Cage Accessories

Like all animals, rats need to use their instincts and intelligence. Cage accessories make their home more interesting and comfortable.

Shelters and Hammocks

Rats need a place to get out of the open when they feel shy, and snuggle up together when they feel sleepy. Good shelters are washable, non-toxic, and roomy enough for more than one rat but small enough to be reassuring. A plastic igloo or wooden shelter from a pet supply store, plastic flowerpot sawed in half, PVC tubing, a cloth hammock with no looped fabrics to catch toenails, or a specially sewn cuddle cup could be perfect. Make sure anything heavy is right down on the floor where it can't fall on a rat. Make sure that woods used are non-toxic and untreated. Cardboard boxes are cheap and rats love them, but they must be thrown away as soon as they become soiled, and the design of some boxes can be dangerous if there are openings that could catch a toenail, foot or head.

Wheels

Most females and some males will use a running wheel, especially if started at a young age. When you choose a wheel, make sure that it is safe for rats. Look for a type with a solid bottom and back, such as a Wodent Wheel (available in our shop), Giant Comfort Wheel or Giant Silent Spinner. Make sure the wheel is big enough for your rat to run comfortably, and get a wheel with solid plastic parts so that it won't corrode or trap feet or tails.

Toys

Rats will play with almost anything. Tubes from the inside of a tissue roll, clean seashells, safe wood pieces, wine corks, cloth or plastic toys for children, plastic toys for cats or birds : anything is good if it is small enough for rats to manipulate, has no sharp parts or tiny choking hazards, and is made of nontoxic material. Rats usually destroy their toys over time, so don't spend a lot of money on any toy or give them treasured objects.

It is not true that rats must chew to keep their teeth short. Healthy teeth wear down correctly on their own. But rats love to chew, and they get bored if they cannot. So some toys that your rat can chew are very important. Most rats also like to chew on hay, and it is good for them as long as it is clean, dry, and smells and looks good. Rats love bones. Tree branches such as apple or willow can also make excellent chew toys.

Climbing

Ladders and ropes are another way active rats can get fun and exercise. They are good climbers and will often climb just for pleasure. As always, beware of any open cracks or holes that can catch a head or foot, make sure materials are non-toxic when chewed, and choose something easy to clean.

Attaching things to cage bars

Some of the things people use for cage attachment are zip ties, which are cut away when it's time to clean or discard the accessory, metal binder rings, and metal or plastic shower curtain rings. If you use metal try to avoid cheap alloys that can corrode. If you use plastic fasteners, accept that your rats will probably chew them.