Rats are awesome pets — they’re affectionate, social, clean, and super intelligent! They love to play, so you want the very best rat toys.
But with great intelligence comes an impressive knack for getting bored when they’re stuck for hours in a cage.
By the way: if you aren’t satisfied with your rat cage, then check out our article on the very best ones!
And trust us, nobody wants a bored rat.
They’re nowhere near as much fun, and they might even start thinking of ingenious escape plans.
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So how do you keep your rats mentally stimulated (and safely inside of their cage)?
Toys, of course!
And before you ask, no, an Xbox doesn’t count — don’t be cheeky!
Rats need rat toys. But guess what?
There’s a HUGE selection of different toy types and brands available online…
As long as you know what to look for, picking the right rat toys can be quick and easy!
And this is where we come in:
This blog post will show you the best rat toys money can buy, so you and your rats can say bye-bye to boredom once and for all!
Let’s dig in.
In a Rush? Check out the 8 Rat Toys featured in this review, at a glance.
- Savic Sputnik Extra Large Hideout for Pet Rats
- ZALALOVA Chew Toys (10 Pack)
- Living World Teach N Treat Toy
- Niteangel Pet Rat and Ferret Cotton Rope Net
- Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner 12
- Niteangel Small Pet Fun Tunnel
- Prevue Hendryx Naturals Coco Hideaway Toy with Ladder
- Kaytee Perfect Chew Toys for Rats (4 Pack)
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.
Table of Contents
What Fun Activities Do Rats Enjoy?
Before introducing the rat toys themselves, it’s worth spending a minute or two understanding your rats’ playtime needs.
Why?
Simple:
So you don’t waste any effort buying a product your rats have no interest in!
Generally speaking, fancy rats have hobbies that fall into these categories:
- Climbing
- Chewing
- Eating
- Exercising
- Hiding
- Digging/Tunneling
Good rat toys should aim to encourage one or more of these activities!
Don’t worry if your individual rats are slightly different and enjoy something else (or hate one of the above)…
It’s perfectly normal.
Just be mindful of these specific preferences as you browse potential rat toy options!
But we encourage you to keep an open mind and not to be afraid of trying something new…
Novelty is essential when it comes to mental stimulation!
Now bring on the pet rat toys:
The Eight Best Rat Toys of 2023
Savic Sputnik Extra Large Hideout for Pet Rats
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This Savic Sputnik Hideout needs to be in your shopping cart and in your rat’s cage…
Because it’s by far the best rat toy on this list!
Why?
It’s adorable, well-built, and incredibly easy to clean.
Your pet rats will also fall in love with this toy — it’s perfect for hiding, sleeping, cuddling, and playing!
Oh yeah, almost forget… there’s one more added benefit for us owners.
Your pets will look like little astronauts thanks to the Sputnik’s flying saucer design!
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- Just THE right size: our XL size sputnik is the perfect size for rats, baby ferrets, chinchillas, sugar gliders, and other small animals
- Two ways: The sputnik can be hung from the top of a wire case, or turned over to sit on the bottom of a cage
- Easy to clean: sputnik comes apart for easy cleaning so your pets' Home will always be neat and tidy
- Colorful: The sputnik will add a fun pop of color to your pets home
- Cozy hideaway: a sputnik will give your furry friend a unique and cozy spot to nestle
Pros
- Way cooler than cardboard boxes thanks to its space-age product design
- Can be placed on the floor or hung from the top of your cage
- Simple to clean
- Large enough to fit multiple rats (or lots of mice!)
- Made from durable, sturdy material
- Gives your pet rat a cozy and private spot to chill out in
- Available in five different colors
Cons
- Your pets might chew on it — especially if they don’t have any wooden chew toys
ZALALOVA Chew Toys (10 Pack)
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Rats like to chew… there’s no denying it!
But at least you have a choice:
You can wait for your rats to chew up something they’re not supposed to, or you can get them the ZALALOVA 10-pack of chew toys…
It’s a pretty straightforward decision, right?
So don’t hesitate and get them a pack (or two) of thse chew toys!
They’ll satisfy your rats’ natural need to chew, they’ll make their play area look way better, and…
They won’t break the bank as they’re really affordably priced!
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- 💖 12 PACK WOODEN CHEW TOYS: Include Bark Watermelon Balls, Bell Roller, Dumbbell, Unicycle, Squared molar block with rope, Bell Swing, Rattan Ball, Climbing Ladder, Seesaw, Carrot, Pine Cone and Molar String.
- 💖 NATURAL and NON-TOXIC: High-quality wood origin of wooden chinchilla toys, selected first-class wood, natural sun drying, strict control of dehydration rate, toys with the taste of the sun, which is more comfortable to use.
- 💖 MSDS APPROVED: All guinea toys are MSDS approved, this is the first choice of 2022 gift for your lovely pets.
- 💖 DURABLE MOLAR TOOLS: Hamster toys with exquisite and beautiful shape, after special anti-corrosion technology, not only are eco-friendly toys, but also are bite-resistant molar tools, ensure the healthy growth of small pet teeth, wholeheartedly care for your favorite.
- 💖 APPLICABLE and FUNCTION: Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas, Hamsters, Gerbils, Rats, Birds, Rodents and other small pets. Entertainment, decompression and grinding teeth for small pets. Gives your small rodent the prefect opportunity to play and work out!
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Cutely designed toys
- Made from natural wood — free from toxins and chemicals!
- The 10 different shapes and sizes guarantee tons of playtime variety
- Extra safe thanks to polished corners
- Great for dental health
Cons
- Hard to clean
- Prone to mold in high-humidity environments
- A repeat purchase item — your pet will destroy these toys as they play!
Living World Teach N Treat Toy
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Are you constantly on the lookout for fun, interactive ways to challenge your clever rats?
Well, then you just have to take a look at the Living World Teach N Treat Toy!
This product gives you the chance to teach your pocket pets how to search for treats in an enriching fashion.
How does it work?
Pop a few treats into the green holes, set up the obstacles (picking from one of the three difficulty levels), and then let your rats take care of the rest.
It’s simply a phenomenal toy for providing your furballs with hours of entertainment.
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- Interactive and rewarding toy
- Helps teach pets to search for treats
- Stimulating and educational
- Three levels to provide the optimal learning experience
- Keeps your pet healthy and alert
Pros
- Stimulates thought and mental activity
- Fantastic for bonding with your ratties
- Encourages natural foraging behavior
- Combines two of rats’ favorite things: food and playtime
- Can be used for a wide range of small animals
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Requires supervision and human interaction
- Some smarter rats might figure out the logic too quickly
Niteangel Pet Rat and Ferret Cotton Rope Net
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You’ll definitely want to add some ladders, nets, bridges, and ramps to your rat habitats…
Why are we so sure?
Because these types of toys promote climbing, an excellent remedy for boredom when you’re a rat!
But before you start worrying that’ll you need to buy all these different things, let’s introduce you to one of the most versatile and flexible rat toys around:
The Niteangel Cotton Rope Net.
It seems simple, but looks are often deceiving.
This climbing toy is a jack of all trades.
It works wonders as a bed, hammock, bridge, ramp, and/or ladder… just pick a function and then install it with its handy metal clips!
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- A sturdy climbing activity toy made from cotton rope, two or more hamsters could play together on it.
- Encourage your pets to climb and do more exercise to prevent their overgrown nails, benefits to their health.
- Easily connects to most pet cages with metal clips.
- Use two or more together or combine with our rope bridge
- Dimension: 13.4 inches in length and 8.3 inches in width.
Pros
- Extremely versatile
- Prevents overgrown nails by promoting climbing activities
- Two or more nets can be connected to create an extra-long rope bridge
- Sturdy and made from strong, thick ropes — no safety concerns whatsoever!
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons
- Hard to clean
- Not 100% chew-proof
Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner 12″ Exercise Wheel for Rats
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What do you call a rat cage without exercise wheels?
Empty 😂 😂
Jokes aside, responsible pet parents should definitely get their rats an exercise wheel to liven up their enclosure.
In particular, we highly recommend this premium Exotic Nutrition 12″ Silent Runner because:
- It’s silent (no, duh!) thanks to dual ball-bearing technology.
- Its axle-free design hugely reduces the risk of injuries and accidents.
- Its metal stand protects against joint pain by allowing for some wiggle room.
The only drawback?
It’s an expensive rat toy, but we think it’s still 100% worth it.
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- Dual Bearings means a Smooth, Silent Spin
- Perfect for Hedgehogs, Rats, and Multiple Sugar Gliders
- Not recommended for Chinchillas or Gerbiils who will Chew the Plastic
- Wheel is 14" Tall with Stand.
- 3.5" wide running surface
Pros
- Encourages a healthy exercise routine
- Perfect size for adult rats
- Easy to set up
- Made from heavy-duty metal and high-quality plastic
- Useful accessories sold separately, i.e., a sandy track ideal for nail trimming
Cons
- Expensive
- Not the easiest design for cleaning (requires disassembly)
Niteangel Small Pet Fun Tunnel
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Tired of using paper towel tubes as toy tunnels for your little fellows?
We get it; there are only so many bits of chewed-up paper you can clean without getting fed up!
But luckily, there are other options when it comes to rat tunnels, including our favorite one:
The Niteangel Fun Tunnel for Small Animals.
This nifty little rat toy is excellent entertainment for your pets — you can even bend it to create a fun, playground-style tunnel system!
Worried about getting a plastic toy tunnel?
Then check out the BWOGUE Grass Toy & Hideaway for an all-natural tunnel alternative!
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- An excellent way to interact with your pet and satisfy their natural tunneling instinct.
- Expandable plastic allows the tunnel to expand up to 39 inches and contract.
- Encourages exercise and play in a fun design.
- Made of durable, stain resistant plastic. Suitable for Ferrets and Rats, but not Rabbits.
- Notice: If your hamster has a particular tendency to chew on everything around, it is recommended not to use a plastic tunnel. This tunnel is more suitable for hamsters to use during supervised playtime and interaction, rather than being placed inside the cage. It provides a spacious hiding space for your hamster to play in, offering more room than other paper tubes or tree trunk-like tunnels.
Pros
- Encourages a healthy exercise routine
- Perfect size for adult rats
- Easy to set up
- Made from heavy-duty metal and high-quality plastic
- Useful accessories sold separately, i.e., a sandy track ideal for nail trimming
Cons
- Expensive
- Not the easiest design for cleaning (requires disassembly)
Prevue Hendryx Naturals Coco Hideaway Toy with Ladder
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Are you looking for ways to make your rat cage look a bit more tropical?
Right on — pets need their own vacation spot, too!
While we don’t recommend creating a beachfront environment between their toys and their food bowl, we wholeheartedly approve of adding a Prevue Hendryx Coco Hideaway to their home.
Despite being intended for use with birds, this adorable little coconut house can give some Caribbean cheer to any rat suffering from the winter blues!
It’s a particularly great toy for a rat that loves climbing and relaxing in private, hidden spaces.
Just be warned that it’s small — so don’t expect your pet rats to share…
Rather play it safe by getting them at least two!
Rather play it safe by getting them at least two!
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- Naturals toys are handmade from 100-percent natural, sustainable, materials
- Your bird will benefit from hours of mental stimulation and rugged physical play
- A variety of natural textures encourages foot and beak exercise
- Connects to cage easily with quick-link attachment
- 12-inch long and 4 1/2-inch wide
Pros
- Cute toy design
- Great for chilling, sleeping, and even climbing
- Affordably priced
- Made from all-natural, sustainable materials
- Ensures your pet’s safety via carabiner clips
Cons
- Not the most straightforward toy to clean
- Small — not suited for a chubby rat or multiple rats (unless you get them more than one)
Kaytee Perfect Chew Toys for Rats (4 Pack)
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Like their many cousins in the rodent family, rats also need to chew to keep their constantly growing teeth under control…
But rather than giving them timothy hay, you should use some rat toys made from wood to encourage healthy chewing habits — and Kaytee Perfect Chews work like a charm!
These toys are high-quality, 100% wood, and super cute.
Anything else you should know?
Not really.
This product is as simple as can be — just place it in your rat cage, and you’re good to go!
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- Country of Origin: UNITED STATES
- The Package Length of the Product is: 12.9 cm
- The Package Width of the Product is: 12.9 cm
- The Package Height of the Product is: 15.7 cm
Pros
- Made from wood
- Free from strings or other dangerous materials
- Comes in affordable packs of four rat toys
- Promotes chewing and dental health
- Suitable as a toy for other small animals too
Cons
- Doesn’t include suction cups
- The cheese wedges and balls aren’t actual food — trust us, your rats will complain! 🤣
Extra Section: Five More Awesome Rat Toys
It didn’t feel right only to mention our eight favorite toys…
So we decided to add an extra section to our article and highlight five products that barely missed out on a top-eight finish!
So, without further ado, here are the toys that deserve an honorable mention:
- Niteangel Wooden Ladder Bridge
- Trixie Pet Products Suspension Bridge
- Ware Manufacturing Small Animal Fun Chew
- Kaytee FerreTrail Flex-E Fun-nels
- Niteangel Tunnel Hammock for Small Animals
We won’t review these extra items as a sign of respect for the eight best rat toys, but definitely use the links provided to get more information about these sound alternatives!
Concluding Our Search for the Best Rat Toys
There you have it.
You’ve discovered the best toys for rats on the market, and it barely took you any time at all.
A ‘congratulations’ is in order! 🥳 🍾 🐀
But don’t go overboard just yet…
Your pet rats are still silently plotting their escape from their toy-free cage. 🥷
So spring into action, and order your little ratties some of the toys from this list!
In case you’re hesitating about what to pick, try this mix of products as a ‘starter pack’:
These rat toys complement each other flawlessly, and your pets will love the extra assortment!
And one more thing:
Thanks for reading! 😊
