Rat winter products – warm, cozy and enriching for cold days
- Voor 17 uur besteld, dezelfde dag verzonden!
- Specialist sinds 2011
- Delivery from our own stock
- Voor 17 uur besteld, dezelfde dag verzonden!
- Specialist sinds 2011
- Delivery from our own stock
Rat winter products – extra comfort, shelter and enrichment for cold days
In winter, rats are primarily concerned with stable conditions: a draft-free environment, plenty of hiding places, and cozy, soft resting areas where they like to sleep together. In this category, you'll find winter products that make their stay more pleasant, hassle-free: from cozy hangouts and sleeping spots to warm accessories and winter enrichment.
At DRD Rodent Shop® , you'll find not only a carefully curated selection but also practical help with choosing: what really works in a rat cage, how to keep fabric items fresh, and how to provide warmth safely. Specialists in rodents and rabbits since 2011.
Rats like to sleep in a "rat clump." Provide several soft resting places on different levels.
Rat hammocks →
Choose comfort items suitable for small animals and always provide a cool hideaway.
Cushions & baskets →
Indoors, rats often spend more time in their cages. Alternate toys and foraging activities to keep them engaged.
Play & Forage →
Choosing winter products for rats – quick selection guide
Choose winter products based on behavior and practice : where do your rats like to sleep, where does it cool down the most (draft corner), and which items are easy to keep clean?
1) For extra cozy sleeping
- Choose soft hanging or sleeping places (e.g. hammock, sleeping bag, basket) that can accommodate several rats at once.
- Work with at least 2–3 rest areas: this prevents “claiming” and creates peace in the group.
2) For shelter & routes
- Combine hiding places with tunnels and pipes and platforms and ladders for safe walking routes.
- Tip: don't hang a cozy sleeping place right next to an open trellis wall where there could be a draft.
3) For 'warmth' without overheating
- Choose products intended for small animals and place heat sources so that rats can always escape.
- Not sure? Then go for "passive heat": extra fleece/plush hiding space + plenty of nesting material.
✔ Practical tip: choose washable items (or interchangeable sets), so you can always hang something up while the rest is in the wash.
What can you find in Ratten Winter Products?
Our winter products are primarily focused on comfort , shelter and additional activity during cold, dark days:
- Soft sleeping places such as hammocks, sleeping bags and cozy baskets.
- Shelters (think igloos/mini-tents) for a sheltered resting spot.
- Tunnels made of soft materials: sleeping and hiding, often loved by groups.
- Comfort accessories for extra warmth or a nice place to lie down (always with the option of an extension).
- Winter enrichment to stay active: variety, sniffing and foraging.
Placement & climate in the house – the basics before you add “more heat”
The biggest wins in winter often lie not in "extra warmth," but in preventing drafts and choosing a stable location. Don't place the cage directly next to a heater or against a cold draft (door/window). Rats like to determine their own comfort, so provide multiple resting places and let them choose.
- Create a sheltered corner with shelter and nesting material.
- Keep ventilation in order: stale, damp air is not pleasant in winter.
- Preferably use low-dust substrate and keep the cage fresh with a routine (see maintenance).
Smart combinations – make your cage winter-proof and fun
Winter products work best as part of a complete interior design. Combine cozy items with standard "basic elements" for structure:
- Multi-level rat cages (climbing = heat from movement).
- Houses + nesting material/cushions/baskets for multiple sleeping zones.
- Ground cover for comfort and hygiene (especially important in winter).
- Toilets and/or urinals to manage wet areas more quickly.
- For natural winter design: Ratscaping .
Maintenance & hygiene – keeping winter items fresh
In winter, rats often spend more time in soft items. That means washing/spot-cleaning a little more often. Make it easy on yourself with a consistent routine:
✔ Wash textiles regularly and allow them to dry completely before replacing them.
✔ Spot-clean daily: wet spots gone = less odor and cleaner sleeping behavior.
✔ For urine odor on (non-textile) parts: use a urine remover such as CSI Urine Spray or Urine Buster .
✔ Use toilets/urine mats in favorite corners: this saves a lot on "winter washing".
Checklist – winter-proofing your home against rats
✔ Draught-free installation (not against a window/door, not next to a heater)
✔ At least 2–3 soft resting places spread over levels
✔ One sheltered spot + extra "open" chill spot (choice = peace and quiet)
✔ Washable or interchangeable textiles (always a clean set at hand)
✔ Hygiene plan: spot-clean + toilets/urinary mats
✔ Extra enrichment in winter (variety in toys/foraging)
Safety
Check winter items extra carefully: fraying , loose stitching, broken hanging rings, and gnawing damage can pose a risk. Hang everything securely to prevent a fall hazard. Use only heating products suitable for small animals and always provide a safe place to retreat without a heat source. Clean with suitable products, rinse thoroughly, and let everything dry completely before replacing it.
FAQ – rat winter products
Do rats need extra warmth in winter?
Often, a draft-free spot and extra hiding and sleeping areas are enough. Rats warm each other up by sleeping together. Be sure to provide a variety: multiple resting places and plenty of nesting material.
What's better: a hammock, a basket, or a sleeping bag?
This varies per group. Many rats prefer to lie high (hammock/sleeping bag), while others choose a basket or hiding place. A mix of at least 2-3 options spread throughout the cage is best.
How often should I wash winter textiles?
That depends on the marking and group size. Spot-clean daily and wash routinely. With a changeover set, you can always offer a clean one while the other set dries.
My rats are chewing up hammocks – what now?
Provide additional enrichment (foraging, gnawing material) and ensure sufficient alternative sleeping options. Also consider gnawing material and playing & foraging .
✔ Winter comfort for rats: cozy sleeping, shelter and extra enrichment
✔ Selection guide for safe heat, smart installation and maintenance
✔ Specialist since 2011
Order before 5 PM, shipped the same day | Delivered from our own stock | Specialist since 2011

