Small pets are adorable. Despite being small, your little furry friend still requires a home from My Pet Cages. Like any other pet, finding the right home for your furry friend can be challenging. The cage you choose for your little furry friend will go a long way in helping them feel more at home and relaxed when they are around you. Here’s a guide on how to choose the right small pet cage.

Size

The first thing you should do is consider the size of the cage. One major assumption most people have is that the size of your pet dictates the size of their cage; well, that isn’t true. The cage you purchase for your small pet should be large. Like large animals, your small pet also requires space to roam around. The cage size you choose will also determine if your small pet will get to enjoy using cage accessories like a hammock. Here is a list of examples of the right cage size for different small pets.

  • Guinea pig: This pet requires an ideal cage of 12 inches high, 12 inches wide, and 24 inches long.
  • Mouse: The ideal cage size for a mouse is 12 inches high, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long.
  • Rat: The cage should be 12 inches high, 12 inches wide, and 24 inches long.
  • Hamster: The cage should be 12 inches high, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long.

If you still aren’t sure about the cage size, you can always ask your online or physical pet supplier for advice.

The Type of Cage

Once you have the size down, the next step is determining the cage type. Small pet cages fit into three categories: glass aquariums with wire covers, plastic habitats, and wire cages. So, how do the three different cages fare against each other?

Glass aquariums with wire covers: This type of cage protects your small pet from small children and other pets.  The glass material gives you a clear view of your pet’s antics, thanks to its glass cage. It can also drastically cut down on odors. However, this type of small pet cage isn’t cheap. Another downside is that glass aquariums are poorly ventilated. They can also heat up quite fast and cause distress to your small pet.

Wire Cages: These types of cages have excellent ventilation. They also prevent moisture from building up too quickly, and they are quite easy to clean, as they do come with detachable tray bottoms that you can easily snap off. One huge downside of a wire cage is that keeping it tidy can be an uphill task. Your small pet can kick and scatter its bedding and accessories outside the cage.

Plastic Habitats: The last type of cage you can consider is a plastic habitat. Plastic habitats are well ventilated and they have sufficient space for your little friend. The only downside is that maintaining this type of cage might be a little difficult. 

But, before you choose either of the three, make sure you consider your pet’s nature and needs. For instance, hamsters like to nest and burrow, meaning the cage you choose should have a deep enough floor for them to burrow. The cage should also have enough corners for you to partition it into sections for food, bathroom, and storage. You should also consider the safety of your pet.

Affordability

Once you have the type of cage, the next step is figuring out if it is within your budget. After all, you wouldn’t want to buy a cage beyond your budget. If you are looking for a budget-friendly cage, your best option would be a plastic habitat or wire cage. However, remember cheap isn’t always the best, so try to factor in your small pet’s needs even when deciding on the budget for the cage. 

Bedding, Digging, and Substrate Material

All small pets require a substrate material to line the bottom of the cage. They will also need safe and comfortable bedding material. If your pet loves to dig, you will have to provide your little friend with digging material like potting compost.

Entertainment and Toys

Like any other pet, your small pet also requires enrichment. So, when deciding on the right cage for them, make sure that it’s vast enough to include an adventurous playground full of fun things and activities to do. Do your research, find out what your small pet likes to do, and incorporate that into the cage.

Choosing the right cage for your small pet isn’t an easy process. But the tips above can help make your search easier. Also, going down this road will help make it easier to get to know your pet better.