How Often Should You Clean a Rat Cage?

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: July 30th, 2025

Maslov Dmitry/Shutterstock

Rats are clean, intelligent pets - but they still need a tidy environment to stay healthy. A dirty cage can lead to unpleasant smells, bacterial buildup, and even health issues, especially respiratory problems. Knowing how often to clean a rat cage - and how to do it right - is a key part of responsible rat care.

Daily: Spot Cleaning

You don’t need to deep-clean your rats’ cage every day, but daily spot cleaning is essential. This includes:

Removing soiled bedding or litter
Wiping up urine or droppings
Cleaning food dishes if needed

These quick, daily tasks help control odors and reduce the buildup of waste, making weekly cleanings faster and more effective. Plus, a cleaner cage helps keep your rats comfortable and less prone to illness.

Weekly: Full Cleaning

You should fully clean your rat’s cage at least once a week. If you have multiple rats, or if the room is warm and smells build up faster, you may need to clean twice a week.

Here’s how to do a full clean:

Move your rats to a safe temporary space.
Empty the cage - remove all bedding, food, and toys.
Wash food bowls and water dispensers with warm, soapy water.
Wipe down bars, shelves, and cage base using a pet-safe cleaner or diluted white vinegar. Avoid strong chemicals like bleach unless properly diluted and rinsed.
Wash fabric items (like hammocks or fleece liners) in unscented detergent and rinse thoroughly.

Factors That Affect Cleaning Frequency

Not all cages need cleaning on the same schedule. Several factors come into play:

Number of rats: More rats = more waste = more frequent cleaning.
Cage size: A larger cage stays cleaner longer than a cramped one.
Type of bedding: Paper-based or aspen bedding tends to absorb odors better than fleece alone.
Room conditions: Warmer or more humid environments may speed up odor buildup.

Use your senses - if the cage smells, looks dirty, or feels damp, it’s time to clean, even if it’s ahead of schedule.

Why It Matters

Regular cleaning isn’t just about avoiding smells - it’s about protecting your rats’ health. Ammonia buildup from urine can irritate their sensitive lungs. Dirty conditions can also lead to skin infections, stress, and lowered immune function.

Keeping a consistent cleaning routine helps prevent these issues and ensures your rats live in a comfortable, hygienic space.

Quick Cleaning Guide

Spot clean bedding, litter, and dishes – Daily
Remove soiled bedding and wipe away waste. Check and clean food dishes as needed.
Replace water – Daily
Refresh with clean, fresh water and clean the bottle or dish.
Full cage clean – Weekly (or more often if needed)
Empty the cage completely, wash all surfaces and accessories, and replace bedding.
Wash fabric items (like hammocks or liners) – Weekly
Use unscented detergent and rinse thoroughly to avoid irritating your rat’s respiratory system.

By staying on top of cage cleaning, you’ll keep your rats healthier, your home more hygienic, and your bond with your pets stronger. A clean cage is one of the best things you can do for their wellbeing.

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (FCDS), otherwise known as Feline Dementia, is a progressive age-related decline in a cat’s cognitive function. On a biological level, for those interested, it involves a gradual breakdown of neurons and a buildup of proteins, like beta-amyloid, in the brain. FCDS affects your cat’s ability to think, remember, and learn, having a lasting impact on many aspects of their life. The behavioral changes you see aren’t a choice that they are making; they’re a direct result of these physical changes in the brain. The condition is surprisingly common, with experts saying approximately one-third of cats aged 11-14 years old will show at least one sign of FCDS, increasing to 50% for cats over 15 years old. While it’s easy to jump to conclusions when you see these changes, many symptoms associated with FCDS can be caused by other, very treatable, medical conditions that are also common in senior cats. This is why a vet visit is so necessary. A diagnosis of FCDS is often a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning they will first rule out other potential causes for the symptoms. Some of the conditions with symptoms that are often mistaken for feline dementia include: Hyperthyroidism: This condition causes an overproduction of thyroid hormones, which can lead to hyperactivity, excessive vocalization, and restlessness that may look like FCDS symptoms. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause your cat to become disoriented and confused, and may even lead to sudden blindness. These changes can all cause your cat to bump into things as if they are lost. Chronic Kidney Disease: This often results in increased thirst and urination, which can lead to accidents outside the litter box, which a cat parent may incorrectly assume is caused by confusion. Arthritis or Chronic Pain: If your cat is in pain, they may stop using the litter box because it’s too difficult to get in and out of. Their personality can also change. They may become less social and more irritable simply because they are hurting. Because of this overlap, the first step is always to make an appointment with your vet for a complete medical checkup. Knowing the underlying cause is the only way to make an effective plan to get your cat the help they need. Recognizing the Warning Signs With so much overlap, it can be hard to identify FCDS. It’s also natural to dismiss the more subtle change in your aging cat’s behavior as just “getting old.” However, keeping a watchful eye on specific signs can help you recognize changes that could signal a potential cognitive issue. Some of the biggest red flags to look out for include: Vocalization: Have you noticed your cat is meowing or howling aimlessly, especially at night? This is often one of the first and most common signs of FCDS. Your cat’s communications may seem to have no purpose, and your cat might not respond when you try to comfort them. Interaction: Pay attention to how your cat is interacting with you, other family members, and other pets in the home. They may become withdrawn, less interested in being petted, or even seem apathetic. Conversely, some cats with dementia become more needy, clingy, or even irritable and aggressive. Changes in Sleep Cycle: A significant change in your cat’s sleeping patterns is a major sign of trouble. Cats with FCDS often flip their day and night schedules, sleeping more during the day than they used to, and become restless, active, and vocal at night. Bathroom Accidents: A cat that has always used the litter box perfectly may suddenly start having accidents in the house. This isn’t out of spite; it can be due to confusion about where the box is or forgetting what it’s for. Disorientation: This is one of the most visible signs of confusion in cats. Your cat might get lost in a familiar room, stare blankly at a wall, or stand by their food bowl as if they don’t know what it is or what it’s for. You might also notice them wandering aimlessly or getting stuck in corners and behind furniture. Changes in Activity Levels: A decrease in playful behavior or interest in toys, especially a loss of interest in their favorite toys or activities, is a common sign. However, some cats with FCDS may exhibit a new habit of pacing or an increase in aimless activity. Anxiety: A new or heightened state of anxiety, stress, fear, or agitation can also be a sign of FCDS. Your cat may seem jumpy or restless without a clear cause. Loss of Memory or Learned Skills: Is your cat forgetting learned behaviors? They may forget where their favorite napping spot is, how to use a pet door, or that they have just been fed. This is a direct result of the cognitive decline affecting their memory. Keeping a log or journal of your cat’s behavioral changes can be incredibly helpful. Note not only what you observe, but also when it happens, and if anything specific triggered the response. This information will provide your vet with the concrete details needed to make it much easier for them to assess the situation and land on an accurate diagnosis.

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