We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Rat Cages 2026 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

MidWest Homes for Pets Critter Nation Double Unit Small Animal Cage, 4 Tiers, Includes Pan, Shelf, Ramp & Cover, for Rats, Ferrets, Chinchillas, Sugar Gliders

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,380
Size
Bar Spacing
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
11146 reviews

Size
The cage is perfect for chinchillas, with its generous size and thoughtful design features like padded stairs to protect their paws.
Bar Spacing
The cage's horizontal bar spacing is ideal for rats, preventing escape while encouraging climbing and exploration.
Ease of Cleaning
This model is versatile, allowing easy separation of sections for cleaning or separating animals, with a layout that supports hanging accessories almost anywhere.
Additional Features
Despite some assembly challenges, the cage rolls easily and securely with its locking wheels, making it convenient to position.

The MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Critter Nation Double Unit Small Animal Cage (Model 162) is a spacious and versatile cage ideal for rats, ferrets, sugar gliders, and similar small animals. Its dimensions (36"L x 24"W x 63"H) provide ample room for your pets to move and play. One of its standout features is the full-width double doors that make feeding and cleaning easy. The removable shelves and leak-proof pans add to the convenience, ensuring a clean and safe environment for your pets.

The metal ramps and covers included in the package help prevent falls and injuries, while the 0.6-inch horizontal bar spacing is perfect for climbing and exploration without the risk of escape. The cage is made from durable metal, which promises longevity, and the locking wheels make it easy to move around as needed. Assembly is straightforward with no tools required, and it comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty for added peace of mind.

On the downside, at 44 pounds, the cage is quite heavy, which might be a challenge for some when it comes to moving it. Also, given its size, it requires significant indoor space. Nevertheless, for someone looking for a robust and spacious cage with easy maintenance, this product offers great value and functionality.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,380
Size
Bar Spacing
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
11146 reviews

Size
The cage is perfect for chinchillas, with its generous size and thoughtful design features like padded stairs to protect their paws.
Bar Spacing
The cage's horizontal bar spacing is ideal for rats, preventing escape while encouraging climbing and exploration.
Ease of Cleaning
This model is versatile, allowing easy separation of sections for cleaning or separating animals, with a layout that supports hanging accessories almost anywhere.
Additional Features
Despite some assembly challenges, the cage rolls easily and securely with its locking wheels, making it convenient to position.
#2

MidWest Homes for Pets Critter Nation Add-On Unit Small Animal Cage, No Stand, Expands Model 161 or 162

Rating
8.5
Size
Bar Spacing
Material

Most important from
11146 reviews

Size
This cage is impressively sturdy and offers much more space than expected, providing an ideal climbing environment for rats.
Bar Spacing
The tight bar spacing ensures no escapes while allowing pets to climb comfortably, satisfying natural instincts.
Material
This cage is impressively sturdy and offers much more space than expected, providing an ideal climbing environment for rats.
Ease of Cleaning
Large doors and sliding trays make cleaning and decorating straightforward and hassle-free.
Additional Features
The cage’s durable wheels and solid construction add to its overall convenience and longevity.

The Midwest Homes for Pets Critter Nation Add-On Unit is designed to expand the living space of your small pet’s cage, adding a roomy 36" x 25" x 25" area that suits rats and similar small animals well. The bar spacing of 0.5 inches (about 12.7 mm) is ideal for rats as it prevents escapes while allowing them to climb comfortably, which helps satisfy their natural instincts. Made from sturdy alloy steel, the cage promises durability and safety for your pets. Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward thanks to large full-width doors and a leak-proof pan that catches messes, plus the unit comes with an adjustable shelf and ramps covered with soft material to protect your pet’s feet.

Installation is simple and tool-free when attaching this add-on to existing Critter Nation models, making it convenient for expanding your pet’s home. On the downside, this unit requires you to already own the base cage models 161 or 162, so it’s not a standalone option. It’s also fairly heavy at 44 pounds, which might make moving or adjusting the cage a bit cumbersome.

This design caters well to indoor use and small breeds like rats, ferrets, and sugar gliders. The price and size might be more than what owners of very small or single rats need. This cage add-on is a solid choice for rat owners looking to expand their pet’s environment with secure, climbable space and easy cleaning features, but it’s important to consider if you already have compatible cage units and sufficient space in your home.

Rating
8.5
Size
Bar Spacing
Material

Most important from
11146 reviews

Size
This cage is impressively sturdy and offers much more space than expected, providing an ideal climbing environment for rats.
Bar Spacing
The tight bar spacing ensures no escapes while allowing pets to climb comfortably, satisfying natural instincts.
Material
This cage is impressively sturdy and offers much more space than expected, providing an ideal climbing environment for rats.
Ease of Cleaning
Large doors and sliding trays make cleaning and decorating straightforward and hassle-free.
Additional Features
The cage’s durable wheels and solid construction add to its overall convenience and longevity.
#3

MidWest Homes for Pets Critter Nation Single Unit Small Animal Cage, 2 Tiers, Includes Pan, Shelf, Ramp & Cover, for Rats, Ferrets, Chinchillas, Sugar Gliders

Rating
8.5
Size
Material
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
11146 reviews

Size
The MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Critter Nation Cage is hands down the best on the market for rats, offering top-notch build quality and a spacious design.
Material
Once assembled, the cage is very solid and sturdy, providing a palace-like environment for pets.
Ease of Cleaning
The leak-proof pans make cleaning a breeze, and the included shelf, ramp, and ramp cover create different levels of activity in the cage.
Additional Features
The four locking wheel casters are a huge plus, making it easy to move the cage around without worrying about it tipping over.

The MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Critter Nation Single Unit Small Animal Cage (Model 161) is a solid choice for small pet owners, especially those with rats, ferrets, and similar animals. Its dimensions of 36 x 25 x 38.5 inches provide ample space for pets to move around comfortably. The bar spacing of 0.5 inches ensures that your pets are safe and unlikely to escape, while also catering to their instinct to climb and explore. The cage is made of sturdy wire material, which adds to its durability but may require some caution to prevent rust over time.

One of the standout features is its ease of cleaning; the full-width double doors and removable shelf offer easy access for cleaning and feeding. The cage also includes a leak-proof pan which helps to prevent messes from spilling out. The inclusion of a plastic ramp with a cover and a wide expanse shelf adds to the play and exploration area for the pets, making it a more engaging environment for them. The cage comes with four locking wheel casters, making it easy to move around when needed, which is a practical feature for indoor use. Assembly is tool-free, which is convenient for most users.

The weight of 59 pounds can make it a bit cumbersome to handle. The cage is backed by a 1-year manufacturer's warranty, giving a bit of assurance on its longevity. However, given its size and weight, it might not be the easiest to transport or relocate frequently. This cage offers a good mix of space, safety, and ease of maintenance, making it a strong option for pet owners looking for a reliable habitat for their small animals.

Rating
8.5
Size
Material
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
11146 reviews

Size
The MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Critter Nation Cage is hands down the best on the market for rats, offering top-notch build quality and a spacious design.
Material
Once assembled, the cage is very solid and sturdy, providing a palace-like environment for pets.
Ease of Cleaning
The leak-proof pans make cleaning a breeze, and the included shelf, ramp, and ramp cover create different levels of activity in the cage.
Additional Features
The four locking wheel casters are a huge plus, making it easy to move the cage around without worrying about it tipping over.

Buying Guide for the Best Rat Cages

Choosing the right rat cage is crucial for the health and happiness of your pet rats. A good cage provides enough space, safety, and stimulation for your rats to thrive. When selecting a cage, consider the size, bar spacing, material, ease of cleaning, and additional features that can enhance your rats' living environment. Understanding these key specifications will help you make an informed decision and ensure your rats have a comfortable and enriching home.
SizeSize refers to the overall dimensions of the cage, including its height, width, and depth. This spec is important because rats need ample space to move around, explore, and exercise. A larger cage allows for more enrichment items like toys, hammocks, and tunnels. For a pair of rats, a minimum size of 24x12x24 inches is recommended, but bigger is always better. If you have more than two rats, you'll need an even larger cage. Consider your available space and the number of rats you have when choosing the right size.
Bar SpacingBar spacing is the distance between the bars of the cage. This spec is crucial for the safety of your rats, as bars that are too far apart can allow them to escape or get stuck. For adult rats, a bar spacing of 1/2 inch or less is ideal. For younger or smaller rats, even narrower spacing may be necessary. Always ensure the bar spacing is appropriate for the size of your rats to prevent accidents and escapes.
MaterialThe material of the cage affects its durability, safety, and ease of cleaning. Common materials include metal, plastic, and glass. Metal cages with a powder-coated finish are durable and provide good ventilation, but make sure the coating is non-toxic. Plastic cages can be easier to clean but may not be as durable. Glass tanks are not recommended as they lack proper ventilation. Choose a material that balances durability, safety, and ease of maintenance for your needs.
Ease of CleaningEase of cleaning refers to how simple it is to maintain the cage and keep it hygienic. This spec is important because a clean cage prevents odors and keeps your rats healthy. Look for cages with removable trays, large doors, and minimal nooks and crannies where dirt can accumulate. Cages with multiple access points make it easier to reach all areas for thorough cleaning. Consider how often you are willing to clean the cage and choose one that fits your maintenance routine.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features include things like multiple levels, ramps, shelves, and accessories that can enhance your rats' living environment. These features are important for providing mental and physical stimulation. Multiple levels and ramps encourage climbing and exploration, while shelves and hammocks offer resting spots. Look for cages that come with or can accommodate these features to create a more enriching habitat for your rats. Consider your rats' activity level and preferences when selecting additional features.

FAQ