All rats need a cage. Even if you plan on having a free range rat (i wouldn't), you still will need a place to put it in case of an emergancy, and to keep it safe. Now, the pet stores will try and sell you a cage that is tiny and adorable, DON'T TAKE IT! Rats need a large cage to play, and enjoy themselves. Other wise you'll have a cramped, smelly, irritated, annoying rat on your hands. I am currently using a Ritz: Chinchilla/Rat cage. It came pvc covered, with a wheel, and two feed dishes. It did cost a pretty penny, but a cage will last you years, and through many rats, so think of it as an investment. When picking a new cage, pick one that will let the rat run, sleep, and eliminate all in different area's. I would pick a cage with no wire on the botom, because wire cause Bumble foot, a ratty foot owie infection. Not good. you also have the option of hosig it out, and the wire not rusting and your rats getting tetnis toxiode. :P Not good. Also, beware of glass tanks, they heat up during the day, and even though it may be 80 degrees in the house, in the tank it could be 120 degree's f. Also, bacteria can stay in the air in a glass tank, and make your ratties sick. Not good.