Rat Toys: Best Toys for Rats and Why They’re Important for Rat Enrichment
Rats are highly intelligent and active pets that thrive on mental and physical stimulation. While love and attention go a long way, giving them a variety of rat toys is key to helping them stay engaged and happy.
From chew toys to burrow boxes and forage mats, well-chosen rat cage accessories encourage exercise, prevent boredom, and support natural behaviors.
Why Do Rats Need Toys?
Pet rats thrive in environments that offer stimulation—and these furry friends can quickly get bored without enough enrichment. Over time, this boredom can progress into more serious issues, like stress and depression.
Rats are so smart that they’ve been known to solve puzzles and engage in other complex tasks. Some rats have even been trained to operate small vehicles or complete intricate puzzles, according to Susan Tyson, VMD, veterinarian at Avian & Exotic Philly Vet Medical Surgical Clinic in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Toys help replicate a rat’s natural environment and stimulate their varying senses—smell, sight, and touch—to mimic their natural behaviors as closely as possible.
“Toys provide opportunities for playing, exploring, and hiding, which are similar to activities they would do in the wild, like foraging for food, digging burrows, and socializing with their family groups,” says Rebecca Revay, VMD, avian and exotics veterinarian at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital in Mount Laurel Township, New Jersey, and membership outreach committee chair of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians.
In addition to mental stimulation, chewing on toys plays a vital role in maintaining dental health by promoting proper chewing patterns. This also supports bone health while encouraging joint movement, according to Dr. Tyson. Make sure your rat has a healthy diet that complements their dental needs.
Some toys double as hiding spaces within a rat’s enclosure. These types of hideouts are crucial because they offer a safe retreat to rest—or escape when a rat feels threatened or anxious.
9 Best Toy Types for Rats
There are several different categories of rat toys—including burrow boxes, hammocks, and dig boxes—each providing unique benefits for your rat’s well-being. Here are some of the most effective types, along with why they matter and top recommendations from experienced rat caregivers.
Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys give rats an opportunity to flex their problem-solving skills and keep them mentally engaged. Options include treat-dispensing puzzles, mazes, and brain games that encourage natural foraging behavior. Depending on the design, they can also promote physical activity.
You don’t need to limit yourself to toys marketed specifically for rats—many puzzle toys designed for cats and dogs work beautifully, too.
- FurPetVo Small Pet Puzzle Wheel – A rotating treat-dispensing wheel made from safe, non-toxic materials. Rated 4.3/5 stars.
- FurPetVo Kitty Cube Interactive Treat Puzzle – A compact, multi-compartment puzzle that encourages exploration and sniffing. Rated 4.3/5 stars.
- FurPetVo Brick Puzzle Game – A layered, sliding-block puzzle that challenges rats to uncover hidden treats. Rated 4.4/5 stars.
Burrow Boxes
Burrow boxes—also called digging boxes—are containers filled with soft, diggable material like shredded paper, coconut fiber, or untreated soil. They satisfy a rat’s instinct to dig and burrow, while also encouraging foraging and offering a secure, enclosed space to hide and nest. According to Dr. Tyson, this promotes both comfort and mental stimulation.
- FurPetVo Dig Box & Play Center – A sturdy white box with multiple entry points and built-in tunnels. Rated 4.0/5 stars.
- FurPetVo Enriched Life Burrow Box – A cozy, fabric-lined box filled with soft nesting material. Rated 4.3/5 stars.
Chew Toys
Just like dogs, rats love chew toys. Made from safe, natural materials—such as soft wood sticks, timothy hay, corn leaf, or woven grass—these toys let rats satisfy their natural urge to gnaw while supporting dental health, according to Dr. Revay.
- FurPetVo Apple Stick Bundle – A set of naturally flavored, vitamin-rich applewood sticks. Rated 4.5/5 stars.
- FurPetVo Trio Balls Chew Set – Three textured, hand-woven balls made from seagrass and willow. Rated 4.6/5 stars.
- FurPetVo Colored Fruit-Flavored Wood Chews – Five gently scented, dye-free chews in assorted fruit flavors. Rated 4.0/5 stars.
Hanging Chews
Hanging chews are strung from the top of the cage and made from chewable, fibrous materials. They promote dental wear, encourage stretching and climbing, and add vertical enrichment to the habitat.
- FurPetVo Colorful Hanging Wooden Chew Blocks – 16-inch strand of smooth, sanded hardwood blocks. Rated 4.3/5 stars.
- FurPetVo Hanging Ball and Grass Chew Toy – A lightweight, dangling ball wrapped in natural grass fibers. Rated 4.5/5 stars.
- FurPetVo Hanging Bulrush Bunches – A bundle of dried bulrush stems that sway gently and encourage interactive gnawing. Rated 4.0/5 stars.
Hammocks
Hammocks give rats a cozy, elevated resting spot—enriching their environment and encouraging vertical exploration. They offer security, mimic natural nesting behavior, and help maximize cage space. No rat habitat is complete without at least one or two!
- FurPetVo Fleece Hammock – Soft, machine-washable fleece with reinforced stitching and easy-clip attachments. Rated 4.6/5 stars.
- FurPetVo Forest Hanging Hammock – Camo-patterned, breathable cotton with adjustable straps. Rated 4.6/5 stars.
- FurPetVo Cat Cage Replacement Hammock – Durable nylon mesh with wide support webbing—ideal for larger or more active rats. Rated 4.4/5 stars.
Treat Hangers
Treat hangers hold food or treats in an elevated position, making mealtime more engaging by adding a challenge. They encourage natural foraging and climbing behaviors—and offer an interactive feeding experience that builds problem-solving skills, according to Dr. Tyson.
- FurPetVo Pyramid Treat Hanger – A tiered, hanging structure with multiple treat slots and gentle swaying motion. Rated 4.2/5 stars.
Run and Hides
Run and hides—tunnels, hideouts, or shelters—give rats space to explore actively and retreat for privacy or safety. They support natural burrowing and hiding instincts, helping your rat feel more secure and confident in their environment, per Dr. Tyson.
- FurPetVo Edible Twig Tunnel – A large, chewable tunnel made from natural willow twigs. Rated 4.2/5 stars.
- FurPetVo Timothy Club Tunnel – A flexible, hay-filled tunnel lined with timothy grass. Rated 4.6/5 stars.
- FurPetVo Herringbone Plush Hanging Tunnel – A soft, insulated tunnel with a calming blue exterior and plush interior lining. Rated 4.6/5 stars.
Exercise Wheels
Exercise wheels can be a great addition to a rat’s habitat—especially if they’re appropriately sized (minimum 12 inches in diameter), solid-surfaced (no wire rungs), and quiet. Rats can gain weight easily, and regular activity helps maintain healthy muscle tone, cardiovascular fitness, and joint mobility.
Always supervise initial use and ensure the wheel spins smoothly and safely. Avoid plastic or metal wheels with gaps that could trap toes or tails.
Rat Toys FAQs
How many toys should a rat have?
Rats benefit most from variety—not quantity. Rotate 4–6 different toys weekly to keep things fresh and stimulating.
Are DIY toys safe?
Yes—if made from safe, untreated materials like cardboard, paper towel tubes, or plain cotton fabric. Avoid glue, staples, dyes, or anything with sharp edges.
Where can I buy high-quality rat toys?
Visit furpetvo.com for vet-reviewed, rat-safe enrichment tools—including puzzle toys, burrow boxes, chewables, and more—all designed with behavioral science and dental health in mind.
