How to Protect Flooring Outside a Rat's Cage

One of the challenges for owners of pet rats is keeping the floor surrounding the cage clean.

Rat owners are usually faced with the unpleasant issue of rats throwing their soiled bedding outside of the cage, thus potentially destroying the floor underneath. However, with a few simple steps, you can keep your floor clean and safe while still allowing your rats to frolic in their cage.

Things You'll Need

• cat litter rug
• broom or vacuum
• aquarium
• cage topper

Instructions

1. Place a cat litter mat or rug under your rats' cage. This will keep the fallen bedding and waste from ruining the floor. Cat litter mats are also easy to clean, and they lessen the amount of bedding that will track through your house.

2. Keep a broom or small vacuum cleaner near the cage and clean the area daily, especially if keeping a rug under the cage is not an option. Cleaning any mess that your rats drop from their cage regularly will prevent long-term damage to you floor.

3. Consider keeping your rats in an aquarium. Use a specialized rodent aquarium topper -- available from pet suppliers -- so the rats can climb and have more ventilation. Even with the topper, aquariums limit the amount of ventilation the rats will have, so these are the least desirable form of housing for rats.

Tips & Warnings

• Litter train your rats using a rodent litter pan. This will limit the amount of bedding that is in the cage--and on your floor.

• Never use harsh chemicals near your rats' cage. Rats are prone to respiratory ailments that can be triggered or exacerbated by chemicals.

References

• www.ratsmakegreatpets.com: Pet Rat Cages