Litter Pan Size For Rats

Rats are highly intelligent animals that can be trained to use a litter box. The litter box should be big enough to fit a rat's entire body, with enough space for them to turn around. For adult rats, the recommended size is at least 9-11 inches in length. Some popular options include the lock-n-litter pan for corner placement and the Geggur litter box for a traditional rectangular/square shape. It is also important to use a litter material that is safe for rats, as some options like wood shavings can lead to respiratory issues.

Corner litter boxes are great for rats

When you first start litter training your rats, place a corner litter box in every corner of each level of their cage. You can also make your own litter boxes out of cardboard trays, shoe box tops, or pizza boxes split in half. The best sizes to buy are 8" and 10", depending on how large your cage is.

Rats will naturally go to the toilet in the corner, so with a corner litter box, they can't miss. If your rat does go to the toilet outside of its litter box, use something disposable to pick it up and place it in the box. Rats tend to use the same spots to go to the toilet, so by placing their waste in the box, they will start to understand where to go.

Once your rats are using one box, or you notice they are going to the toilet less outside of the box, you can remove three of the boxes and leave the one they use. You can keep the box in the same location or move it, depending on your preference.

There are many corner litter boxes available on the market. For example, the 'lock-n-litter pan' on Amazon is the perfect size for rats, and the 'Geggur litter box' is a good rectangular/square option that includes a grate to keep the rats off the litter.

Litter training your rats will make free-roam time more fun and your carpets much cleaner!

A rat litter box should be at least 9-11 inches in length

Rats are highly intelligent animals that can be trained to use a litter box. To ensure your rats are comfortable, a rat litter box should be at least 9-11 inches in length so that it can fit their entire body. This is the minimum length recommended for adult rats.

When choosing a litter box, it is important to consider the size of your rat and the space available in their cage. If you are looking for a corner litter box, the 'lock-n-litter pan' on Amazon is a good option. For a traditional rectangular or square-shaped litter box, the 'Geggur litter box' is suitable and includes a grate to keep the rats off the litter.

In addition to the size and type of litter box, the material used for the litter is also important. Wood shavings, for example, are not recommended as they can lead to respiratory issues and do not absorb urine well, resulting in a smellier and less hygienic litter tray. Commercially available litters like 'Kaytee Critter Litter' or environmentally friendly options like 'Purina's Yesterday's News Litter' are better choices.

When it comes to litter training your rats, it is recommended to start by placing temporary litter boxes in every corner of their cage, as rats naturally go potty in corners. Using a different type of litter from the rest of the cage can also help your rats identify their litter box more easily. As they get used to the litter box, you can gradually remove the temporary ones, leaving only one in their preferred location.

With the right size and type of litter box, along with consistent training, your rats will be well on their way to being litter box trained!

Don't use wood shavings in the litter box

Rats require a litter box that is big enough to fit their entire body. For adult rats, this means a litter box that is at least 9-11 inches in length.

When it comes to the material used in the litter box, it is important to avoid wood shavings. While wood shavings such as cedar and pine may be readily available, they contain phenols, the same compound used in Lysol and Pinesol. The caustic fumes released by these wood shavings can irritate a rat's nasal passages, throat, and lungs, making them vulnerable to bacteria. Phenols can also damage their kidneys and liver and suppress their immune system.

In addition to the health risks, wood shavings have several other drawbacks. They don't absorb urine as well as other materials, so the litter tray will smellier faster and need to be replaced more frequently.

Instead of wood shavings, commercially available litters like 'Kaytee Critter Litter' or environmentally friendly options like 'Purina's Yesterday's News Litter' are recommended. These alternatives are safer for your rat's health and will also be more effective at odour control and absorption.

It is also important to note that the bedding and litter for pet rats should be kept separate. Bedding is the material upon which your rats sleep, while litter is used for where they urinate and defecate. Using the same material for both can be confusing for your rats and may hinder their litter training progress.

You can use paper towels instead of a litter box

Rats are intelligent creatures that can be trained to use litter boxes. While there are many options for litter boxes and litter material, you can also use paper towels instead.

Paper towels are a great alternative to litter boxes, especially when training your rats to relieve themselves outside their cage. Paper towels are absorbent, easy to clean, and can be placed in various spots, such as on the sofa, the floor, or the kitchen counter. It is recommended to use 3-5 paper towels in a stack to ensure adequate absorption.

When using paper towels, it is important to place your rats on the paper towels and say "paper towel" or "litter box" to help them associate the action with the words. Additionally, always praise your rats when they use the paper towels to reinforce the behaviour.

If your rats are on your shoulder and you notice they need to relieve themselves, gently place them on the paper towels you have prepared nearby. It is a good idea to have paper towels readily available throughout your home, especially in areas where your rats spend time.

To prevent your rats from dragging the paper towels to their nest, you can use masking tape to secure the edges. Alternatively, provide them with shredded plain newsprint or other suitable nesting materials to satisfy their need for building nests.

Paper towels are a convenient and effective option for rat litter training, both inside and outside their cage.

Rats can be litter trained outside their cage, too

Once your rats are litter box trained inside their cage, you can start litter training them outside their cage. Outside the cage, it is easier to use paper towels rather than litter boxes. Place paper towels in areas where your rats are likely to urinate and defecate. For example, if your rats are on a sofa, place paper towels in the inner corners at either end. If your rats are exploring the floor of a room, place paper towels in each corner of the room as well as any other area that looks like a desirable bathroom spot for your rats.

To get started with litter training outside your rats’ cage, follow these tips:

• The moment you take your rats from their cage to your couch or out to play in a room, place them immediately onto the paper towels and say “paper towel” (or “litter box” if you’re using litter boxes inside their cage) even if they don’t need to go to the bathroom. After you’ve placed them on the paper towels, you can let them walk around and explore. In most cases, they’ll automatically use the paper towels as their bathroom, especially if they’ve already been trained to do so when inside their cage.
• If you find them defecating or urinating on your couch or carpet or wherever you have them, use the same method you used inside their cage: If they begin urinating or defecating in the “wrong place”, gently pick them up and move them onto the paper towels and say “paper towel” or “litter box”. Allow them to finish eliminating on the paper towels.
• If they start to poop or pee on the couch or carpet where there isn’t already a stack of paper towels, place additional paper towels in the locations they’ve chosen for themselves.
• Always praise them when you see them using the words “litter box” or “paper towels”.

If you’re walking around with your rats on your shoulders, they’ll usually let you know when they have to go to the bathroom. They’ll get “antsy” and act as if they want to get off your shoulder. When this happens, simply take your rat off your shoulder and place him or her on paper towels you’ve already placed nearby. Always have a stack of paper towels ready nearby wherever you go with your rats inside your house in case they need to use them.

If you’re outside your home or in your car, have a cat carrier or small cage ready with a stack of paper towels placed in the back of it. Again, if they start trying to get off your shoulder, place them inside the cat carrier with the paper towels. After your rats use the bathroom in their carrier or cage, they’ll usually be eager to get back on your shoulder and will no longer try to get off.

Frequently asked questions