How to Clean a Rat Cage

Cleaning a rats' cage is very important to its health and well-being. While this task is not fun, it is important and not hard to accomplish. Your rats will thank you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• clean bedding
• a container or someone to hold the rat(s)

1. First, remove the rat. You will need either someone to hold it or a secure container to hold the rat while you clean the cage. An aquarium or a plastic container with some bedding and a treat will be just fine for your pet for a few minutes.

2. Empty the contents of the cage. Empty and rinse the water bottle, empty and wipe out the food dish. Pour the used bedding into a bag for disposal. Wipe the bottom of the cage clean with a dry paper towel. Be sure the cage bottom is completely clean before continuing.

3. Replace the bedding with fresh, new bedding. Refill the water and food dish, replace the toys, hammocks and other 'fun' stuff that your rat has to play with.

4. This is also a good chance to inspect the cage for any wear and tear, any wire that may have come undone, silicone that may have been chewed on or other such dangers to your pet rat.

Tips & Warnings

• Try moving things around the cage to keep your rat thinking and interested
• Clean the cage at least once a week
• Don't put the rat on the floor unsupervised during cage cleaning - they are too quick

Resources

• further pet care information

[williamfjordan]

on 12/11/2009 currently have rats - pink hairless ones ... thanks for the tips 5*

[jaredbangerter]

on 9/22/2009 Very nice. I used to have a pet rat. Good article and detailed steps. 5* and recommended

[igislandgirl]

on 8/17/2009 Thay is how we take care of the hampsters cage,,