Fancy rats are intelligent, social, and highly curious creatures, so providing the right accessories in their cage is just as important as choosing the perfect cage itself. Whether you’re a first-time rat owner or an experienced one, the right cage accessories can transform your rats’ living space into a fun, stimulating, and safe environment. These accessories not only enhance your rats’ comfort but also allow them to express their natural behaviors like climbing, chewing, exploring, and nesting.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best accessories for a rat cage that will keep your rats entertained, active, and healthy. Plus, I’ll show you how the RAT Cage Calculator can help you figure out the right cage size and accessories for your rats to ensure they have the perfect home.
Key Considerations for Choosing Accessories for Your Rat Cage
Before diving into the top accessories, here’s what to consider when adding items to your rat cage:
1. Climbing Structures and Platforms
Rats love to climb! Providing various levels, ramps, and platforms not only offers them more space but also satisfies their natural urge to climb. You want to create a multi-level environment that encourages exercise and exploration.
2. Chew Toys
Rats are avid chewers, so it’s essential to offer safe chew toys to prevent them from gnawing on cage bars or other harmful materials. Chew toys also provide mental stimulation and help keep their teeth healthy.
3. Nesting Materials
Rats enjoy creating cozy nests, so providing soft bedding materials or nesting items will help them feel safe and comfortable. Bedding is also important for absorbing waste and keeping the cage hygienic.
4. Hiding Places
Rats love to have a quiet space where they can rest and feel secure. Including small hideaways in their cage will give them places to retreat when they need some alone time.
5. Exercise Wheels and Toys
To keep your rats healthy and active, an exercise wheel or other interactive toys are great additions to their cage. They help burn off excess energy and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Best Accessories for Your Rat Cage
1. Ramps and Platforms
Why it’s great:
Rats love to climb, and adding ramps and platforms gives them the space to explore vertically. These accessories encourage exercise and allow your rats to create a more enriching environment. Some ramps come with textures that help rats grip, preventing slipping.
- Pro tip: Platforms with varying heights mimic the rats’ natural environment and encourage them to move in all directions.
Popular options:
- Oxbow Enriched Life Platforms – Perfect for small cages and adjustable to different levels.
- Kaytee Natural Wood Ramps – A natural, chew-friendly material that blends well with any cage.
2. Chew Toys
Why it’s great:
Chew toys are essential for rat cages, as rats need to gnaw to keep their teeth healthy. Safe, non-toxic chew toys made from wood, cardboard, or coconut shells are excellent options. Avoid using items that could break apart into small pieces that could be swallowed.
- Pro tip: Offering a variety of textures (like wood, cardboard, or rubber) can keep your rats entertained and prevent them from chewing on the cage itself.
Popular options:
- Super Pet Chew Toys – Natural wood toys that encourage healthy chewing.
- Planet Pleasures Coconut Chew Toy – Great for both chewing and hiding food inside.
3. Nesting Materials
Why it’s great:
Fancy rats love to burrow and build nests. Providing soft bedding or nesting materials will make them feel secure and comfortable. Materials like shredded paper, soft fleece, or untreated hay are excellent for this purpose. Be sure to avoid anything toxic, like cedar or pine, as the oils can harm rats’ respiratory systems.
- Pro tip: If you’re using fabric bedding like fleece, make sure it’s washable and non-toxic.
Popular options:
- Carefresh Natural Paper Bedding – Soft, absorbent, and dust-free, perfect for rats.
- Oxbow Enriched Life Nesting Material – Safe, cozy, and easy to clean.
4. Exercise Wheel
Why it’s great:
Rats are very active animals, and they need exercise to stay healthy. A solid surface exercise wheel is a must-have to keep them physically active. Avoid wire wheels, as the gaps can injure their feet or tails. A solid plastic wheel gives them the freedom to run without risk.
- Pro tip: Make sure the wheel is large enough for your rats to run comfortably, ideally with a diameter of at least 12 inches for adult rats.
Popular options:
- Trixie Rat Exercise Wheel – A quiet, smooth, and safe exercise wheel for rats.
- Kaytee Silent Spinner – Perfect for rats, this wheel runs quietly and is easy to clean.
5. Hiding Places and Tunnels
Why it’s great:
Rats are prey animals in the wild, so they instinctively seek out safe places to hide and rest. Adding hideaways like small hammocks, tunnels, or enclosed beds gives your rats places to retreat when they feel stressed or need some privacy.
- Pro tip: Use soft hammocks or caves that can be suspended from the cage or placed on the floor to give rats plenty of space to rest.
Popular options:
- Oxbow Enriched Life Hideout – A small, cozy hideaway that offers rats a sense of security.
- Ware Manufacturing Cozy Hammock – Soft and perfect for rats to snuggle up in.
6. Food and Water Dispensers
Why it’s great:
Having easy-to-use water bottles and food dishes is essential for keeping your rats hydrated and well-fed. Choose bottles with stainless steel nozzles to prevent leaks, and opt for heavy ceramic dishes that won’t tip over when your rats are eating.
- Pro tip: Use a bottle with a spill-proof feature, and make sure it’s easy to clean to prevent bacteria build-up.
Popular options:
- Oxbow Basic Stainless Steel Bottle – Leak-proof and easy to clean.
- PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station – A gravity-fed water dish that’s perfect for larger groups of rats.
How to Choose the Best Accessories for Your Cage
While accessories can improve your rats’ living space, it’s essential to match the accessories to your cage size and rat’s needs. The RAT Cage Calculator is an excellent tool to help you figure out the ideal cage size based on the number of rats you have. This tool takes the guesswork out of ensuring your rats have enough space and allows you to plan for accessories that best suit their lifestyle.
To use the RAT Cage Calculator, simply visit RAT Cage Calculator and input the number of rats you have. The calculator will help you choose the perfect size cage and suggest the best types of accessories for your rats, ensuring they have everything they need to live a happy, healthy life.
Conclusion: Give Your Fancy Rats the Best Cage and Accessories
Creating a comfortable and enriching environment for your fancy rats involves more than just choosing a good cage—it’s about adding accessories that encourage their natural behaviors. From climbing platforms and ramps to chew toys and cozy hammocks, the right accessories will keep your rats entertained, active, and healthy.
Don’t forget to use the RAT Cage Calculator to ensure your cage is the right size for your rats and that you’re selecting the perfect accessories for their needs. Simply head over to RAT Cage Calculator to plan your rats’ ideal living space!
With the right cage and accessories, your fancy rats will be in rat heaven!