Large rat cages: how big for 2, 4 or 6 rats

How big should a large rat cage be?

As big as you can fit, with Woodgreen's figures as the floor. Woodgreen is the only UK charity we found that publishes exact rat cage sizes: 80 x 50 x 80 cm (31 x 20 x 31 in) for up to four rats, and 93 x 63 x 123 cm (37 x 25 x 48 in) for up to ten, both with 1 cm (3/8 in) bar spacing. The RSPCA gives no figures; it asks for a cage "as large as possible" with places to hide, climb and explore at different heights.

Our own cage checker uses a larger figure for small groups: 90 x 60 x 120 cm (35 x 24 x 47 in) inside for two to five rats, and Woodgreen's 93 x 63 x 123 cm for six to ten. We'd aim for the checker's figure, because the extra depth and height make room for a dig box, hammocks and a wheel without crowding the floor.

Sources disagree a lot here. The National Fancy Rat Society's care article calls a large cage essential but gives a much smaller floor of 2 x 1 x 1 ft (61 x 30 x 30 cm) for a pair, and the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association's care sheet gives a minimum of about 14 x 24 x 18 in (36 x 61 x 46 cm) for two small rats, "preferably larger". Both are far below Woodgreen, so we treat them as historic minimums, not targets.

Rat cage sizes for 2, 4, 6 and more rats

For five rats the two sets of figures cross over: Woodgreen's next size up is bigger than the checker's. If you have five, go to 93 x 63 x 123 cm. Rats should never live alone; Woodgreen suggests a group of at least three, so one loss does not leave a rat on its own. Our rat cage size calculator runs the sums for your own cage.

How the big cages we have measured compare

We have read the maker or retailer measurements for several popular cages and checked them against the figures above. These are recorded sizes, mostly outside, so the inside will be a little smaller. Each name links to the full check.

Our measured pages also list two larger cages to compare: the MidWest Ferret Nation 182, recorded at 91.44 x 63.5 x 158.75 cm (36 x 25 x 62.5 in) outside, and the Savic Suite Royale XL, recorded at 115 x 67.5 x 153 cm (45 x 27 x 60 in). These are measurements, not endorsements: inside space, doors and openings still need checking on the cage itself.

What to check before buying a big rat cage

• Inside floor at least 90 x 60 cm (35 x 24 in) for a small group, or 93 x 63 cm (37 x 25 in) for six to ten
• Living height from the floor tray to the roof, with the stand left out
• Bar gaps of 1 cm (3/8 in) or less on every panel, door and corner, as Woodgreen asks
• A solid floor; the RSPCA warns wire floors can lead to foot problems
• Wire shelves and ramps no wider than 1/2 x 1/2 in (13 mm), because the AFRMA warns a back foot can catch in 1 x 1/2 in wire and break a leg
• A deep base tray that holds a thick layer of bedding
• Doors that let you reach the top and bottom levels and the back corners
• Good airflow without draughts (RSPCA)
• A coated finish that wipes clean, since urine corrodes bare wire (AFRMA)
• Lockable castors if you will need to move it to clean

Tall, double and extra large rat cages

Rats love height, but height cannot make up for a small floor. Our measured cage pages check floor area, floor shape and height separately, and do not add shelves or upper levels to the ground floor. A tall, narrow cage can have a huge volume and still fail on depth.

Double cages, like the Critter Nation 162, often come with a full-width divider. With the divider in, you have two separate homes, and each must be checked on its own. With it out, the shelf between levels needs ramps and hammocks so nobody takes a long fall. Our rat hammock guide shows how to fill the drop.

Cheap large rat cages: where the money goes

Spend on size and bar spacing first; everything else can be added later. Ways to keep the cost down without buying too small:

• Buy a modular cage you can add a level to later
• Look for second-hand cages, then scrub and disinfect them with a pet-safe cleaner
• Skip bundled accessories you will replace
• Check the bar gap on any ferret or chinchilla cage before you buy it for rats

Our guide to the best rat cages has more on what to buy and what to skip.

How to make a large cage work for the rats

A big empty cage is just a big box. The RSPCA asks for hides, climbing and exploring spots at different heights, with one more shelter than there are rats, each with more than one exit. Fill the space in layers:

1. Floor first. A thick layer of bedding such as shredded card or hemp, as Woodgreen suggests, with a deeper dig spot.
2. Hides at every level. One more hide than rats, with two ways in and out.
3. Shelves and ledges. Fixed platforms that break up long drops and give rest spots near the roof.
4. Hammocks and ropes. Routes between levels, and soft landings under high shelves.
5. A wheel if it fits. Woodgreen gives a minimum of a 12 in (30 cm) solid wheel, and many rats need bigger.
6. Food and water on two levels. In a tall two-tier cage, Woodgreen suggests water on both levels.

And every level needs somewhere to hide:

Our complete rat cage setup guide goes level by level, and our pet rat care hub links every rat guide and tool.

Where to put a large rat cage

Pick the spot before the cage arrives, because a big cage is hard to move. The RSPCA asks for a stable place at 19 to 23°C (66 to 73°F), well ventilated but out of draughts, out of direct sun, away from loud noises and strong smells, and not in a conservatory, garage or shed. It also asks for a full clean once a week with spot cleans in between, so leave room to open every door fully. Our rat cage cleaning guide covers the routine.