Top 8 Cages for Pet Rats

By
Lianne McLeod, DVM
Lianne McLeod DVM, small animal expert for The Spruce Pets
Lianne McLeod, DVM
Lianne McLeod, DVM, is a small animal and exotic pet expert with over a decade of experience writing about veterinary care. After caring for animals in her veterinarian practice, Lianne went on to study biology and research water quality and chronic disease at the University of Saskatchewan.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process
Updated on 02/10/20
Pet rat looking out of its white cell
yocamon / Getty Images

When it comes to pet rat cages, the larger the better. Aim for a minimum of 2 cubic feet of space per rat. The wire spacing is important too—no more than 1-inch by 2-inch spaces for adults and smaller for babies. Avoid wire-bottomed cages. Most of the cages here have wire second floors or balconies, and it would be preferable to cover any wire with wood or another solid material to create a surface easier on rat feet (wire floors have been implicated as a cause of bumblefoot).

  • 01 of 08

    Martin's Skyscraper (R-695)

    This is a good-sized cage at a decent price. At 30 inches by 18 inches by 36 inches, it is a large cage and a ton of extra space is provided by two balconies and a full middle floor (three ramps total). All Martin's cages feature a drop-in plastic pan. They are available in galvanized or powder coat finishes and most are now available with a handy flip-top lid. However, most of Martin's cages have balconies are made of wire mesh which should be at least partly covered for foot comfort.

  • 02 of 08

    Martin's Cages Rat Tower (R-690)

    At 24 inches by 14 inches by 36 inches, this cage is as tall as the Skyscraper but is a little smaller in length and width. However, it also features a full middle floor and two balconies (and three ramps) so it provides lots of additional space. Like other Martin's cages, it is available in galvanized or powder coat finish and with a flip-top lid.

  • 03 of 08

    Martin's The Rat Retreat (R-685)

    At 30 inches by 18 inches by 24 inches, this is a good-sized cage, made roomier by a full second level. The ramp is designed with a landing so as not to be too steep. The cage has a full flip-top for access to the top level, and a 3.5-inch drop-in style plastic pan. It is available in galvanized or powder coated, but not in a flip-top.

  • 04 of 08

    The Rat Highrise (H-600HR)

    While this cage has smaller overall dimensions (18 inches by 11 inches by 24 inches), it features two balconies as well as a full middle floor to make up for it. This gives your rats more extra space vertically while not taking up too much room—a bonus if you have a small home. Like other Martin's cages, it is available in galvanized or powder coat finishes and has a drop-in plastic pan. It is also quite inexpensive.

    Continue to 5 of 8 below.
  • 05 of 08

    Martin's Rat Lodge (R-680)

    At 30 inches by 18 inches by 24 inches with two balconies and two ramps, this cage is a decent size at a fair price. It is not as large as some of the other cages but still more than adequate for a couple of rats.

  • 06 of 08

    The Ruud Cage (R-699)

    This is the roomiest cage intended for rats—virtually a palace at 30 inches by 18 inches by 60 inches. It features seven levels, six ramps, four balconies, and two full floors. A solid black pan forms the floor of the cage. It is available in galvanized and powder-coated metal. While more expensive, it is quite reasonable for such a huge cage.

  • 07 of 08

    Martin's Aquarium Toppers

    These are a unique way to convert old fish tanks into great rat cages. The unit sits on top of aquariums with a ladder to connect the aquarium to the levels of the wire cage. The two-story toppers (available for either 10- or 20-gallon tanks) would convert relatively small tanks into spacious three-story cages. A major advantage of this style is that you can provide a nice thick layer of bedding that your rats will have a hard time kicking out all over your floor.

  • 08 of 08

    The Rat Cabin (R-670)

    Another inexpensive selection from Martin's, this cage is getting a little on the small size for a pair of rats at 24 inches by 14 inches by 24 inches. However, there are two small balconies with ramps that help provide extra floor space and exercise opportunities. A 3-inch drop-in pan helps contain the bedding. The cage is available in galvanized or powder coat finishes, with an optional flip-top lid.

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