When setting up a rat cage, many new owners ask: Should I just add toys, or should I also decorate the cage? The simple answer is—you should do both! While toys are important for keeping your rats active and mentally stimulated, a decorated cage provides them with a comfortable, enriched, and engaging living environment.
Rats are highly intelligent and social animals that require more than just food, water, and a basic cage. A well-decorated cage promotes natural behaviors like climbing, burrowing, and exploring, making your pet rats happier and healthier. If you’re unsure about how much space you have for all these additions, use the Rat Cage Calculator to ensure your setup is spacious and well-organized.
Why Just Adding Toys Isn’t Enough
Many rat owners assume that simply tossing in a few toys is enough to keep their pets happy. However, while toys are crucial, they’re only part of the equation. A thoughtfully decorated cage creates a home, not just a playpen.
Here’s why decorating your rat cage is just as important as adding toys:
✅ Provides Comfort & Security – Rats love to snuggle into soft spaces and hide when they feel stressed. A cage with multiple hiding spots, hammocks, and bedding helps them feel safe.
✅ Encourages Natural Instincts – In the wild, rats are burrowers and climbers. A well-decorated cage with tunnels, platforms, and hanging accessories allows them to engage in these natural behaviors.
✅ Prevents Boredom – Rats get bored easily, which can lead to destructive behaviors like bar chewing or over-grooming. A decorated cage with a rotating selection of toys, tunnels, and new hiding spots keeps things interesting.
✅ Enhances Bonding Time – A thoughtfully arranged cage allows for more interaction between you and your rats, making them more comfortable around you.
If you’re not sure whether your current cage setup is adequate, check the Rat Cage Calculator to see if you have enough space for all the elements your rats need.
How to Properly Decorate a Rat Cage
Now that you know why decorating a rat cage is so important, let’s dive into how to do it properly.
1. Choose the Right Cage Layout
A well-organized cage makes it easier for your rats to explore. Ideally, your cage should have:
- Multiple Levels – Rats love to climb and jump, so a multi-level cage keeps them active.
- Accessible Ramps & Platforms – Ensures all rats, including older ones, can move around easily.
- Enough Open Space – Even with decorations, make sure your rats have plenty of room to run.
💡 Pro Tip: Not sure if your cage is big enough? Use the Rat Cage Calculator to check if you have the proper dimensions for your number of rats.
2. Create Cozy Sleeping Areas
Rats sleep for 12-14 hours per day, so it’s important to make sure they have comfortable and secure sleeping spaces.
🛏 Best sleeping accessories for rats:
- Hammocks – A favorite among rats! Soft fleece hammocks provide warmth and security.
- Igloos or Hideouts – Small shelters where rats can retreat for privacy when they feel like it.
- Fleece Bedding – Soft, reusable, and safer than loose materials like wood shavings.
💡 Tip: Avoid cotton or fluffy bedding, as rats can accidentally ingest or get tangled in it.
3. Add Enrichment & Play Areas
Toys alone won’t keep your rats entertained forever. The key is to provide variety and new challenges in their environment.
🧸 Here are some must-have enrichment items for your rats:
- Chew Toys – Rats need to chew to keep their teeth healthy. Wooden blocks, apple sticks, and cardboard tubes are great options.
- Tunnels & Tubes – Encourages burrowing and hiding, making their environment more natural.
- Ladders & Climbing Ropes – Keeps them active and engaged by mimicking tree branches.
- Foraging Stations – Hide small treats inside paper rolls or crumpled tissue to encourage problem-solving.
Make sure your cage has enough space for all these fun additions—check the Rat Cage Calculator to avoid overcrowding.
4. Create a Themed Cage Setup
For extra fun, consider decorating your rat cage with a theme! This not only makes the cage more visually appealing but also keeps things exciting for your rats.
🎭 Fun theme ideas for your rat cage:
- Jungle Adventure – Use fake vines, wood platforms, and green hammocks to create a forest vibe.
- Cozy Wonderland – Soft pastels, fleece bedding, and small plush toys make a warm and inviting space.
- Playground Theme – Bright colors, swings, tunnels, and climbing frames for a fun and interactive setup.
When decorating, only use safe materials—avoid anything with toxic glue, small parts, or loose fabric threads that rats could chew and swallow.
How Often Should You Change the Cage Setup?
Rats are very intelligent, and they love exploring new spaces. To keep their environment stimulating, you should rearrange their cage every 1-2 weeks.
🌀 Ways to keep the cage fresh without fully redecorating:
✅ Move hammocks or hideouts to different spots.
✅ Swap out old toys for new ones.
✅ Introduce different textures like cardboard, fleece, and wood.
✅ Change foraging spots to encourage exploration.
💡 Tip: Every time you update the cage, use the Rat Cage Calculator to make sure there’s still enough room for your rats to move freely.
Final Verdict: Should You Decorate Your Rat Cage?
Absolutely! Don’t just add toys—decorate the entire cage to create a proper home for your rats. A cage with hammocks, tunnels, foraging areas, and cozy sleeping spots is far more engaging than one with just a few chew toys thrown in.
✅ The Ideal Rat Cage Should Have:
✔ A Multi-Level Layout – Encourages climbing and exercise.
✔ Cozy Sleeping Spots – Hammocks, hideouts, and fleece bedding for comfort.
✔ Plenty of Enrichment – Toys, tunnels, ropes, and ladders for mental stimulation.
✔ A Rotating Setup – Rearranged regularly to prevent boredom.
✔ Safe & Themed Decorations – Fun and visually appealing setups.
Before decorating, use the Rat Cage Calculator to check if your cage has enough space for all your planned additions. A properly arranged cage ensures that your rats stay active, entertained, and comfortable every day.
By investing time into decorating your rat’s home, you’ll enhance their quality of life and make your bond stronger—ensuring that your furry friends have a happy, healthy, and enriching environment!