SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/small-rat-cage-levels

What kind of cage suits pet rats best?

A roomy cage with levels to climb, not a wooden one.

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  1. A small wooden cage
  2. A low cage with one flat floor
  3. A roomy cage with levels to climb ✔

Why: Rats are very active and enjoy climbing on cage levels. Merck says wooden cages are unacceptable because urine soaks in and rats can chew out.

Huh, didn't know that: Wire shelves for rats should have openings no wider than half an inch so feet do not get caught.

The dad joke
Why did the rat love his tall cage? It had a great view of the snack drawer.
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References

Answer: A roomy cage with levels to climb. Rats are very active and enjoy climbing on cage levels. Merck says wooden cages are unacceptable because urine soaks in and rats can chew out.

  1. Merck Veterinary Manual: Providing a Home for a Rat www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/rats/providing-a-home-for-a-rat
    rats seem to enjoy climbing on the various levels
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. Merck Veterinary Manual: Providing a Home for a Rat www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/rats/providing-a-home-for-a-rat
    Cages made of wood are unacceptable for housing rats because their urine will soak into the wood.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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