Traveling with rats can be a fun experience, but ensuring their safety, comfort, and security is essential. Whether you’re going to the vet, moving homes, or taking your rats on an adventure, a reliable rat travel cage is a must-have. These cages are designed to be compact, secure, and comfortable for your rats during travel, while also providing adequate ventilation and ease of access.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the best rat travel cages that will keep your furry friends safe and comfortable during trips. Plus, I’ll show you how the RAT Cage Calculator can help ensure you choose the perfect travel cage size for your rats.
What to Look for in a Rat Travel Cage
When choosing the best travel cage for your rats, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
1. Size and Portability
The travel cage should be compact enough to be portable but still spacious enough for your rats to move around. Aim for a cage that’s easy to carry but provides sufficient space for them to stand, turn around, and feel comfortable during the trip.
2. Ventilation
Proper airflow is essential during travel. Make sure the cage has enough ventilation holes or wire mesh sides to allow for airflow. This helps keep the air fresh and prevents overheating.
3. Security and Safety
Your rats need to be safe in their travel cage. Look for a cage with secure latches or locks that will prevent escapes. The cage should also be chew-resistant to keep your rats from gnawing their way out.
4. Comfort
While you don’t need to provide the same amount of space and accessories as you would in a permanent cage, a comfortable bed or nesting material can help your rats feel secure. Soft bedding or fleece material works well for this purpose.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Travel cages can get messy, especially on long trips. A cage that is easy to clean with removable trays or simple access points will make your life easier.
Best Rat Travel Cages
1. Kaytee Rat and Small Animal Carrier
Why it’s great:
The Kaytee Rat and Small Animal Carrier is a compact and affordable travel cage designed specifically for small animals like rats. It’s made from durable plastic with a wire mesh top, providing good ventilation while keeping your rats secure inside. The handle makes it easy to carry, and it’s equipped with ventilation holes to keep your rats comfortable.
- Dimensions: 16” L x 9” W x 9” H
- Materials: Durable plastic base with a wire mesh top
- Features:
- Convenient carrying handle for easy transport.
- Ventilation holes for airflow.
- Secure door latch to prevent escapes.
- Ideal for one or two rats.
Pros:
- Compact and easy to carry.
- Secure and durable construction.
- Affordable price point.
Cons:
- Smaller size, so it may not be suitable for more than two rats.
- No extra accessories or bedding included.
Why it’s a great choice:
The Kaytee Carrier is ideal for short trips or vet visits. It’s simple, secure, and designed for easy transport, making it perfect for one or two rats.
2. Ferplast Atlas 30 Transport Cage
Why it’s great:
The Ferplast Atlas 30 is a larger, more spacious option for rat owners who need to transport more than one rat. The sturdy plastic base and wire mesh top offer excellent ventilation and security, while the cage’s secure locking system ensures your rats stay safe during travel. It’s also easy to carry, with a convenient handle.
- Dimensions: 19” L x 12” W x 10” H
- Materials: Durable plastic and wire mesh
- Features:
- Spacious enough for one or two rats.
- Built-in carrying handle for easy transport.
- Easy to assemble and clean.
- Secure locking system to prevent escapes.
Pros:
- Spacious and comfortable for one or two rats.
- Secure locking mechanism prevents escapes.
- Easy to clean and assemble.
- Durable, reliable design.
Cons:
- Might be too large for carrying a single rat over long distances.
- Can be a bit bulky for storage.
Why it’s a great choice:
The Ferplast Atlas 30 provides plenty of space and security for your rats, making it a great option for those traveling with one or two rats. It’s sturdy, easy to carry, and offers great airflow.
3. Petmate Pet Carrier for Small Animals
Why it’s great:
The Petmate Pet Carrier is a versatile travel cage that works well for both rats and other small animals. Made from heavy-duty plastic, it’s designed for security, comfort, and ventilation. It’s slightly larger than other carriers, making it ideal for two rats. The door features a secure latch, and the handle makes carrying easy.
- Dimensions: 19” L x 12” W x 13” H
- Materials: Plastic with a wire mesh door
- Features:
- Secure wire door with a locking latch.
- Convenient carrying handle.
- Spacious and comfortable for two rats.
- Good airflow with ventilation holes.
Pros:
- Larger size gives your rats more room.
- Secure and sturdy design.
- Ideal for travel, vet visits, or trips.
- Affordable and reliable.
Cons:
- Might be too big for short trips with only one rat.
- Some users report the door can be difficult to latch securely.
Why it’s a great choice:
The Petmate Pet Carrier is perfect for owners with two rats who need more room during travel. It’s sturdy, spacious, and easy to carry, making it a solid choice for trips or vet visits.
4. Zoo Med Small Animal Travel Carrier
Why it’s great:
The Zoo Med Small Animal Travel Carrier is a simple, functional, and secure carrier designed for small pets like rats. It’s made from lightweight plastic with a wire mesh top, offering easy ventilation and a secure enclosure. The front door locks into place, keeping your rats safely inside.
- Dimensions: 17” L x 9” W x 9” H
- Materials: Plastic and wire mesh
- Features:
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- Secure wire mesh for ventilation.
- Compact size, perfect for one or two rats.
- Secure latch to prevent escapes.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable.
- Affordable price.
- Safe and secure design.
Cons:
- Smaller than other options, so it’s best for one rat or two small rats.
- Not as spacious for long trips.
Why it’s a great choice:
The Zoo Med Travel Carrier is ideal for short trips or quick travel. It’s compact, secure, and perfect for a single rat or a pair of smaller rats. It’s also lightweight and easy to handle, making it a convenient option for quick travel needs.
5. Kaytee My First Home Travel Carrier
Why it’s great:
The Kaytee My First Home Travel Carrier is a great option for owners looking for an affordable, small travel cage that still offers ventilation and comfort. Its wire mesh sides ensure good airflow, while the plastic base makes cleaning easy. It’s suitable for short trips and quick vet visits.
- Dimensions: 16” L x 9” W x 9” H
- Materials: Wire mesh and plastic base
- Features:
- Secure wire mesh sides for ventilation.
- Lightweight and compact design.
- Easy-to-use carrying handle.
Pros:
- Affordable and functional for quick trips.
- Provides good airflow with wire mesh sides.
- Easy to carry and store.
Cons:
- Small, so only suitable for one or two rats.
- Not as spacious for longer travel periods.
Why it’s a great choice:
The Kaytee My First Home Travel Carrier is an excellent option for short trips with one or two rats. It’s affordable, compact, and offers good ventilation for your rats’ comfort.
Conclusion: Best Rat Travel Cage
Choosing the best rat travel cage depends on how many rats you’re traveling with, the distance, and your budget. Here’s a quick rundown of the top choices:
- Best Overall: Ferplast Atlas 30 – Spacious, secure, and comfortable for one or two rats.
- Best for Budget-Friendly Option: Zoo Med Small Animal Travel Carrier – Simple, affordable, and functional for short trips.
- Best for Larger Travel Needs: Petmate Pet Carrier for Small Animals – Ideal for two rats with extra space for comfort.
- Best for One Rat: Kaytee Rat and Small Animal Carrier – Compact, portable, and perfect for a single rat on short trips.
If you’re unsure whether your travel cage is the right size for your rats, be sure to use the RAT Cage Calculator to find the best fit. This free tool can help you determine the ideal cage size based on the number of rats you have, so you can ensure that they travel comfortably and safely. Simply visit RAT Cage Calculator to get started.
No matter which cage you choose, traveling with your rats can be a smooth and enjoyable experience when they’re comfortable and secure in the right travel cage!