Rats are curious, active, and intelligent animals, and they deserve a comfortable, safe space to call home. If you’re looking for the best small rat cage, whether for a single rat or a pair, you’ll want a cage that provides enough room for them to explore, climb, and stay active without taking up too much space in your home.
After experiencing the challenge of finding the right-sized cage for my rats in smaller living spaces, I’ve compiled the top small rat cages that are perfect for rats while still being compact and easy to manage. Let’s take a look at some excellent choices!
What to Look for in a Small Rat Cage
When selecting a cage for rats, especially a smaller one, it’s essential to make sure the cage meets your rats’ needs while fitting in the space you have available. Here’s what you should look for:
1. Adequate Space
Even though you’re looking for a small cage, rats still need space to climb, move around, and explore. For a single rat, aim for a cage that provides at least 2 cubic feet of space. For two rats, look for a cage that offers at least 4 cubic feet of space. A multi-level cage is ideal to maximize vertical space.
2. Bar Spacing
Bar spacing should be no wider than ½ inch. Rats can escape through wider gaps, and smaller rats may get stuck between them.
3. Durability
Rats love to chew, so a small cage should be made of chew-resistant materials like powder-coated steel or sturdy wire mesh. This ensures the cage will last longer and remain safe for your rats.
4. Ventilation
Good ventilation is essential, so make sure the cage has plenty of open wire mesh sides to allow airflow and prevent odors from building up.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Look for a cage with a removable tray or easy-access doors to make cleaning simpler. Small cages can still get messy quickly, so you’ll want to keep maintenance easy.
Best Small Rat Cages
1. Living World Deluxe Habitat
Why it’s great:
The Living World Deluxe Habitat is a small yet functional cage designed specifically for small animals like rats. It’s compact but offers enough room for a single rat or a small pair. The deep plastic base helps keep bedding in place, and the metal wire frame ensures good ventilation.
- Dimensions: 36” L x 18” W x 20” H
- Materials: Metal wire with a plastic base
- Features:
- Spacious for one or two rats.
- Includes accessories like a food dish and water bottle.
- Removable plastic base for easy cleaning.
- Safe, secure design with small bar spacing.
Pros:
- Affordable and compact, great for smaller spaces.
- Easy to clean with a removable tray.
- Includes helpful accessories to get started.
Cons:
- Smaller than some other cages, so it may not be ideal for more than two rats.
- Limited climbing space.
Why it’s a great choice:
This cage is perfect for owners who need a small, affordable cage for a single rat or a pair. The removable tray and easy access make it simple to clean, and it provides a safe, secure environment for your rats.
2. Trixie Small Animal Cage with Platforms
Why it’s great:
The Trixie Small Animal Cage is a compact, budget-friendly cage with multiple levels, perfect for small rat families. It provides plenty of vertical space for rats to climb and explore. The platforms and ramps allow for a more enriched environment, keeping your rats active and engaged.
- Dimensions: 30.7” L x 19.7” W x 25.2” H
- Materials: Metal wire with a plastic base
- Features:
- Two platforms with ramps for climbing.
- Small bar spacing for security.
- Removable tray for cleaning.
- Suitable for small spaces.
Pros:
- Multi-level design provides extra space for climbing.
- Affordable and easy to set up.
- Safe and secure for rats with small bar spacing.
Cons:
- A bit on the smaller side for larger rats.
- The base might not be as deep as some other cages, which can lead to bedding displacement.
Why it’s a great choice:
This cage is perfect for those looking for a smaller cage with climbing opportunities. The multi-level design ensures that your rats have enough space to stay active and engaged.
3. Ferplast Small Animal Cage (Cage Rabbit 100)
Why it’s great:
The Ferplast Cage Rabbit 100 is a small yet sturdy cage designed for rats and other small animals. It offers a spacious interior with platforms for climbing and exploration, and the base is deep enough to hold bedding securely. This cage is a great option for rats that don’t require a lot of space but still need room to move around.
- Dimensions: 39.5” L x 20” W x 21.5” H
- Materials: Wire and plastic
- Features:
- Platforms for climbing and exploring.
- Deep base to hold bedding in place.
- Easy-to-remove tray for cleaning.
- Large door for easy access.
Pros:
- Spacious for one or two rats.
- Easy to clean with a removable tray.
- Safe with small bar spacing.
Cons:
- Not as tall as some other options, so it may not be ideal for highly active rats who love to jump.
- The cage may feel a bit small for two larger rats.
Why it’s a great choice:
The Ferplast Cage Rabbit 100 offers a great balance between size and functionality. It’s compact enough for small spaces but still gives your rats the room they need to stay active and engaged.
4. Pet Planet Small Animal Cage
Why it’s great:
The Pet Planet Small Animal Cage is a compact, multi-level cage designed for rats. It features multiple levels with ramps, offering plenty of climbing opportunities for your rats. The cage is built to last and includes a removable tray for easy cleaning.
- Dimensions: 24” L x 16” W x 24” H
- Materials: Metal frame with a plastic tray
- Features:
- Multi-level design with ramps for climbing.
- Removable tray for easy cleaning.
- Secure latches to keep your rats safe.
Pros:
- Compact and functional, perfect for small spaces.
- Easy to clean with a removable tray.
- Secure design with small bar spacing.
Cons:
- Smaller than some cages, so it’s only suitable for one or two rats.
- Limited space for larger rats or additional accessories.
Why it’s a great choice:
The Pet Planet Small Animal Cage is perfect for those with limited space who still want to give their rats a functional and comfortable home. It offers vertical space with ramps and platforms, making it ideal for active rats.
5. Living World Small Animal Cage
Why it’s great:
The Living World Small Animal Cage is a smaller, budget-friendly option designed for rats, guinea pigs, and other small animals. It offers a spacious interior and includes a deep plastic base that holds bedding securely. The cage is designed with easy cleaning in mind, and the wire mesh provides good ventilation.
- Dimensions: 30” L x 18” W x 20” H
- Materials: Metal wire and plastic base
- Features:
- Includes a water bottle and food dish.
- Removable base for easy cleaning.
- Safe bar spacing for rats.
Pros:
- Affordable and easy to set up.
- Includes useful accessories like a food dish and water bottle.
- Compact and suitable for small spaces.
Cons:
- Smaller than other options, so it may feel cramped for two larger rats.
- Not as durable as some more expensive models.
Why it’s a great choice:
The Living World Small Animal Cage is a perfect choice for rat owners with limited space who still want a simple, functional home for their pet rats. It’s affordable, easy to clean, and includes useful accessories to get started.
Conclusion: Best Small Rat Cage
Choosing the best small rat cage depends on the size of your rats and how much space you have available. Here’s a quick breakdown of the top small rat cages:
- Best Overall: Critter Nation 2-Level Cage – Spacious, durable, and perfect for active rats.
- Best for Budget-Friendly Option: Yaheetech 3-Story Cage – Affordable and functional for one or two rats.
- Best for Compact Living: Ferplast Cage Rabbit 100 – Offers enough space for one or two rats while fitting in smaller spaces.
If you’re still unsure about the perfect cage size for your rats, the RAT Cage Calculator is here to help! By entering the number of rats you have, you can quickly find the ideal cage size and accessory recommendations. Visit RAT Cage Calculator to get started and make sure your rats are living in the best possible environment!
With the right cage and accessories, your rats will have everything they need to stay happy, healthy, and active!