Enrichment Ideas
By utilizing everyday items and a bit of creativity, you can provide your rats with a stimulating environment that promotes their natural behaviors and keeps them happy and healthy.
Why Enrichment Matters for Rats
Rats are intelligent and active creatures that thrive on mental and physical stimulation. Without adequate enrichment, they may develop undesirable behaviors such as excessive chewing or lethargy. Providing a variety of toys and activities keeps them engaged and promotes overall well-being.
Budget-Friendly Enrichment Activities
1. Plastic Containers
Hideouts: Turn small plastic baskets or bins into hideouts by cutting entry holes and lining them with soft fabric.
Foraging Trays: Use shallow containers to create foraging trays filled with bedding and hidden treats.
2. Pea Fishing
Setup: Fill a shallow dish with water and add peas. Rats enjoy the challenge of retrieving the peas, providing both mental and physical stimulation.
3. Treat Puzzles
DIY Puzzle Feeders: Place treats inside a small box with holes, encouraging rats to figure out how to retrieve them.
4. Paper-Based Toys
Shreddable Balls: Crumple plain paper into balls and place them in the cage for rats to shred and play with.
Treat Parcels: Wrap favorite treats in layers of paper, creating a parcel for rats to unwrap.
5. Fabric Fun
Hammocks and Tents: Repurpose old T-shirts or fleece to create cozy hammocks or tents. Ensure fabrics are free from loose threads to prevent entanglement.
Digging Areas: Fill a shallow box with strips of fabric or paper for rats to dig and nest in.
6. Cardboard Creations
Tunnels and Mazes: Use empty cardboard tubes of appropriate six to create tunnels. Combine multiple rolls and boxes to form intricate mazes for exploration.
Foraging Boxes: Fill small cardboard boxes with shredded paper and hide treats inside. Cut entry holes to encourage digging and foraging behavior.
DIY Enrichment
Keeping your rats mentally and physically engaged doesn’t have to be expensive. In this section, we’ll walk you through some of our favorite DIY enrichment projects—easy to make with affordable materials, many of which you may already have at home. From foraging toys to climbing structures and sensory puzzles, these step-by-step guides will help you create fun and stimulating activities your rats will love.
Supplies: A small box with a lid, a small spool of paper (such as kraft paper, toilet paper, or plain wrapping paper), and one pipe cleaner.
Instructions: Start by removing the lid and cutting a small slit or hole in the top—just big enough to pull the paper through. For this example, I cut down a roll of kraft paper to fit inside the box, but you can use toilet paper or any safe, plain paper you have on hand. Slide the paper roll onto a pipe cleaner. Then, poke a hole on opposite sides of the box and thread the pipe cleaner through, so it holds the roll in place. Twist the ends of the pipe cleaner on the outside to secure it, and trim any excess. Finally, feed the end of the paper through the slit in the lid, then close the box.
Supplies: A jingly plastic cat ball, a strip of fleece long enough to wrap around the ball, and two small zip ties.
Instructions: Start by wrapping the cat ball snugly in the fleece, making sure it’s fully covered with some extra fabric on both ends. Once it’s wrapped, use a zip tie on each end to cinch the fleece tightly and secure the ball inside. Trim any excess zip tie length if needed. Then, use scissors to cut small slits into the ends of the fleece sticking out from each side—this creates soft “fringe” for your rats to grab and tug on.
Supplies: Three large popsicle sticks, one pipe cleaner, two small paper cups, and some crinkle paper, tissue paper, or other safe, shreddable material.
Instructions: Begin by poking or drilling small holes through the center of each popsicle stick and at the base of each paper cup. Take the pipe cleaner and twist a small knot or coil at one end so the items can’t slip off. Then thread the items onto the pipe cleaner in this order: one popsicle stick, one cup facing upwards, the second popsicle stick, the second cup facing downward, and finally the third popsicle stick. Once assembled, twist the top of the pipe cleaner into a loop to create a hanger for attaching it to your cage. Finish by stuffing each paper cup with crinkle paper and a few treats to encourage foraging behavior.
Supplies: Four small paper cups, one pipe cleaner, and a small tool to poke holes (such as a thumbtack or small drill bit).
Instructions: Start by poking a hole in the bottom center of each paper cup. Take your pipe cleaner and twist one end into a small knot or spiral to keep the cups from sliding off. Then, thread the cups onto the pipe cleaner one by one, alternating the direction they face (e.g., one right-side up, one upside-down, and so on). Once all four cups are on, twist the top of the pipe cleaner into a loop for hanging inside the cage. You can stuff the cups with shredded paper, tissue, or small treats to create a fun, destructible foraging toy.
Supplies: One pipe cleaner and several small paper cups (with the tops cut off so only the bottom portion remains).
Instructions: Start by cutting the tops off the paper cups, leaving just the flat bottom with a short sidewall—these will act like lightweight rings or platforms. Use a thumbtack or small drill to poke a hole in the center of each cup bottom. Twist one end of the pipe cleaner to form a stopper so the cups don’t slip off. Then thread each cup bottom onto the pipe cleaner, spacing them out however you’d like. Once they’re all on, twist the top of the pipe cleaner into a loop for easy hanging in your rats’ cage. You can tuck a few treats or bits of shredded paper in the cups for added foraging fun, or leave it bare as a dangling, destructible play piece.
Supplies: Eight large popsicle sticks, one small wooden rectangle (such as a repurposed Jenga piece), three pipe cleaners (two full-size and one cut into a smaller piece), and one zip tie.
Instructions: Begin by poking small holes near one end of each popsicle stick. String the sticks together with a short piece of pipe cleaner, spacing them out evenly and twisting the ends to hold them in place. Next, poke another hole in the top of each stick and thread a second pipe cleaner through all of them, anchoring them to a small wooden rectangle like a Jenga block. Use a zip tie to securely fasten the pipe cleaner to the wooden piece. Finally, twist a full-length pipe cleaner into a loop and attach each end to the wooden rectangle to create a hanging loop. The finished toy gently sways and clinks, offering fun textures and motion for your rats to interact with.
Supplies: One toilet paper roll, one wooden dowel or popsicle stick, and two pipe cleaners.
Instructions: Start by sliding a full roll of toilet paper onto a wooden dowel or large popsicle stick so that it spins freely. Then, take a pipe cleaner and poke it through each end of the dowel or stick. Twist the ends of the pipe cleaners into loops for hanging, and secure them to the cage bars or roof. The toilet paper roll should hang horizontally and unroll easily as your rats tug and shred it. It’s a great way to encourage natural foraging and nesting behaviors—and doubles as soft bedding material!
Supplies: One empty paper coin roll (penny size works great) and a small piece of tissue paper, crinkle paper, or other shreddable filler.
Instructions: Take an empty paper coin roll and stuff a small piece of tissue or crinkle paper into each end. You can also hide a treat inside the roll before sealing it up. Make sure the ends are pushed in firmly enough to stay put, but still easy for a curious rat to pull out or chew through. The end result looks like a little paper-wrapped candy, offering both scent-based and shredding enrichment as your rats work to open it.
Supplies: One small paper cup, one sheet of tissue paper, and a handful of treats and shredded filler (crinkle paper, more tissue paper, toilet paper, etc.).
Instructions: Begin by placing a few treats and some shredded or crinkly filler into the paper cup. Once filled, wrap the entire cup with a sheet of tissue paper, gathering and twisting it at the top like a pouch or candy wrapper. You can twist it tightly or fold it under the cup to seal it—whatever is easiest for your rats to rip into. This toy makes a great lightweight enrichment option, encouraging natural foraging, shredding, and problem-solving behaviors.
Supplies: One metal bird suet feeder (cage-style), and your choice of safe materials: fleece strips, shredded paper, tissue paper, or small dry treats.
Instructions: Open the suet feeder and fill it with enrichment items like fleece strips for nesting, tissue or shredded paper for shredding fun, or a few dry treats tucked between the layers. It’s also a great option for offering your rats their daily lab blocks in a more interactive way—encouraging natural foraging and problem-solving behaviors. The feeder can be hung using the built-in hook or securely attached to the side of the cage with clips. This setup helps keep materials contained and adds a simple but effective form of daily enrichment.
Supplies: One empty toilet paper tube and a few small treats or bits of shredded paper.
Instructions: Take a toilet paper tube and use scissors to cut several short slits on both ends—about an inch long and spaced evenly around the opening. Fold the slits inward on one end to create a closed bottom. Then, drop in a few small treats, pieces of tissue, or shredded paper. Once filled, fold the slits on the other end to seal the tube. This simple, fully destructible toy gives your rats a fun puzzle to solve and encourages natural chewing and foraging behavior.
Supplies: One plastic sphere-shaped ice ball mold and a handful of small dry treats or pellets.
Instructions: Take a two-piece ice ball mold and fill the inside with small treats, oats, or pieces of lab block. Close the mold securely and make sure there's at least one hole big enough for treats to fall through as it's rolled around. You can enlarge one of the existing holes slightly if needed using a small blade or heated tool—just be cautious and smooth out any rough edges. Once sealed and loaded, place the treat ball in your rats’ play area or free roam zone. As your rats nudge, paw, and roll the toy, it will randomly dispense treats—encouraging movement, problem solving, and active play.
Supplies: One small kraft coin envelope and a handful of treats, lab blocks, or soft fleece scraps.
Instructions: Fill the envelope with a mix of treats, small bits of lab block, or even fleece strips for added texture. Once filled, simply tuck the top flap into the envelope to close it—no tape or adhesive needed. The paper is easy for rats to shred, making it a great destructible foraging toy that encourages natural digging and chewing behaviors. You can hide these around the cage or toss them into the playpen for a fun enrichment surprise.
Supplies: One pipe cleaner, several large popsicle sticks (about 5–7), and a few cereal loops (like Cheerios) or wooden beads.
Instructions: Start by poking a hole through the center of each popsicle stick using a small drill or sharp tool. Then thread your pipe cleaner through a cereal loop (or bead), followed by a popsicle stick, then another cereal loop, and repeat—alternating as you go. Angle the popsicle sticks slightly as you stack to create a spiraling or zig-zag effect. Once you've added your desired number, twist the top of the pipe cleaner into a loop for hanging. This toy encourages climbing, balancing, and nibbling at the cereal for a little treat-based challenge.
Supplies: Several small paper cups, a piece of cardboard or a paper plate, a hole punch or sharp tool, and twine or string for hanging.
Instructions: Start by punching or poking a hole in the bottom of each cup. Cut several circles out of cardboard or a paper plate—just slightly larger than the cup openings—to act as lids. Punch a hole through the center of each cardboard piece as well. Then thread your string or twine in this order: cup (facing upright), lid, cup, lid, and so on. Tie a knot under each lid to keep it suspended like a lid over the cup below. Once assembled, knot the bottom to secure the last cup and tie a loop at the top for hanging. Add a few treats or bits of fleece into each cup. Your rats will need to lift each “lid” to access what’s inside—offering a rewarding, interactive foraging experience.
Supplies: Several toilet paper tube, one pipe cleaner, a popsicle stick, and optional treats or filler.
Instructions: Start by cutting the toilet paper tubes into thin rings. Stack the rings onto the pipe cleaner, spacing and twisting them slightly to create a swirled, 3D shape. You can add a few treats or fleece scraps in the center if you’d like. Once the tube pieces are on, thread the pipe cleaner through a hole in the center of a popsicle stick and twist the end underneath to anchor the bottom. At the top, twist the pipe cleaner into a loop for hanging. The layered cardboard spirals are great for shredding, climbing, and exploring, while the hidden goodies inside add a rewarding foraging challenge.
Supplies: A small salt or pepper shaker with holes in the lid and a few strongly scented treats or food items.
Instructions: Fill the shaker with a small number of treats or cereal loops—something with a strong, appealing smell. Close the lid securely. The scent will escape through the holes, but your rats won’t be able to access the food directly, encouraging sniffing, investigating, and problem-solving. This is an excellent tool for scent-based training, enrichment games, or socialization exercises—especially for shy or cautious rats. You can also hide the shaker under a small box or towel to increase the challenge as they improve.
Supplies: Two empty paper coin rolls, two popsicle sticks, and one pipe cleaner.
Instructions: Start by poking or drilling a hole through the center of each coin roll and each popsicle stick. Thread the pipe cleaner through a coin roll, then a popsicle stick, then the second coin roll, and finally the second popsicle stick—stacking them vertically. Twist a small knot at the bottom to secure everything in place, and create a loop at the top for hanging. You can hide a few treats or shredded paper inside the coin rolls for extra enrichment. This toy gently swings and wobbles, encouraging climbing, chewing, and exploration.
Supplies: Ten large popsicle sticks, two pipe cleaners, and a small tool to poke holes (such as a thumbtack or mini drill).
Instructions: Start by poking a small hole near each end of every popsicle stick. Take one pipe cleaner and thread it through the holes along one side, weaving in and out to connect the sticks like rungs on a ladder. Repeat the process on the opposite side with the second pipe cleaner. Once all sticks are connected, twist the ends of each pipe cleaner to secure them. Leave a little extra length at the top to create loops for hanging. This flexible ladder is perfect for bridging platforms, hanging vertically, or draping across cage bars—great for encouraging climbing and exploration.
Supplies: One pipe cleaner, several large popsicle sticks, and optional additions like wooden beads or paper coin rolls.
Instructions: Use a thumbtack or small drill to poke a hole in the center of each popsicle stick. Thread the popsicle sticks onto the pipe cleaner one by one, alternating their direction as you go to create a layered, criss-crossed shape. You can add a wooden bead, cardboard piece, or cut coin roll between layers to add visual and textural variety. Once everything is stacked to your liking, twist the bottom end of the pipe cleaner to secure the structure, and form a loop at the top for hanging. This toy moves gently when touched, offering an enticing target for climbing, balancing, and nibbling.
Supplies: One small terracotta pot, one pipe cleaner, one popsicle stick, and a few wooden beads or blocks (optional for decoration and spacing).
Instructions: Thread a pipe cleaner through the drainage hole at the bottom of the terracotta pot. If desired, add a few wooden beads or blocks above the pot for added visual interest and spacing. Then poke or drill a hole through the center of a popsicle stick and thread the pipe cleaner through it, securing the pot to hang beneath the stick. Twist the top of the pipe cleaner into a loop for hanging. This setup creates a simple, durable hanging toy that swings gently when touched—offering motion-based enrichment in a more reusable form than paper cups.
DIY Snuffle Mat
To make a budget-friendly snuffle mat for your rats, you’ll need just a few simple materials—all of which can be found at most dollar stores or discount retailers:
One plastic base – This can be either a slotted basket or an anti-slip bath mat. Both have evenly spaced holes that make them perfect for tying in fleece strips.
Fleece material – You can use a fleece scarf, blanket, or roll of craft fleece. Avoid materials that fray or have loose threads.
Scissors – Sharp enough to cut through multiple layers of fleece and possibly trim down the plastic base.
(Optional) Zip ties – If your mat needs to be secured to a cage or hung up, zip ties make that easy.
Step 1: Cutting Your Base
Begin by deciding how big you want your snuffle mat to be. You can make a small square to tuck into a corner of the cage, or a larger rectangle for group enrichment. Using scissors or a box cutter, carefully trim down the bath mat or basket into your desired size and shape.
If using a bath mat, cut away any excess edges and keep the suction cups facing downward if any (they’re not necessary but don’t interfere).
If using a basket, you can cut out a panel using wire cutters or heavy-duty scissors, preserving the grid section for tying fleece.
Aim for a base that’s sturdy enough to hold its shape but still flexible enough to sit flat or conform to a shelf.
Step 2: Cutting and Tying the Fleece
Next, cut your fleece into strips. Each piece should be approximately 4–6 inches long and about 0.5-1 inch wide. You don’t need perfect measurements—variation adds texture, which helps stimulate your rats’ foraging instincts.
To attach the strips:
Fold each fleece strip in half.
Feed the folded end through a hole in the base to form a loop.
Pull the two loose ends through the loop and tug to create a snug knot.
Repeat this process across the entire surface of your base. For a denser snuffle mat, fill every hole. For a looser one, skip every other hole or alternate rows. You can also mix fleece colors or patterns for a fun visual effect!
Step 3: The Finished Product
Once you’ve filled your base with tied fleece strips, fluff them up and check for any loose knots. Your snuffle mat should now look full, soft, and inviting—like a mini fleece forest!
To use it, tuck dry treats or pieces of lab block into the folds and let your rats dig and sniff to find them. This kind of enrichment satisfies their natural foraging behavior and keeps them mentally engaged.
You can lay the mat flat in the cage, fold it over a ledge, or even clip it to the side if using a flexible plastic base. When it gets messy, toss it in the wash on cold and let it air dry.
More Advanced Enrichment Activities
Once you've mastered basic enrichment like DIY toys and treat puzzles, you might be ready to explore some more advanced, large-scale, or interactive ways to keep your rats engaged. These ideas take a little more space or setup—but the payoff in excitement and stimulation for your rats is absolutely worth it.
PVC Pipe Playgrounds
Create a modular, climbable maze using PVC pipes and connectors from the hardware store. Use a mix of straight tubes, elbows, and T-joints to design a system that can be rearranged regularly to keep things fresh. Pipes should be wide enough for your largest rat to comfortably turn around in. You can add entry holes into storage bins and create multi-level hideouts or tunnels. Bonus: they're super easy to clean.Cardboard Castles and Mega Forts
Save large boxes from deliveries and turn them into custom cardboard kingdoms. Cut windows, tunnels, and doorways and connect multiple boxes with ramps or tubes. Add shredded paper bedding and hide treats inside for foraging fun. Best of all—it’s destructible! Let your rats chew, rearrange, and claim their throne.Repurposed Cat Trees
Most cat trees work great for rats right out of the box—no major modifications needed. The carpeted surfaces offer plenty of grip, the various platforms and hidey holes are perfect for climbing and lounging, and many rats love to sprawl out on the top perch like tiny panthers. If you’re concerned about cleanup, you can drape fleece over popular lounging spots or use small washable mats. Supervised free-roam time on a cat tree provides both vertical enrichment and a cozy hangout space.Water Play Zones
Use a baby pool or shallow bin to create a water-themed play area. Toss in floating ping pong balls, frozen veggie cubes, or peas for bobbing games. For extra fun, add a small circulating water fountain (like those made for cats) and let your rats explore the moving water. Always supervise, and ensure there's an easy way for them to get in and out.Dig Boxes with Natural Substrate
Fill a large bin with several inches of soil, shredded paper, or paper pellet bedding. Bury treats, toys, or pieces of lab block for your rats to excavate. You can also hide cardboard tubes or small pots for even more exploratory fun. Just be sure to avoid fertilizers or additives—natural, pet-safe soil only! While dig boxes are great for playtime, we do not recommend adding especially soil based dig boxes in your enclosure full time. To read more about why we feel this way, click here.Full Free Roam Rooms
If you’ve rat-proofed a space, you can turn it into an enrichment wonderland. Use furniture, tunnels, boxes, fabric drapes, and climbing stations to encourage natural exploration. Add puzzle feeders, climbable walls, and even foraging trails with treats scattered throughout. Rotate the setup every week to keep it stimulating.Mini Ball Pits
Fill a shallow bin or storage tote with lightweight plastic balls (often sold as baby ball pit refills) or scrunched-up paper balls. Hide a few treats or favorite toys underneath to encourage digging, tunneling, and foraging. You can even rotate in seasonal elements like paper leaves, snowflakes, or safe shredded wrapping paper for themed fun.Obstacle Courses
Use cardboard boxes, tunnels, ramps, bridges, and scatter treats along a course for your rats to follow. Encourage them to go over, under, and through by placing rewards at checkpoints. For even more engagement, teach them to follow a hand signal or target stick through the course—great for bonding and brain work.Clicker Training and Tricks
Teaching your rats tricks using a clicker or verbal cue builds trust and keeps their minds sharp. Start with simple actions like “spin,” “come,” or “stand,” then work up to jumping through hoops, ringing bells, or running agility courses. Rats love the mental challenge—and the snacks, of course!
If you're interested in teaching your rats tricks or helping them navigate obstacle courses on cue, be sure to check out our Rat Trick Training Kit, available for purchase in our shop!
Tips for Successful Enrichment
To get the most out of your rats' enrichment activities, keep the following tips in mind:
Supervise new activities, especially those involving water or more complex setups. Watching your rats engage ensures both safety and learning opportunities.
Rotate toys and activities regularly to prevent boredom. Even simple items feel new again when they’re reintroduced after a break.
Keep everything clean. Large setups like dig boxes, free-roam rooms, or PVC structures should be sanitized routinely to maintain a healthy environment.
Prioritize safety. Avoid sharp edges, loose threads, treated wood, or small pieces that could be ingested. Use only pet-safe materials.
Watch and adapt. Observe what your rats naturally gravitate toward. Some may love shredding, while others prefer climbing or solving puzzles. Let their preferences help guide your enrichment choices.
A little creativity and observation go a long way in creating a fulfilling, dynamic life for your rats!