A basic tenet of the guidelines set forth by the Council of Europe with respect to housing is that the animal must be able to engage in its natural activities to the fullest possible extent. The rat must be able to move freely and rear up in order to explore (see movie 1) and to engage in social behaviourSocial behaviour The gamut of behaviours displayed by an animal in the presence of other animals that are either not displayed when solitary, or are not displayed in the same manner. with its cage mates (see movie 2 on the page Health and activity).

Rats are capable of recognizing individual humans. Consequently, it is important that they are familiar with the people who handle and feed them.

Cage enrichment materials, such as tissues, paper, tubes or boxes are beneficial, particularly if the animals have grown up with them (see movie 2).