ inch
Levels: One full platform, ramps
Price: Around $180
The Critter Nation cage is the gold standard for chew-proof rat cages. The entire frame is made of metal, and it has no exposed plastic parts, making it 100% chew-resistant. The removable metal trays prevent chewing, and the sturdy steel bars ensure your rats stay safe inside.
Pros:
✔ 100% chew-proof – No plastic parts to chew
✔ Spacious – Perfect for two or more rats
✔ Large doors – Easy access for cleaning and handling
✔ Customizable – Add hammocks, platforms, and ramps
Cons:
✖ Requires assembly – Takes about 30–45 minutes
✖ Heavy – Not ideal if you need a portable cage
👉 Check it out on Amazon: Midwest Critter Nation Single Unit
2. Prevue Hendryx Feisty Ferret Cage (Best Budget Option)
Dimensions: 31”L x 20”W x 55”H
Material: Powder-coated metal bars
Bar Spacing: ⅞ inch (may not be ideal for small rats)
Levels: Two full levels
Price: Around $150
This affordable chew-proof cage is made of metal, but the plastic tray should be covered to prevent chewing.
Pros:
✔ Metal frame – Rats can’t chew through the bars
✔ Spacious – Multiple levels for climbing
✔ Includes accessories – Comes with a hammock and ramps
Cons:
✖ Plastic bottom tray – Needs reinforcement
✖ Bar spacing is wide – Not ideal for small rats
👉 Check it out on Amazon: Prevue Hendryx Feisty Ferret Cage
3. Aivituvin Extra Large Metal Cage (Best for Easy Cleaning)
Dimensions: 36”L x 23.6”W x 50.4”H
Material: Metal wire with deep plastic base
Bar Spacing: ½ inch
Levels: Three platforms
Price: Around $200
This cage is mostly metal, but the plastic base must be covered to prevent chewing. The pull-out tray makes cleaning easier.
Pros:
✔ Metal bars prevent chewing
✔ Easy-to-clean design – Pull-out tray for quick maintenance
✔ Secure latches – Prevents escapes
Cons:
✖ Plastic base can be chewed if not covered
✖ Takes up more space – Requires a dedicated area
👉 Check it out on Amazon: Aivituvin Large Metal Cage
Materials to Avoid in a Rat Cage
🚫 Plastic Cages – Rats can chew through plastic walls and trays.
🚫 Wooden Cages – Wood absorbs urine and can be gnawed through.
🚫 Glass Tanks – Poor ventilation can cause respiratory issues.
How to Prevent Rats from Chewing Their Cage
Even with a chew-proof cage, some rats may still try to chew the bars. Here are ways to discourage cage chewing:
1️⃣ Provide Plenty of Chew Toys
- Wooden blocks, apple sticks, and pumice stones help redirect chewing.
- Cardboard tubes and coconut shells are fun for gnawing.
2️⃣ Use Fleece Liners
- Cover plastic surfaces with fleece so rats don’t chew the base.
- Avoid using loose bedding that can be pulled up and chewed.
3️⃣ Ensure the Cage is Big Enough
- Rats may chew due to boredom in a too-small cage.
- Use the Rat Cage Calculator to check cage size.
4️⃣ Add More Enrichment
- Ropes, tunnels, hammocks, and climbing toys keep rats entertained.
- Hide treats in puzzle toys to encourage foraging behavior.
5️⃣ Keep Stress Levels Low
- Rats in loud, stressful environments may chew more.
- Ensure they have companionship, a clean cage, and a quiet space.
Final Thoughts
For a chew-proof rat cage, the best option is the Midwest Critter Nation Single Unit, as it is fully metal with no plastic parts. If you’re on a budget, the Prevue Hendryx Feisty Ferret Cage is a good alternative as long as the plastic tray is covered.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Choose metal cages – Rats can’t chew through steel
✔ Avoid plastic bases – Use metal trays or cover them with fleece
✔ ½ inch bar spacing – Prevents escapes
✔ Look for easy-to-clean features – Saves time and effort
✔ Provide chew toys – Redirects chewing behavior
💡 Not sure if a cage is big enough? Use this tool: Rat Cage Calculator