What does a rat need in its cage? - briefly
A rat requires a spacious enclosure with solid flooring, nesting material, and safe chew items. Fresh water, a balanced diet, and regular cleaning complete the essential provisions.
What does a rat need in its cage? - in detail
A suitable enclosure for a pet rat must meet several functional criteria.
- Minimum floor area: at least 0.5 m² for a single adult; additional 0.2 m² per extra rat. Height should allow vertical climbing, preferably 30–45 cm.
- Solid base: wire flooring is unacceptable because it damages feet; use a solid bottom covered with absorbent substrate.
- Bedding: dust‑free, non‑allergenic material such as shredded paper, aspen shavings, or hemp. Thickness of 5–7 cm enables burrowing and odor control.
- Nesting material: soft, chew‑safe items like cotton squares, tissue paper, or untreated fleece.
- Food and water dispensers: sturdy, tip‑proof bowls for dry diet; a stainless‑steel bottle with a metal spout for fresh water, replaced daily.
- Enrichment: climbing structures (wooden ladders, PVC pipes), tunnels, chew toys (untreated willow, apple wood), and hideouts (ceramic houses or cardboard boxes). Rotate items regularly to prevent boredom.
- Hygiene: removable trays for spot cleaning; weekly deep cleaning with mild, unscented soap and thorough rinsing.
- Temperature and ventilation: ambient range 18–24 °C, low drafts, and adequate airflow without exposing the rat to direct breezes.
- Safety: no small gaps larger than 1 cm, no toxic paints or coatings, and all accessories must be free of sharp edges or toxic chemicals.
Providing these elements creates an environment that supports the rat’s physical health, natural behaviors, and psychological well‑being.