Pet Topics

Once you have chosen a great rat cage for your ratty companions, you should try to enhance the environment.I mean no one wants to live in an empty cage. You may think it is not that important if your rats are out with you a lot of the time, but they will still want to play when you are asleep and you can’t be there all the time. It is not hard to create a fun home for your rats, in fact it can be fun for you too.

Rats love to cuddle up, so provide them with a lovely, fleecy hammock. You can buy a rat hammock relatively cheaply online or at your local pet store, or you may want to make your own. Simply find an old, cuddly rag and cut it into a rough square. You can then punch a hole into the corners. Once you have done that you can thread string through and easily attach the hammock to the cage, making your rats very happy. Any old, soft material you have lying around could make a lovely comforter for your pet rat. It is important to regularly replace these rags, or give them a good wash.

Rats love to climb and if you have let them out already you will have seen them climbing your furniture. You should avoid using a tank to house your rats, as they cannot climb in these. Young rats in particular will climb up the side of the cage and even swing along the roof having the time of their lives. Tanks are no good for rats, they do not provide the necessary ventilation. Without proper airflow your rats stand more chance of getting a nasty respiratory infection.

Everyone likes to hide away from time to time and that includes our pet rats. It is easy to give your rats places to hide away, such as old cereal boxes, or pieces of clothing. Maybe even an old canvas bad. Tunnels can be a lot of fun as well as a good place to hide out. You can either buy one or make one yourself.Make sure your rats have loads of bedding. They will enjoy playing with it and of course it will make for a comfy sleep.Make sure you never use shavings, as the dust can be very dangerous for rats.

Consider adding ramps to your cage to add multiple levels, as young rats in particular love to climb. A single level cage may be more suited to elderly rats. Untreated wood is a great addition to the cage as your rats can climb on it and keep their teeth in shape by gnawing on it.

Of course it depends how large your rat cage is as to how much you put in there. If your rat’s cage is very big you can fit in a lot of fun stuff, perhaps even some water for them to play in. Just enjoy the process of making your rat’s home. Imagine you were the one living there. The more effort you put in, the more your rat’s will love it.

Once the home is all set up, you should be proud of yourself, but be sure to put aside time every day to play with your rats. rat health and happiness depends not just on their environment, but their social stimulation.