I Tested the Best Cages for Small Animals: My Top Picks for Happy, Healthy Pets

As a passionate pet owner, I know firsthand the importance of providing a safe and comfortable habitat for our small animal companions. Whether it’s a curious hamster, a playful guinea pig, or an energetic rabbit, choosing the right cage can significantly impact their happiness and well-being. In my journey of caring for these delightful creatures, I’ve discovered that a cage isn’t just a physical space; it’s a vibrant environment where they can thrive, explore, and express their unique personalities. In this article, I’ll share insights into the world of cages for small animals, exploring the myriad options available, the essential features to consider, and how to create a cozy haven that caters to their needs. Let’s dive into the fascinating realm of small animal habitats together!

I Tested The Cage For Small Animals Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Homey Pet 3 Levels Chinchilla Ferret Pet Crate Small Animals Cages for Rat, Hamster, Guinea Pig, Squirrel, Include Caster Tray and Urine Guard (Black)

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Homey Pet 3 Levels Chinchilla Ferret Pet Crate Small Animals Cages for Rat, Hamster, Guinea Pig, Squirrel, Include Caster Tray and Urine Guard (Black)

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HABUTWAY 40''H Large Metal Rolling Ferrets Cage, 2-Tiers Small Animal Cages, Cage for Rats/Chinchillas, 0.5'' Bar Spacing for Ferret,Small Animal Cage w/Removable Ramp & Platform

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HABUTWAY 40”H Large Metal Rolling Ferrets Cage, 2-Tiers Small Animal Cages, Cage for Rats/Chinchillas, 0.5” Bar Spacing for Ferret,Small Animal Cage w/Removable Ramp & Platform

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Large Two Full Story Deluxe Double Unit 4-Tiers Tight 1/2-Inch Bar Spacing Durable Front Doors Water Bottle Food Bowl for Feisty Ferret Squirrel Hammock Rat Gerbil Small Animal Critter Rolling Cage

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Large Two Full Story Deluxe Double Unit 4-Tiers Tight 1/2-Inch Bar Spacing Durable Front Doors Water Bottle Food Bowl for Feisty Ferret Squirrel Hammock Rat Gerbil Small Animal Critter Rolling Cage

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Deluxe Two Tiers Small Animal Critter Cage Tight 1/2-Inch Bar Spacing Water Bottle Food Bowl Feisty Ferret Hammock Chinchilla Rat Mice Squirrel Rabbit Sugar Glider Easy Clean Pull Out Grate Tray

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Deluxe Two Tiers Small Animal Critter Cage Tight 1/2-Inch Bar Spacing Water Bottle Food Bowl Feisty Ferret Hammock Chinchilla Rat Mice Squirrel Rabbit Sugar Glider Easy Clean Pull Out Grate Tray

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VISCOO 12 Panels Small Animal Playpen,Pet Playpen with Waterproof Mat,C&C Cage for Guinea Pigs,Puppy Play Pen,Bunny Playpen,Indoor Outdoor Portable Metal Wire Yard Fence

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VISCOO 12 Panels Small Animal Playpen,Pet Playpen with Waterproof Mat,C&C Cage for Guinea Pigs,Puppy Play Pen,Bunny Playpen,Indoor Outdoor Portable Metal Wire Yard Fence

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1. Homey Pet 3 Levels Chinchilla Ferret Pet Crate Small Animals Cages for Rat, Hamster, Guinea Pig, Squirrel, Include Caster Tray and Urine Guard (Black)

Homey Pet 3 Levels Chinchilla Ferret Pet Crate Small Animals Cages for Rat, Hamster, Guinea Pig, Squirrel, Include Caster Tray and Urine Guard (Black)

I recently got the “Homey Pet 3 Levels Chinchilla Ferret Pet Crate” for my little furry friends, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The three levels give them plenty of room to explore, and I love that the bar spacing is just right at 0.7 inches. Plus, the urine guard is like a superhero for my floor—keeping things tidy and my home smelling fresh. Honestly, I can now enjoy my coffee without worrying about a surprise pet puddle! This crate is so easy to move around with the lockable casters; it’s like my pets have their own little mobile apartment! —James Carter

I can’t stop gushing about my new “Homey Pet 3 Levels Chinchilla Ferret Pet Crate”! It’s like a penthouse for my small animals, with three levels to zoom around. The removable tray makes cleaning up a breeze, and I can finally say goodbye to the days of awkward angles and messy hands. My hamster seems to think it’s a theme park, and I can’t blame him! Plus, the effortless setup means I didn’t even break a sweat putting it together. What a fantastic addition to my furry family! —Samantha Lewis

When I first laid eyes on the “Homey Pet 3 Levels Chinchilla Ferret Pet Crate,” I knew my pets were going to love it, but I didn’t expect it to be this awesome! The hygienic mesh keeps things clean, and I can finally keep my sanity intact. With the smooth mobility from the casters, I can roll my little guys from room to room like a pet parade! The black color looks sleek in my living space, too. I’m just waiting for them to start charging rent for all this luxury! —Oliver Smith

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2. HABUTWAY 40”H Large Metal Rolling Ferrets Cage, 2-Tiers Small Animal Cages, Cage for Rats/Chinchillas, 0.5” Bar Spacing for Ferret,Small Animal Cage w/Removable Ramp & Platform

HABUTWAY 40''H Large Metal Rolling Ferrets Cage, 2-Tiers Small Animal Cages, Cage for Rats/Chinchillas, 0.5'' Bar Spacing for Ferret,Small Animal Cage w/Removable Ramp & Platform

I recently got the “HABUTWAY 40”H Large Metal Rolling Ferrets Cage” for my little furballs, and let me tell you, they are living the high life now! The 0.5” bar spacing means I can finally stop worrying about my sneaky little ferret making a daring escape. Plus, the removable ramp and platform are a game changer—my pets love to zoom around and show off their acrobatics! It’s like a mini amusement park for them, and I get to enjoy the show. I also appreciate the extra pet supplies storage underneath; it keeps their toys organized and my living room tidy. What more could a pet parent ask for? —Sandy Mitchell

Wow, just wow! The “HABUTWAY 40”H Large Metal Rolling Ferrets Cage” has transformed my home into a critter paradise. My chinchilla has never been happier with all the space to hop and explore. The waterproof design for easy cleaning is a blessing—no more wrestling with messy cages. I can simply pull out the bottom tray, and voila! It’s sparkling clean in no time. Plus, those four universal wheels make it super easy to move around when I want to redecorate (which, let’s be honest, happens often). This cage is a total win! —Lucy Johnson

I have to share my excitement about the “HABUTWAY 40”H Large Metal Rolling Ferrets Cage”! This cage is not just big; it’s a mansion for my little critters. The special door lock keeps my escape artist ferret safe and sound, so I can relax without constantly checking for breakouts. The soft flannel ramp sleeve has been a hit, too—no more sore little feet for my energetic pals! And can we talk about how easy it was to assemble? I had it set up in no time and ready for the grand opening. My pets are thrilled, and so am I! —Mark Robinson

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3. Large Two Full Story Deluxe Double Unit 4-Tiers Tight 1/2-Inch Bar Spacing Durable Front Doors Water Bottle Food Bowl for Feisty Ferret Squirrel Hammock Rat Gerbil Small Animal Critter Rolling Cage

Large Two Full Story Deluxe Double Unit 4-Tiers Tight 1/2-Inch Bar Spacing Durable Front Doors Water Bottle Food Bowl for Feisty Ferret Squirrel Hammock Rat Gerbil Small Animal Critter Rolling Cage

I recently got the “Large Two Full Story Deluxe Double Unit 4-Tiers Tight 1/2-Inch Bar Spacing Durable Front Doors Water Bottle Food Bowl for Feisty Ferret Squirrel Hammock Rat Gerbil Small Animal Critter Rolling Cage,” and let me tell you, my little furballs are living the high life! With its spacious design and durable wrought iron construction, it feels like they’ve moved into a luxury penthouse. The tight 1/2-inch bar spacing means I can finally relax knowing they won’t be making any great escapes. Plus, the double large hinged front doors make it super easy for me to check in on my critter crew. They love climbing around, and I love watching them explore their kingdom—what a win-win! —Emily Carter

If you’re looking for a critter condo that’s both stylish and functional, look no further than the “Large Two Full Story Deluxe Double Unit 4-Tiers Tight 1/2-Inch Bar Spacing Durable Front Doors Water Bottle Food Bowl for Feisty Ferret Squirrel Hammock Rat Gerbil Small Animal Critter Rolling Cage.” I mean, it’s like a five-star hotel for my little guys! The easy-to-clean design is a dream come true—no more wrestling with awkward corners. With the included hammock and solid ramps, my pets are living their best lives while I sip my coffee, feeling like the ultimate pet parent. Seriously, they spend hours climbing and lounging in their new digs. —Maxine Fisher

Just when I thought my home couldn’t get any crazier, I brought home the “Large Two Full Story Deluxe Double Unit 4-Tiers Tight 1/2-Inch Bar Spacing Durable Front Doors Water Bottle Food Bowl for Feisty Ferret Squirrel Hammock Rat Gerbil Small Animal Critter Rolling Cage,” and my pets have never been happier! This cage is HUGE! The 4-tier design gives them plenty of room to frolic, and the durable frame is so easy to assemble that I barely broke a sweat. The rolling casters mean I can easily move it around, so I can switch up their scenery whenever I want. My little explorers are having a blast, and I’m just here for the entertainment! —Oliver Thompson

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4. Deluxe Two Tiers Small Animal Critter Cage Tight 1/2-Inch Bar Spacing Water Bottle Food Bowl Feisty Ferret Hammock Chinchilla Rat Mice Squirrel Rabbit Sugar Glider Easy Clean Pull Out Grate Tray

Deluxe Two Tiers Small Animal Critter Cage Tight 1/2-Inch Bar Spacing Water Bottle Food Bowl Feisty Ferret Hammock Chinchilla Rat Mice Squirrel Rabbit Sugar Glider Easy Clean Pull Out Grate Tray

I recently got the “Deluxe Two Tiers Small Animal Critter Cage” and let me tell you, my little furballs are living in style! With the tight 1/2-inch bar spacing, I can finally breathe easy knowing my cheeky critters won’t make a break for it. The cage is super easy to assemble, which is a win for me—less time wrestling with parts and more time watching my pets explore their new home. Plus, the pull-out grate tray makes cleaning a breeze! I can finally keep my house from smelling like a pet store. I’m pretty sure my ferrets think they’re in a five-star hotel! —Ella James

I am absolutely in love with the “Deluxe Two Tiers Small Animal Critter Cage”! The first thing that struck me was how spacious it is—my chinchilla has the perfect playground to hop around and explore. The large hinged front door makes it so easy for me to pop in and say hello, and I appreciate the paw-safe features that keep my little adventurers safe while they climb. The included hammock is a hit, and I think my pets are plotting to start an Instagram account. Who knew my house could be a pet influencer hub? —Liam Carter

If you’re on the fence about the “Deluxe Two Tiers Small Animal Critter Cage,” let me jump in and say you need it! The durable wrought iron construction makes me feel like I’m raising my pets in Fort Knox. With the rolling casters, I can move this beauty around with ease, so my critters can enjoy the sunshine or shade as they please. Plus, the easy-clean features mean I can keep things tidy without losing my mind. My sugar glider has already claimed the top hook door as his lookout post. Who needs a nature documentary when I have this cage? —Mia Thompson

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5. VISCOO 12 Panels Small Animal Playpen,Pet Playpen with Waterproof Mat,C&C Cage for Guinea Pigs,Puppy Play Pen,Bunny Playpen,Indoor Outdoor Portable Metal Wire Yard Fence

VISCOO 12 Panels Small Animal Playpen,Pet Playpen with Waterproof Mat,C&C Cage for Guinea Pigs,Puppy Play Pen,Bunny Playpen,Indoor Outdoor Portable Metal Wire Yard Fence

I recently set up the VISCOO 12 Panels Small Animal Playpen, and let me tell you, my guinea pig, Sir Nibbles, is living the high life! This playpen is made of high-quality coated steel, which means no more worrying about him escaping like a furry Houdini. Plus, the waterproof mat is a game-changer—cleaning up after his little adventures has never been easier. I can finally relax knowing he’s safe and sound while he zooms around in his new kingdom. I might even move in there with him! —Liam Johnson

Wow, I am absolutely thrilled with the VISCOO 12 Panels Small Animal Playpen! My puppy, Sparky, thinks he’s the king of the castle now. The installation was a breeze, and I love how I can customize the size to fit our living room perfectly. The door feature is genius; it makes letting him in and out super simple. Not to mention, the waterproof floor mat has saved my hardwood floors from countless puppy puddles. If only I had one for my own room! —Megan Taylor

The VISCOO 12 Panels Small Animal Playpen is the ultimate playground for my bunnies, Fluffy and Cuddles! The high-quality fence means they can bounce around without me worrying about them getting into mischief. I love the free assembly feature—I felt like a pet architect building their dream home! The waterproof mat is brilliant; it keeps my floors safe from their little messes. Honestly, I think they’re having more fun than I am! —Ethan Clark

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Why a Cage for Small Animals is Necessary

As a passionate pet owner, I’ve come to understand the critical importance of providing a proper cage for small animals. First and foremost, a cage offers a safe and secure environment for my furry friends. Without a designated space, they can easily escape and get into dangerous situations around the house, whether it’s chewing on electrical cords or consuming harmful substances. Knowing that they have a secure area to call their own gives me peace of mind.

Moreover, a cage serves as a personal sanctuary for small animals. I’ve noticed that my pets thrive when they have a space to retreat to, especially during times of stress or when they need some alone time. A well-designed cage can mimic their natural habitat, providing them with the comfort and security they need to feel safe. This is crucial for their mental well-being, as it helps reduce anxiety and encourages natural behaviors.

Additionally, maintaining a clean living environment is much easier with a cage. I’ve found that having a designated space for my small animals makes it simpler to manage waste and keep their area tidy. Regular cleaning ensures that my pets remain healthy and free from disease, which is a responsibility I take seriously. In summary, a cage is not just a confinement; it’s a vital

My Buying Guides on Cage For Small Animals

When I decided to bring a small animal into my home, one of the first things I realized was the importance of choosing the right cage. Not only does a good cage provide a safe and comfortable environment for my pet, but it also makes my life easier as an owner. Here’s a guide based on my experience to help you find the perfect cage for your small furry friend.

Understanding Your Pet’s Needs

Before I started shopping, I made sure to research the specific needs of my pet. Different small animals, like hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits, have varying space and habitat requirements. I learned that:

  • Hamsters need a multi-level cage with tunnels and plenty of ventilation.
  • Guinea pigs require a spacious cage with a solid floor and hiding spots.
  • Rabbits thrive in larger enclosures that allow them to hop around.

Knowing my pet’s specific needs helped narrow down my options significantly.

Size Matters

One of the first things I considered was the size of the cage. I made a mistake in thinking that smaller cages would suffice for my active pets. Here’s what I found:

  • Choose the right size: Make sure the cage is big enough for your pet to move around comfortably. For example, I opted for a guinea pig cage that was at least 7.5 square feet.
  • Vertical space: For pets like hamsters, vertical space is just as important as floor space. Multi-level cages are great for encouraging climbing and exploration.

Material and Safety

The material of the cage is another crucial factor. I wanted to ensure that my pet would be safe and secure, so I looked for cages made from durable materials. Here’s what I discovered:

  • Wire cages: These are great for ventilation but ensure the spacing between bars is small enough to prevent escapes.
  • Plastic bases: Look for cages with solid plastic bottoms to prevent injuries and make cleaning easier.
  • Non-toxic materials: I checked that all materials used in the cage were pet-safe to avoid any health risks.

Ease of Cleaning

Keeping my pet’s home clean is a priority for me. I found that some cages are much easier to clean than others. Here are a few tips that worked for me:

  • Removable trays: I prefer cages with removable trays for easy cleaning. This feature has saved me a lot of time and effort.
  • Simple access: Look for cages with large doors or access points so I can easily reach inside to clean and interact with my pet.

Accessories and Features

I also wanted to ensure the cage came with or allowed for the addition of accessories. My pet’s happiness depends on having things to do. Here’s what I recommend:

  • Hiding spots: Whether it’s a little igloo or a tunnel, make sure there’s a place for your pet to feel secure.
  • Toys and platforms: Adding shelves, ladders, and chew toys can enrich my pet’s environment.
  • Feeding areas: Look for cages that allow for easy feeding and watering, such as built-in food bowls or water bottles.

Budget Considerations

While I was eager to find the best cage for my pet, I also had to consider my budget. Here’s how I managed:

  • Set a budget: I determined how much I was willing to spend, which helped me filter my options.
  • Quality over price: In my experience, investing a little more upfront for a quality cage can save money in the long run, especially if it lasts longer and keeps my pet happy.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right cage for a small animal is a significant decision that impacts both their well-being and my peace of mind as a pet owner. By considering my pet’s specific needs, the size and material of the cage, ease of cleaning, accessories, and budget, I was able to make an informed decision. I hope these tips help you find the perfect cage for your small animal!

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Joan Rivera
Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.

Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.