Basic Information and Care
An essential guide to basic rat care, covering housing, enrichment, bedding, diet and social needs tips for happy, healthy pet rats.
Introduction to Fancy Pet Rats
Fancy rats (Rattus norvegicus domestica) are a domesticated variety of the wild brown rat. Pet keeping of rats gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with selective breeding producing a variety of coat types, colors, and patterns. They are intelligent, affectionate, and highly social creatures, making them wonderful pets for dedicated owners.
Rats typically live 2-3 years, though some may reach 4 years with excellent care. Their social nature means they should never be housed alone—human interaction is not a substitute for another rat. We strongly recommend keeping a minimum of three rats, as this provides social security and helps prevent depression if one rat passes away.
Choosing the Right Cage
A good cage is essential for your rats’ health and happiness. When selecting a cage, consider:
Size:
A general rule is 2 cubic feet per rat, but bigger is always better. Always add an extra rat to your planning number to allow for future additions. Larger cages allow for more enrichment, levels, toys, hammocks, and tunnels.
Spacing:
½-inch bar spacing prevents escapes. Larger males may do fine with 1-inch spacing, but young rats can squeeze through.
Orientation:
Horizontal bars are ideal for climbing and attaching accessories.
Material:
Stainless steel or powder-coated wire prevents rust. Avoid galvanized metal due to urine corrosion.
Base:
Solid floors are a must—wire floors can cause injuries and bumblefoot. Many cages come with removable wire bottoms, so research your cage and modify it if needed.
Chew-proof:
Avoid thin plastic bases that could be gnawed through.
Location:
Place the cage where rats can interact with you but avoid direct drafts, vents, doorways, and extreme temperatures.
Rats need a stable day/night cycle, so make sure the room gets natural light but is not in direct sunlight.
Never place a rat cage outside.
Recommended Cages:
Midwest Critter Nation (our top choice for ease of cleaning and space for deep bedding layers)
Never use a glass tank or wooden cage—these are unsuitable due to poor ventilation and chewability.
Choosing the Best Bedding
The right bedding is crucial for odor control and respiratory health. Good choices include:
Kiln-dried pine (our preferred option) – effective odor control, must be kiln-dried.
Aspen – low dust, good odor control.
Paper-based bedding – safe, but lacks odor control (ensure it is unscented and baking soda-free).
Frequently, adopters ask about using fleece bedding. While fleece is soft and comes in fun colors, it has no odor control. Urine passes through fleece and gets trapped between layers, leading to ammonia buildup. However, fleece is excellent for hammocks, as it wicks away moisture. Hammocks should be washed frequently with scent-free detergent and never fabric softener.
Avoid: Cedar, newspaper, bare-bottom cages, wire mesh, towels, paper towels, or fleece as a primary bedding.
Important: We recommend freezing all bedding for at least 24-48 hours before use to kill potential parasites, especially if purchased from chain pet stores that often have rodents for sale.
Diet and Water
We exclusively feed Mazuri Rat Food due to its high quality and bulk availability. We also endorse Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food. These provide a balanced diet without selective feeding risks.
Why not mixes? While homemade or commercial mixes can work, rats tend to pick out their favorite pieces, leading to nutritional imbalances. We do make a mix, but we only use it for scatter feeding during cage cleanings to encourage foraging behavior.
Fresh foods: Offer fresh vegetables and fruits at least twice a week, prioritizing vegetables. We rotate fresh foods based on what we have in the fridge. Always research safe foods—some, like citrus for males, raw beans, and chocolate, can be toxic.
Water: Rats should always have access to fresh water through a water bottle. Water bowls are never acceptable, as they are easily contaminated and unsanitary.
We recommend providing fresh water daily and checking the bottle to ensure it is functioning correctly, not clogged or leaking. Cleaning the water bottle thoroughly is essential—be sure to wash the rubber seal and spout. Using denture cleaners, a toothbrush, or small test tube brushes can help remove buildup. Warm water and dish soap work well, but always rinse thoroughly to prevent soap residue. Making daily water checks a habit ensures your rats always have clean, accessible water.
Accessories and Enrichment
A well-enriched cage is essential for keeping your rats happy and engaged. Every rat cage should have at least one hideout per rat, whether it's a plastic hide, a wooden shelter, or a simple cardboard box that can be replaced regularly. Hammocks are another must-have, as rats love to lounge in soft, elevated spaces. These can be bought online, made DIY, or even purchased from us during pickup. Climbing elements such as ropes, ledges, and tunnels add variety to their environment and encourage exercise. If you choose to include a wheel, make sure it is at least 11 inches in diameter and made of solid metal or plastic. Wire or fabric-lined wheels should never be used, as they can cause serious injuries to feet and tails.
For tall enclosures, it’s important to add fall breakers to prevent injury. Fleece hammocks stretched across levels, strategically placed platforms, or even sturdy ropes can all help reduce the risk of a dangerous fall. A well-set-up cage not only keeps your rats physically active but also mentally stimulated, preventing boredom-related behaviors like excessive chewing or aggression.
For our cages, we decorate them with:
4-6 hammocks
Multiple ledges and tunnels
Cardboard hideouts and tubes
Hanging toys and ropes
Large litter box with pelleted bedding
Deep bedding layer at the base
There are many budget-friendly options for accessories. The Dollar Tree can be your best friend!
To see examples of our cage setups, click HERE.
