Enclosure Type
wire cage
Floor Space
4.5 sq ft
Dimensions
36"L × 24"W × 38"H
Rat Minimum
4.5 sq ft
Verdict
Bare Minimum ⚠️
💰 Typical Price: $130–$180
Our Verdict
Based on the floor space and enclosure type analysis above, this enclosure is bare minimum ⚠️ for a Rat.
Pros & Cons of the Single Critter Nation
✅ Pros
- Full-width double doors for easy access
- 1/2" bar spacing — safe for most small mammals
- Solid removable pan floor
- Expandable — add second unit on top
❌ Cons
- Heavy and large footprint
- Expensive new — check Facebook Marketplace
- Wire shelves MUST be covered with solid material
What Rats Need in an Enclosure
Rats are highly intelligent and need both horizontal AND vertical space, plus enrichment. Multi-level wire cages with 1/2-inch bar spacing are the standard. Rats should always be kept in groups of at least two. Hammocks and ropes must be provided as they are climbing animals.
⚠️ Things to Avoid for Rats
- Bar spacing over 1/2 inch — rats can escape or get stuck
- Solid-walled enclosures with no ventilation
- Housing a single rat alone
- Aquariums — insufficient airflow, ammonia builds dangerously quickly
Other Enclosures for Rats
- 10 Gallon Glass Tank
- 20 Gallon Long Glass Tank
- 40 Gallon Breeder Glass Tank
- 75 Gallon Glass Tank
- DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- Double Critter Nation
- IKEA Detolf Glass Cabinet (converted)
- C&C Grid Cage (2×4 Grids)
- C&C Grid Cage (2×5 Grids)
- Wire Dog Crate (Medium — 36")
- Wire Dog Crate (Large — 42")
- Heavy-Duty Escape-Proof Dog Crate
- Cat Tree / Condo (72"+ height)
- Indoor X-Pen / Exercise Pen
- PVC Reptile Enclosure (4'×2'×2')