If you’re looking to provide the best possible home for your new furry friends, knowing what to buy for rats can feel a bit overwhelming at first. But don’t you worry, setting up a fantastic life for your pet rats is totally doable, and it all starts with the right essentials. We’re talking about everything from their cozy crib to the yummy snacks that’ll make their little whiskers twitch with joy. Remember, rats are super social animals, so you absolutely need to get at least two rats. a single rat will often get lonely and depressed, no matter how much attention you give them. Imagine having a couple of these intelligent, playful companions scurrying around, exploring, and snuggling up together – that’s the dream!

To help you out, I’ve put together a comprehensive checklist of everything you’ll need. Think of this as your go-to shopping list to ensure your new mischief that’s what a group of rats is called! thrives. We’ll cover their home base, delicious food, exciting toys, and all the bits and bobs for a clean and healthy life. We’re aiming for a setup that promotes their natural behaviors like climbing, foraging, and burrowing, making them feel right at home. So let’s get into it and build a paradise for your pet rats!

Table of Contents

The Perfect Rat Home: Cages & Setup

Picking the right cage is probably the most important decision you’ll make for your rats, it’s their entire world! You’ll want something spacious, safe, and easy to clean. Think “Critter Nation” – these are often recommended by experienced rat owners for a reason, like the MidWest Critter Nation Double Unit with Stand.

First off, avoid anything too small. For a pair of rats, aim for a cage that’s at least 3 cubic feet, but bigger is always better! If you plan on having more rats and trust me, it’s easy to fall in love and want more!, you’ll need even more space. Overcrowding can lead to stress and health issues, especially respiratory infections.

Wire cages are usually the best choice because they offer fantastic ventilation, which is crucial for sensitive rat respiratory systems, and they love to climb the bars. Unlike aquariums, wire cages prevent ammonia buildup from urine, keeping the air fresh. Make sure the bar spacing is no more than 1/2 inch to prevent escapes, especially if you have younger or smaller rats.

Now, here’s a crucial tip: avoid cages with wire mesh floors. Those can cause a painful condition called bumblefoot, where their little paws get sore or even infected. Instead, look for cages with solid plastic or metal floors, or you can cover wire shelves with fleece liners or plastic panels to protect their feet. Your Ultimate Road Trip Checklist: Everything You Need to Hit the Road Right

Multi-level cages are amazing for rats because they are natural climbers and explorers. Lots of ramps and platforms will give them plenty of room to run, play, and chill out. Just ensure the ramps aren’t too steep or slippery.

Here’s a quick list of what to look for:

Large, Multi-Level Design: Plenty of vertical space for climbing and exploring.
Small Bar Spacing: Max 1/2 inch to prevent escapes.
Solid Floors/Shelves: Essential for preventing bumblefoot. If they’re wire, cover them with fleece liners or plastic.
Good Ventilation: Wire cages are superior to glass tanks.
Easy Access Doors: Large doors make cleaning and interacting with your rats much easier.

Remember, a good cage is an investment in your rats’ happiness and health, so choose wisely!

Bedding & Substrate: Comfort and Cleanliness

Your rats need comfy bedding for burrowing, nesting, and just generally making their space feel like home. But it’s not just about comfort. the right bedding also helps with hygiene and preventing respiratory issues, which rats are prone to. You’ll find a few great options, each with its own pros and cons.

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Paper-Based Bedding: This is a fantastic all-around choice. Brands like Carefresh or Eco-Bedding are made from recycled paper, highly absorbent, and typically low dust, which is a big plus for rat respiratory health. Rats love to fluff it up and build nests. Make sure to choose unscented varieties. You can also use plain, unscented shredded paper or paper towels, which are great for burrowing and nesting material.
Aspen Shavings: If you prefer wood shavings, aspen is the only safe wood option. It’s a hardwood, so it doesn’t contain the harmful aromatic oils phenols found in softwoods like pine and cedar. These phenols can cause liver damage and respiratory problems. Aspen is good at odor control, but some find it a bit messy.
Fleece Liners: Many rat owners love using fleece liners on solid cage levels and ramps. Fleece wicks away moisture, keeping surfaces dry, and it’s soft on their feet. You can wash and reuse them, making them an economical and eco-friendly choice in the long run. Just make sure the fleece isn’t fraying, as long threads can get caught around tiny rat limbs. Some people use fleece on upper levels and loose bedding in the bottom tray for digging.

What to AVOID:

Cedar and Pine Shavings: These are a big no-no! They contain phenols that are toxic to rats and can cause serious respiratory and liver problems. Even kiln-dried pine is debated, but many experts still advise against it unless you are absolutely sure of its safety and processing.
Scented Bedding: The added fragrances can irritate your rats’ sensitive respiratory systems. Stick to natural and unscented options.
Clay Cat Litter especially clumping/scented: This is far too dusty and can cause respiratory distress and blockages if ingested. If you use a litter box which is a great idea for potty training!, opt for paper-based pelleted litter or alfalfa/timothy rabbit pellets.
Corn Cob Bedding: Some rats might try to eat it, which can lead to blockages or choking.

Your rats need bedding not just for the main cage floor, but also as nesting material in their hideouts. Providing a variety can keep them interested and engaged. A deep layer of substrate in the bottom of the cage or in a digging box encourages their natural foraging and burrowing instincts.

Food & Nutrition: Keeping Them Healthy

A healthy diet is key to a long and happy life for your rats. They’re omnivores, so they need a balanced mix of nutrients. It’s not just about throwing them scraps. pet rats require a specific diet to thrive.

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The cornerstone of your rats’ diet should be a high-quality, formulated rat block or pelleted food. These are designed to provide all the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need in every bite, preventing them from picking out only their favorite bits from a mix and missing out on vital nutrition. Look for a brand specifically made for rats with at least 16% protein content and 4-5% fat. Some popular options include Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food or Mazuri Rat & Mouse Food.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Daily Delights

Beyond pellets, rats absolutely love fresh fruits and vegetables, and these provide important vitamins and enrichment. Offer a small handful twice a day. Just remember to introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts to avoid upsetting their tummies.

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Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, peas frozen peas in a shallow bowl of water are a fun “fishing” activity!, kale, bell peppers, asparagus, cucumber, corn cooked, leafy greens like rocket or spinach.
Fruits in moderation due to sugar content: Apples no seeds, bananas, berries, melon, pears, plums.
Other good options: Cooked brown rice, whole-grain bread sparingly, cooked pasta, boiled eggs in moderation.

What to Avoid Harmful Foods:

Just like with us, some foods are not good for rats. Steer clear of:

Raw Sweet Potato, Raw Dry Beans: These can be toxic. Always cook beans thoroughly.
Sugary and Fatty Processed Foods: Chocolate, candy, large amounts of nuts especially almonds, and high-fat human snacks can lead to obesity and health problems.
Apple Seeds, Avocado Pit: These contain harmful substances.

Foraging Fun:

Rats are natural foragers, so instead of just putting all their food in a bowl, scatter some of their pellets or treats around the cage. Hide them in toys, cardboard tubes, or within their bedding. This encourages mental stimulation and natural behaviors.

Always ensure they have a heavy, ceramic food bowl that’s hard to tip over and easy to clean, like ceramic pet bowls. What to Buy for KBBQ at Home: Your Ultimate Guide to a Delicious Feast

Water Supply: Essential Hydration

Access to fresh, clean water is non-negotiable for your rats’ health. They need it 24/7, just like us!

Water Bottles are Best:

The most common and hygienic way to provide water is with a sipper bottle. Look for glass or heavy-duty plastic ones that they can’t easily chew through. I always recommend having at least two water bottles in the cage, placed at different levels. Why two? Because if one gets clogged or leaks, your rats still have access to water, which can be a lifesaver!

Glass Water Bottles: Often more durable and chew-proof than plastic, like a Lixit Glass Water Bottle.
Heavy-Duty Plastic Bottles: Ensure they are designed for small animals and check regularly for chew marks.

Water Bowls for Extra Hydration and Fun!:

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While bottles are primary, a heavy, shallow water bowl can be a great addition. Rats often enjoy drinking from a bowl, and some even like to dunk their heads or wash up a bit. It’s also fantastic for “pea fishing” – a super fun enrichment activity where you put frozen peas in a shallow bowl of water for them to retrieve. Just make sure the bowl is heavy enough not to tip over easily and that you clean it daily to prevent bacterial growth.

Cleaning is Key:

You should clean water bottles thoroughly with a bottle brush and warm soapy water at least once a week, ideally more often. Algae and bacteria can build up surprisingly fast. For bowls, a quick wash daily is all it takes.

Toys & Enrichment: Keeping Minds Active

Rats are incredibly intelligent, curious, and playful creatures. They need a variety of toys and enrichment items to keep their minds stimulated and prevent boredom. Think of it as their daily dose of fun and brain games!

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A rat’s teeth grow continuously throughout their life, so they need safe things to chew on to keep them trimmed and healthy. Providing plenty of chew toys can also help redirect them from chewing on cage bars or other things they shouldn’t.

Wood Chews: Untreated, unpainted, non-toxic wood blocks or branches from apple or willow trees are excellent. You can buy commercially made small animal wood chews.
Hard-Shelled Nuts: Macadamia, hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans in their shells provide a fun challenge and a tasty reward give sparingly due to fat content.
Cardboard: Empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls, cardboard boxes, and plain cereal boxes are fantastic and free chew toys. They love to shred these!

Climbing & Exploring Rats love heights!:

Rats are natural climbers and love to explore different levels. Provide items that let them climb, swing, and survey their domain.

Ropes, Ladders, Bridges: These add vertical interest and pathways throughout the cage. Look for rat-safe ropes and ladders.
Tunnels: PVC pipes ensure they are large enough to prevent getting stuck, fabric tunnels, or even cardboard tubes taped together create fun mazes.
Hammocks & Sputniks: While also hideouts, these hanging items encourage climbing and provide cozy spots at different levels.

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Rats are natural foragers, constantly searching for food. Foraging toys tap into this instinct and provide mental stimulation.

Puzzle Feeders: Toys where you hide treats and your rats have to figure out how to get them. You can buy commercial rat foraging toys or make your own from cardboard or plastic bottles.
Digging Boxes: A plastic bin filled with safe substrate like shredded paper, coco soil, or even plain soil from a garden store with treats hidden inside is a rat paradise!
Toilet Paper Roll Treats: Stuff toilet paper rolls with treats and paper, then fold the ends, giving your rats a fun challenge.

Exercise Wheels Safe and Sturdy:

While not all rats use wheels, some absolutely love them. If you get one, it must be solid-sided and appropriately sized at least 12 inches in diameter for adult rats to prevent tail or foot injuries. Wire or mesh wheels are dangerous and should be avoided. A good solid exercise wheel for rats can help them burn off energy.

Rotation is Key:

Don’t put all the toys in at once! Rotate their toys every few days or weeks to keep things fresh and exciting. This makes them feel like they’re always getting new things to explore. What to buy for hangover

Hiding Spots & Hammocks: Safe Havens

Every rat needs a safe, dark place to retreat, relax, and feel secure. This is where hiding spots and hammocks come in. They satisfy a rat’s natural instinct to burrow and hide, making them feel less vulnerable.

Cozy Hideouts:

Plastic Igloos or “Sputniks”: These are popular, durable, and easy to clean. They offer a great enclosed space for snuggling. Look for small animal plastic hideouts.
Cardboard Boxes: Simple, free, and endlessly entertaining! Rats love to chew them up and rearrange them. Keep a supply of clean cereal boxes, tissue boxes, or shoe boxes. Just remember they’ll need to be replaced regularly as they get chewed or soiled.
Woven Grass Huts or Tunnels: These provide natural hiding spots and are also chewable. Ensure they are made from safe materials.
Fabric Cubes or Houses: Many pet stores and online sellers offer soft, fabric hideouts. Just check that they don’t have loose threads that could cause tangles.

Hammocks The Ultimate Rat Lounge:

Rats absolutely adore hammocks! They love to sleep, snuggle, and lounge in them, often piling up together for warmth and comfort. They also provide soft landings if your rats happen to fall from higher levels. What to Buy for Husband Birthday: The Ultimate Guide

Fleece Hammocks: You can buy pre-made fleece hammocks for rats or even make your own from fleece fabric. Fleece is soft, durable, and washes well.
Old T-shirts or Bandanas: You can easily repurpose clean, old cotton t-shirts or bandanas into temporary hammocks or tent-like structures by tying them to the cage bars. Just be sure there are no holes or loose threads that could trap a rat.

It’s a good idea to have several hideouts and hammocks throughout the cage, on different levels, so each rat has a choice and a place to go if they want some alone time though they usually prefer to pile together!.

Cleaning Supplies: Maintaining a Healthy Environment

Keeping your rats’ cage clean is vital for their health, especially their sensitive respiratory systems. A clean cage means happier, healthier rats and a more pleasant environment for you! Good news: rats are quite clean animals themselves and can often be litter trained.

Daily Chores:

Spot Cleaning: Every day, quickly check the cage for soiled bedding, fresh droppings, and any uneaten fresh food. Remove wet spots and droppings, and replace with fresh bedding as needed.
Food & Water: Refresh their food bowl and water bottles daily. Give bowls a quick wash, and check water bottle spouts for clogs.

Weekly Deep Clean:

Once a week, you’ll need to do a more thorough clean. This involves removing your rats to a safe temporary carrier and giving their cage a good scrub down. What to buy for hot pot at home

Pet-Safe Disinfectant: You’ll need a cleaner that’s effective but safe for small animals. Many rat owners use a diluted white vinegar solution 50/50 vinegar and water, or a pet-safe veterinary disinfectant like F10. Avoid harsh household cleaners, scented products, and strong bleach unless heavily diluted and thoroughly rinsed, as these can be toxic or irritate their respiratory systems.
Scrub Brushes: Get some sturdy brushes for scrubbing off dried urine and debris from cage bars and plastic parts. A dedicated cage scrub brush set can be really helpful.
Detergent: Diluted dish soap like Dawn is good for washing plastic components, bowls, and water bottles before disinfecting.
Laundry Detergent: For fleece liners, hammocks, and other fabric accessories, use a mild, unscented, hypoallergenic laundry detergent. Wash them in warm or hot water.
Paper Towels/Rags: Essential for wiping down surfaces and drying the cage.
Dustpan & Brush: For sweeping up loose bedding and debris from around the cage.

Cleaning Steps:

Remove Rats: Place your rats in a safe travel carrier or a smaller temporary cage.
Empty Cage: Take out all bedding, toys, hammocks, food bowls, and water bottles.
Wash & Scrub: Spray down the cage with warm water to loosen debris. Scrub the entire cage and all removable items with diluted dish soap or your chosen cleaner. Pay attention to corners and crevices.
Rinse Thoroughly: This is super important! Rinse everything thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of soap or disinfectant. Rats chew on their cage, so any residue can be harmful.
Disinfect Optional but Recommended: After washing and rinsing, you can spray with a diluted pet-safe disinfectant and let it sit for the recommended time e.g., 10 minutes for some disinfectants.
Final Rinse & Dry: Rinse again thoroughly and let everything air dry completely, or towel dry. Ensure the cage is completely dry before adding fresh bedding and returning your rats.

Grooming & Health Basics

Rats are generally very clean animals and will groom themselves and each other. However, as a pet parent, there are a few basic grooming and health items you might need to keep them in top condition and be prepared for minor issues.

Nail Clippers: Sometimes, a rat’s nails can get a bit long and sharp, especially as they get older. Small animal nail clippers can be useful for occasional trims, but be very careful not to cut the quick! Many rats naturally wear down their nails on various cage accessories like lava ledges or textured climbing surfaces. A small animal nail clipper might be useful.
Soft Brush Optional: Some rats enjoy a gentle brush with a soft toothbrush or a very soft small animal brush, especially long-haired varieties or those who might be less able to groom themselves in old age.
First Aid Kit Essential!: It’s always a good idea to have some basic emergency supplies on hand. Rats can be prone to respiratory infections and minor injuries.
- Syringes needle-less: For administering liquid medication or critical care formulas if a rat is unwell and not eating/drinking. You can find oral syringes online.
- Baby Food Meat or Vegetable Purees: Unsweetened, unseasoned baby food is excellent for mixing with medication or for tempting a sick rat to eat.
- Critical Care Formula: Products like Oxbow Critical Care for Herbivores though rats are omnivores, this formula can be adapted or similar recovery foods are invaluable for sick or recovering rats.
- Mild Antiseptic Solution: For cleaning minor cuts or scrapes always consult a vet first.
- Pet-Safe Saline Solution: For flushing eyes if irritated.
Veterinarian: Most importantly, have an exotic vet lined up before you get your rats. Rats are considered exotic pets, and not all vets treat them. Finding a vet experienced with rats is crucial for their long-term health, as they can be prone to specific health issues like respiratory infections and tumors.

Regular observation is your best tool. Get to know your rats’ normal behavior, appetite, and energy levels. Any change can be an early sign that something is wrong, and prompt veterinary attention is often key to a good outcome.

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Treats & Training: Building Bonds

Treats aren’t just for spoiling your rats. they’re powerful tools for bonding, taming, and even training! Rats are incredibly intelligent and food-motivated, so you can teach them all sorts of fun tricks.

Healthy Treat Options in moderation!:

The key here is small, healthy portions. Too many treats, especially sugary or fatty ones, can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Vegetables: Small pieces of bell pepper, carrots, cucumber, peas, or broccoli.
Fruits: Tiny bits of banana, apple no seeds, berries, or melon. Dried fruits are okay but very high in sugar, so use sparingly.
Cooked Grains: A single cooked grain of organic brown rice or small pieces of cooked pasta.
Plain Cereal: Unsweetened cereals like Cheerios broken into small pieces are often a rat favorite and great for training.
Baby Puffs: Many rat owners swear by Gerber baby puffs – they’re low calorie, easy to break, and rats go wild for them.
Yogurt Drops or Malt Paste: These are high-value treats that rats love to lick off your finger, which is fantastic for bonding. Just ensure yogurt is lactose-free if giving regularly, and use both very sparingly due to fat content. You can find small animal yogurt drops.
Mealworms: A good source of protein, dried mealworms can be a high-value treat.

Training Tips:

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High-Value Rewards: Figure out what your rats love most and reserve those “high-value” treats for training sessions.
Consistency: Keep training sessions short, fun, and consistent.
Clicker Training: Some people use clicker training, which can be very effective with rats.
Bonding through Treats: Offering treats from your hand is one of the best ways to build trust and strengthen your bond with your new rats. Liquid treats are especially good for this as they have to stay close to you to lick them.

Remember, treats should always be a supplement to their main diet, not a replacement.

Travel & Vet Visits: Essential Carriers

Even if your rats are homebodies, there will be times you need to transport them, whether it’s for a vet visit, moving homes, or even just during cage cleaning. A safe, secure travel carrier is an absolute must-have.

Choosing the Right Carrier:

Size Matters: For one or two rats, a small carrier is usually fine. For three or more, consider a medium-sized one. They should have enough room to turn around and stand up, but not so much that they slide around during transport.
Secure & Ventilated: Look for carriers with good ventilation holes or wire sides to ensure proper airflow. Secure latches are crucial – rats are clever and can often figure out how to open flimsy doors!
Material: Hard-sided plastic carriers are durable and easy to clean, and offer good protection. Small animal carriers or even cat carriers can work well. Just make sure the bar spacing on cat carriers isn’t too wide for tiny rats to squeeze through.
Top-Loading: Many owners find top-loading carriers easier for getting reluctant rats in and out.
No Cardboard Pet Shop Carriers: While tempting for a quick trip home, the cardboard carriers pet shops sometimes provide are flimsy, easily chewed through, and not safe for transport, especially for longer journeys.

What to Put Inside the Carrier:

Soft Bedding: A layer of soft fleece or shredded paper at the bottom provides comfort and absorbs any accidents.
Small Hideout: A small cardboard box like a tissue box gives them a familiar, dark place to hide, reducing stress during travel. Avoid heavy toys or hammocks that could shift and injure them if the carrier moves suddenly.
Water Source: For short trips like to the vet, they might be fine without a water bottle, but for longer journeys, a small water bottle attached to the carrier is essential. Remove it during actual driving to prevent leaks, and reattach during breaks.
Small Amount of Food/Treats: A few pellets or some healthy treats can help keep them calm.

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It’s a good idea to introduce your rats to their carrier before an actual trip. Let them explore it in a familiar environment, like near their cage, so it doesn’t always equal a scary vet visit. You can even put them in it for short periods while cleaning their main cage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many rats should I get?

You should always get at least two rats, ideally from the same litter and of the same sex. Rats are highly social animals and need companionship of their own kind to thrive. A single rat will often become lonely, depressed, and stressed, no matter how much human attention you give them. For first-time owners, a pair or a small group of 2-4 rats is a great starting point.

What foods are dangerous for rats?

Several foods are harmful to rats and should be avoided. These include raw dry beans toxic, raw sweet potato, avocado pits and skin, apple seeds, citrus peels especially for males, green parts of potatoes, unripe tomatoes, and sugary or heavily processed human foods like chocolate, excessive candies, or greasy fried items. These can cause digestive upset, toxicity, or lead to obesity and related health issues.

What kind of bedding is best for rats?

The best bedding for rats is low-dust, absorbent, and safe for their respiratory systems. Excellent choices include paper-based beddings like Carefresh or Eco-Bedding, shredded paper, or aspen shavings. Fleece liners are also popular for cage levels as they are soft and washable. Never use cedar or pine shavings as they contain toxic phenols that can cause severe respiratory and liver problems. Avoid dusty cat litters, especially clumping or scented varieties.

How often should I clean my rat’s cage?

You should perform daily spot cleaning, removing soiled bedding, droppings, and uneaten fresh food, and refilling food and water. A weekly deep clean is also essential, where you remove your rats, empty the cage completely, scrub it with a pet-safe cleaner like diluted vinegar or F10, and thoroughly rinse everything before replacing bedding and accessories. This routine helps prevent ammonia buildup and keeps your rats healthy. What to Buy for Your Dorm Room: The Ultimate Survival Guide

Do rats need an exercise wheel?

Some rats enjoy an exercise wheel, but it’s not strictly necessary if they have a large, enriched cage with plenty of climbing opportunities and regular free-roam time. If you do get an exercise wheel, it’s crucial that it is solid-sided not wire or mesh and large enough at least 12 inches in diameter for adults to prevent tail and foot injuries. Wire wheels can cause bumblefoot or tail degloving, which is extremely painful and dangerous.

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