Getting your pet rat a home doesn't have to be difficult at all. There are several different types of cages available and each have advantages and disadvantages of their own. You will, also, have to decide whether the cage you want will fit where you want it to be and make sure that it's not to bright or drafty for your pet.

The cage you choose needs to be larger than the small hamster cages you see readily available. Rats need some room to move around. A minimum of two square feet of surface area for the rat to move around is recommended. Of course, if you have more than one rat you may need a larger cage or more levels in the cage.

Aquariums are an attractive option for some. The bedding, droppings, and food cannot be kicked out of the aquarium. This saves a mess from accumulating around the cage. The problem with using aquariums for a pet rat cage is that there is no ventilation. The air will become odorous more quickly and you will have to clean it more often. There is also a danger of your pet overheating if it gets warm around the aquarium.

Plastic cages are inexpensive and easy to find. A plastic floor is a little easier on a rat's feet but this plastic can be chewed through easily. Rats must chew constantly. Once your friend figures out that he can chew on the cage you might be replacing an entire cage in a short amount of time.

Wire mesh cages solve the problem of chewing on the cage but they also will probably allow for a mess to be made around the cage. A daily sweep or vacuum around the cage can solve this problem though. Toys and water bottles can be attached to the sides of wire cages easily and they allow maximum ventilation. These are, also, the cages that commonly have more than one level inside of them.

Inside of your pet rat cage you will need to put some bedding. Make sure that the bedding you choose isn't too dusty. Too much dust is harmful to a rats respiratory system. Some oils on bedding can be harmful, as well. Do not use pine or cedar wood chips for your bedding. The bedding should be changed at least weekly.

Your rat would probably like some toys in his cage to keep him occupied when he can't be out with you. Things hanging in the cage are usually popular with rats. Ropes and ladders are common. Things to crawl through are also common rat toys. If you get several different toys, you can rotate them in and out of the cage every few days to keep them from getting boring. There is no replacement for time outside of the cage so don't expect toys to be a magic cure for your rat's boredom.

If you are getting a pet rat don't over think the cage. There are many cages available and each has it's advantages. Do your research and find a good value. Stock your cage with quality bedding and toys and your rat will thank you for it.