Shopping the Dollar Tree for Rats
What to Buy at Dollar Tree for Your Rats
Caring for pet rats doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. In fact, Dollar Tree is a goldmine for affordable, functional supplies that can be used in your rats’ cage, free roam space, emergency kit, and cleaning routine. Whether you're a new rat parent or a seasoned mischief manager, a little creativity and a sharp eye can turn everyday items into enrichment gold. From fleece scarves that double as hammocks to dish racks that become climbing gyms, you’ll be surprised how far $1.25 can go. Who says top-notch rat care has to be expensive? See how we have transformed some of these items into cheap rat-safe enrichment here.
Enclosure Additions & Cage Accessories
Coco Liner
Use a coco liner to line baskets or hides, adding a cozy, chew-safe texture that rats love to snuggle into.
Wired Jute
Small wired jute cord is great for attaching lightweight items to the cage, and can be shaped or twisted to hold things securely in place.
Shower Rings
Shower rings are perfect for hanging hammocks and toys, just be sure to check for chewing—especially on the small plastic ball joints.
Rope Toy
This dog rope toy made of soft, t-shirt-like material works great as a ramp or cozy fall breaker in the cage.
Litter Pan
A cat litter pan fits perfectly on cage shelves as a durable, easy-to-clean spot for holding litter or bedding.
Dish Drain Tray
A dish drain tray is the perfect size to cover wired cage floors, helping protect your rats’ feet and prevent bumblefoot.
Magnetic Clips
Magnetic clips are perfect for securing lightweight items inside the cage or for hanging name tags or care notes on the outside.
Plastic Bin
This plastic bin is the perfect depth for digging or nesting with bedding, and the built-in handles make it easy to hang securely in the cage.
Nautical Rope
Nautical jute rope can be used to make bridges, add climbing opportunities, or create soft fall breakers under high cage levels.
Zip Ties
Zip ties are a secure, chew-resistant way to attach platforms, hides, or toys to the cage—just trim the ends and check for sharp edges.
Tip-Proof Bowls
Tip-proof bowls are perfect for offering both lab blocks and fresh foods without the mess of spilled dishes.
Oil Pan
An oil pan makes a spacious, low-cost alternative for holding litter or bedding on cage shelves, and it’s easy to wipe clean.
Plastic Container
This plastic container fits perfectly on cage shelves as a durable, easy-to-clean spot for holding litter or bedding.
Binder Clips
Binder clips are perfect for securing fleece liners to smaller shelves where loose bedding isn’t practical, keeping everything neatly in place.
Plastic Shelf
This multi-tiered plastic shelf creates an easy, wipeable climbing structure that adds vertical interest to any cage or play area.
Cotton Rope
Nautical cotton rope can be used to make bridges, add climbing opportunities, or create soft fall breakers under high cage levels.
Carabiner Clips
Carabiner clips are sturdy, reusable connectors ideal for hanging hammocks, toys, or organizing items inside or outside the cage.
Plastic Container
This plastic container makes a great igloo alternative—flip it upside down for a two-entrance tunnel that’s spacious enough to serve as a cozy hide for multiple rats.
Basket
A small basket can be hung in the cage to serve as a cozy nest spot, food holder, or elevated lounging area.
Plastic Container
A larger basket container can be filled with bedding or fleece to create a roomy hide, dig box, or elevated lounging space for multiple rats.
Curtain Rings
Plastic shower curtain rings are great for securing toys and hammocks in the cage—just check occasionally for wear or chewing.
Book Rings
Book rings are perfect for hanging interchangeable toys in the cage and can be easily opened and closed, though they aren’t strong enough for hammocks.
Chenille Stems
Chenille stems (pipe cleaners) are great for crafting simple toys or temporarily attaching lightweight items to the cage bars.
Rope Toy
This dog rope toy made of soft, t-shirt-like material works great as a ramp or cozy fall breaker in the cage.
Plastic Container
This plastic container is easy to drill and hang, making it a simple, wipeable ledge or shelf for your cage setup.
Plastic Container
A larger basket container can be filled with bedding or fleece to create a roomy hide, dig box, or elevated lounging space for multiple rats.
Plastic Activity Tray
A plastic tray is the perfect size to cover wired cage floors, helping protect your rats’ feet and prevent bumblefoot.
Enrichment Items & Play Pen Additions
Heavy Duty Tape
Heavy-duty tape is ideal for securing foam poster boards together when assembling a DIY rat play pen—strong, flexible, and easy to work with.
Favor Boxes
Favor boxes can be stuffed with paper and treats to create fun, destructible enrichment toys your rats will love tearing into.
Pet Dishes
These bowls are perfect for pea fishing, foraging activities, or serving soft treats during supervised enrichment time.
Slow Feeder
A pet slow feeder adds a fun challenge to mealtime, encouraging foraging and preventing treats from being gobbled too quickly.
Paper Cups
Paper cups are great for enrichment—you can stack them with treats in between or string them up with shreddables inside for interactive fun.
Cardboard Box
A small cardboard box is perfect for stuffing with paper, shredded materials, and treats to create a destructible, foraging enrichment toy.
Wooden Beads
Round wooden beads on a thick metal wire can be used as-is for cage enrichment or removed and repurposed for DIY chew toys and foraging setups.
Foam Board
Foam poster board is the perfect height for building a rat-safe standing play pen—read our article here on how to assemble one easily.
Crepe Streamer
Crepe streamers are lightweight and easy to shred, making them a fun, colorful material for enrichment activities or nest-building.
Toilet Paper
Toilet paper is a rat favorite—safe for nesting, shredding, and building cozy sleeping spots.
Cat Ball Toys
Jingling cat toy balls are perfect for chasing, carrying, and batting around, offering simple and stimulating play for curious rats.
Paper Tissue
Paper tissue—whether decorative or in sheets—is perfect for enrichment stuffing and nesting, just be sure to remove any strings or loose fibers before use.
Wooden Crate
A small wooden crate is perfect for stuffing with paper, shredded materials, and treats to create a destructible, foraging enrichment toy.
Fleece
Fleece (labeled 100% polyester) is great for hammocks, fall breakers, ropes, and liners—soft, safe, and washable.
Kraft Paper
A roll of kraft paper is perfect for tearing into nesting strips—rats love shredding it themselves—and it also makes great stuffing for enrichment toys to hide treats in.
Table Tennis Balls
Table tennis balls are great for floating in water during pea fishing or water play, and also make a fun, lightweight addition to dig or foraging boxes.
Badminton Birdie
Badminton birdies make lightweight, grabbable toys that many rats enjoy carrying, tossing, or stashing in their hideouts.
Coin Wrappers
Coin wrappers can be stuffed with paper and treats to create fun, destructible enrichment toys your rats will love tearing into.
Cat Toy Want
A cat toy wand is perfect for interactive play, turning into a fun game of chase that often leads to excited popcorning from your rat.
Wooden Beads
Round wooden beads that are undyed and uncoated are perfect for adding to chew toys or other enrichment projects, offering safe texture and variety.
Paper Shred
Paper shreds are another great option for nesting material or stuffing enrichment toys—rats love digging through it and foraging for hidden treats.
Cat Ball Track
A cat ball track provides interactive fun for rats as they push and chase the ball around the track, encouraging mental and physical stimulation.
Gift Bags
Gift bags make excellent shreddable enrichment toys—just fill with treats and paper stuffing, then fold or roll the top to let your rats rip their way in.
Paper Bags
Paper bags make excellent shreddable enrichment toys—just fill with treats and paper stuffing, then fold or roll the top to let your rats rip their way in.
Pom Poms
Pom poms are perfect for filling a dig box—just hide a few treats inside and let your rats forage through the fluff for a fun, safe enrichment activity.
Wooden Beads
Square wooden beads that are undyed and uncoated are perfect for adding to chew toys or other enrichment projects, offering safe texture and variety.
Cleaning & Cage Maintenance
Spray Bottle
A spray bottle is perfect for applying diluted, rat-safe cleaning solutions for spot-cleaning cages, shelves, and accessories.
Trash Bags
Trash bags are a must for disposing of dirty bedding and general cage waste during daily and weekly cleanups.
Nail Brush
A nail cleaning brush is great for scrubbing cage items or keeping your nails clean after handling rats or cleaning their enclosure.
Cleaning Brushes
Cleaning brushes are great for scrubbing cage bars, plastic bins, and litter pans to keep your rat’s environment fresh and hygienic.
Bottle Brush
A bottle cleaning brush is ideal for scrubbing the inside of water bottles and spouts to prevent algae and bacteria buildup.
Toothbrush
A toothbrush is perfect for cleaning around water bottle nozzles and reaching into small gaps or cracks in cage accessories.
Duster Kit
A dusting kit is handy for wiping down cage surfaces, shelves, and nearby play areas—especially in between deep cleans.
Dawn
Dawn dish soap is great for cleaning cage items and can be used in emergencies to help remove mites or lice from a rat’s coat—always follow with thorough rinsing and warmth.
Bucket
A bucket is perfect for soaking cage accessories, toys, or shelves during deep cleans.
Paper Towels
Paper towels are essential for quick cleanups, spot-cleaning accidents, and drying surfaces after washing cage items.
Waste Bags
Dog waste bags are perfect for quick spot cleaning in enclosures or travel carriers.
Emergency & First Aid Supplies
Craft Sticks
Wooden craft sticks are perfect for mixing medications into soft foods or offering doses in a controlled, chew-safe way. They can also double as enrichment on hanging toys.
Electrolyte Powder
An electrolyte drink can be lifesaving in cases of dehydration, offering support during illness, heat stress, or post-surgery recovery.
Saline Packets
Saline solution is essential for gently wounds or irritated areas without stinging, making it a safe first aid staple for rats.
Heat Packs
Emergency heat packs are essential for providing warmth during shock, illness, or transport—especially for young, elderly, or recovering rats—but they should never be used without supervision to prevent overheating or burns.
Spoon
Plastic spoons are perfect for mixing or offering medications and for serving small portions of soft treats.
Baby Wipes
Baby wipes are great for gently wiping down rats—especially dirty feet—before handling, as long as they're unscented and alcohol-free.
Cotton Supplies
Cotton balls, Q-tips, and cotton pads are useful for gently cleaning around wounds, applying topical treatments, or soaking up small spills during first aid.
Antibacterial Soap
Antibacterial soap is important for handwashing before and after handling sick or injured rats to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile exam gloves are great for hygienic handling during medical care or quarantine, offering protection without irritating sensitive rat skin.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol is useful for disinfecting tools like tweezers or scissors in your rat first aid kit—just be sure it’s fully dry before use around your rats.
Jelly Stick
Petroleum jelly can be used to protect delicate skin, soothe irritated areas, or help remove stuck debris from tails and feet.
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly can be used to protect delicate skin, soothe irritated areas, or help remove stuck debris from tails and feet.
Heat Packs
Emergency heat packs are essential for providing warmth during shock, illness, or transport—especially for young, elderly, or recovering rats—but they should never be used without supervision to prevent overheating or burns.
Electrolyte Drink
An electrolyte drink can be lifesaving in cases of dehydration, offering support during illness, heat stress, or post-surgery recovery.
Antibacterial Wipes
Antibacterial hand wipes are helpful for cleaning your hands quickly before or after handling rats—especially during medical care or emergencies.
Saline Bottle
Saline solution is essential for gently wounds or irritated areas without stinging, making it a safe first aid staple for rats.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is useful for quick disinfecting between handling rats—just let it fully dry before touching them.
Storage, Organization & Misc.
Zip Lock Bags
Zip lock bags are perfect for storing lab blocks, treats, or dried snacks to keep them fresh and easy to portion.
Utensil Caddy
A utensil caddy makes a great alternative to a toolbox for neatly organizing and storing rat medical supplies.
Notebook
A notebook is perfect for recording health notes, tracking weights, and monitoring any changes in your rats over time.
Tool Box
A tool box makes a sturdy, organized container for building your own rat first aid kit—view our guide [here] to get started.
Basket
A basket is great for keeping all your cleaning supplies together and easily accessible on rat cage cleaning day.
Lint Roller
A lint roller is great for removing rat hair from your clothes—trust us, you’ll be surprised how much they can shed!
Tool Box
A tool box makes a sturdy, organized container for building your own rat first aid kit—view our guide [here] to get started.
Stacking Shelves
Stacking shelves are perfect for organizing and storing extra hammocks, toys, treats, food, and other rat care supplies. They can also be fastened inside cages as shelves.
Container
An airtight reusable container is perfect for keeping lab blocks and treats fresh, dry, and safe from pests.
Scissors
Scissors are essential for crafting rat toys, cutting fleece, and preparing other enrichment items.
Food & Treats
Additional Products to Keep Your Eye Out For
Denture Cleaning Brush: A denture cleaning brush is perfect for scrubbing the grooves around water bottle nozzles, helping prevent buildup of grime or bacteria.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is perfect for stopping bleeding if you accidentally clip the quick during a nail trim—just apply a small pinch to the nail tip.
Coconut Oil: Pure coconut oil with no additives is great for soothing irritated skin, moisturizing dry patches, and supporting gentle healing.
Products to Avoid
Plugins
Scented plugins should always be avoided, as rats are extremely sensitive to fragrances—these can irritate their respiratory system and cause long-term health issues; if odor is a concern, safer alternatives like more frequent cleaning or ventilation are much better solutions.
Painted Beads
Painted wooden beads should be avoided, as the paint may contain toxic ingredients that can be harmful if chewed or ingested by your rats.
Cleaners
Be cautious with non-pet safe cleaners—many contain harsh chemicals or strong scents that can be harmful to your rats’ sensitive systems.
Laundry Soap
Most laundry soaps at Dollar Tree are heavily scented and should be avoided, as lingering fragrance residues can irritate your rats’ sensitive respiratory systems.
Peel & Stick Tile
Peel and stick tile should be avoided in cages, as the adhesive can degrade with moisture and be chewed, posing a risk if ingested.
Deodorizer
Litter deodorizers should be avoided, as they often contain baking soda—an ingredient toxic to rats—and curious rats are likely to ingest small particles like this while grooming or digging.
Unsafe Fabric
Avoid any fabric that isn’t labeled as 100% polyester, as other materials can fray, unravel, or retain moisture—posing risks of ingestion, entanglement, or respiratory irritation.
Brillo Pads
Brillo pads should be avoided for cleaning rat supplies, as they can leave behind metal fragments or soap residue that may be harmful to your rats.
Candles
Candles should always be avoided, as rats are extremely sensitive to fragrances—these can irritate their respiratory system and cause long-term health issues; if odor is a concern, safer alternatives like more frequent cleaning or ventilation are much better solutions.
Fine Mesh
Fine mesh should be avoided in cages or toys, as it poses a risk of nails getting caught and potentially causing injury.
Towels
Bath towels are not a suitable cage substrate—they trap urine, offer poor ammonia control, and can easily catch on rat nails, risking injury.
Fabric Softener
Fabric softener should never be used on rat items, as it leaves behind strong fragrances and chemical residues that can harm their respiratory health.
Training Pads
Dog training pads should be avoided, as the absorbent gel inside is toxic if ingested and can pose a serious health risk to curious rats.
Cat Food
Cat food should not be given to rats, as it’s too high in protein and fat for their dietary needs and can lead to long-term health issues.
Mesh Tubes
Little mesh tubes should be avoided, as they’re small enough for rats to chew—posing a risk of ingesting sharp plastic bits and getting toes or nails caught.
Styrofoam
Styrofoam should be avoided entirely, as it breaks apart easily and can be ingested, posing serious choking and digestive risks to rats.
Wax Melts
Wax melts should always be avoided, as rats are extremely sensitive to fragrances—these can irritate their respiratory system and cause long-term health issues; if odor is a concern, safer alternatives like more frequent cleaning or ventilation are much better solutions.
Fake Flowers
Fake flowers are best avoided, as rats will quickly shred them—and the materials used can’t be digested if ingested, posing a health risk.
Bath Mat
Bath mats pose the same risks as towels—they retain moisture, offer little ammonia control, and can snag on nails, making them unsafe for use in rat cages.
Disinfectant Spray
Disinfectant sprays should be avoided unless specifically labeled as pet-safe, as most contain strong chemicals and scents that are harmful to rats.
Dog Food
Dog food should not be used as a staple diet for rats, as it's not nutritionally balanced for their specific needs and may contain ingredients that aren't safe or appropriate.
Unsafe Beads
Plastic, painted, clay, and other small beads should be avoided, as they can splinter, contain toxic materials, or pose a serious choking or ingestion risk during chewing or play.
Decorative Mesh
Decorative mesh should be avoided, as it’s often dyed with potentially unsafe paints, has hole spacing that can catch nails or toes, and is easily destroyed and ingested by curious rats.
Mesh Bottoms
Small mesh-bottomed baskets should be avoided, as the fine mesh can trap or injure rat toes and nails, leading to painful injuries.
Rope Dog Toy
Avoid dog rope toys with fine shredded string ends, as they pose a risk of ingestion or entanglement, which can be dangerous for curious rats.
Scented Dawn
Scented Dawn should be avoided, as rats are highly sensitive to fragrances, which can irritate their respiratory system.
Car Fresheners
Car fresheners should be avoided around rats, as their strong scents can irritate the respiratory system and lead to health issues.
Eye Drops
Eye drops should never be used on rats unless they are plain saline with no additives—avoid anything labeled “red eye remover” or “advanced formula,” as these contain ingredients unsafe for rats.
Rawhide
Rawhide should be avoided entirely, as it’s not digestible and can pose a serious choking or intestinal blockage risk if chewed or swallowed by rats.
Yarn
Yarn should be avoided in rat toys or bedding, as it can unravel easily, leading to risks of entanglement, ingestion, or strangulation.
Infused Pumice
Pumice stones that aren't labeled as pure pumice should be avoided, as added ingredients or coatings may be unsafe if chewed or licked by rats.
Large Gaps
Large-gaped wire baskets should be avoided, as rats can get caught or injured while trying to squeeze through the wide openings.