MICE, HAMSTERS, GERBILS, rabbits, guinea pigs, oh my! Since small furry pets were not created equal, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to providing them with a comfortable home. Unless you are a retailer that specializes in pocket pets, it can be tricky to know how many different cages to carry. With that in mind, we’ve selected a few key products that will help you narrow down the choices and selection.
Right Sizing
When helping your customers choose a habitat, it’s important to recommend the right fit for the type of animal. For instance, small hamsters and mice can squeeze through the gaps in wire cages designed for guinea pigs and rabbits. Customers should also consider the number of pets they will be housing. Even if they are starting with one, they may want to add a few more down the road, and it’s better to have more room than close quarters!
CritterHome
Kaytee
KEY FEATURES: This colorful home is available in two sizes and is best suited for rabbits and guinea pigs. Front and top access doors, and deep base. Comes with food dish and water bottle.
SALES TIP: Let your customers know about Kaytee’s $20 mail-in rebate with the purchase of a CritterHome and Kaytee Guinea Pig or Rabbit food and Kaytee Clean & Cozy Bedding.
kaytee.com, (800) 529-8331
$99.95 – $129.95
Bunny Villa
KW Cages
KEY FEATURES: Made in the USA, powder-coated steel construction on caster wheels. Double decker, with extra room for bunny or guinea pig to move around.
SALES TIP: Point out the finishing touches such as carpeted ramp and “terra cotta” laminate flooring, so your customers will see this is more than a typical cage.
kwcages.com, (800) 447-2243
$299.50
Deluxe Critter Cage
Prevue Pet Products
KEY FEATURES: Made in USA. Spacious multi-level cage has tight wire spacing appropriate for many small animals, especially active ones like ferrets, rats, and sugar gliders. Comes with platforms, ramps and hammock to create four levels.
SALES TIP: Highlight the details that make the pet parent’s life easier, such as the cage is mounted on casters, which makes it easy to move around, and there’s storage room underneath for food, treats and other supplies.
prevuepet.com, (312) 243-3624
$299.99
Mod Squad
Part of the fun of small pet ownership is being able to add personal touches to make their house a home. The modular, modern habitats featured here are eye-catching, colorful, appealing to your customers who have an eye for design or appreciate a unique look. And better yet, they are customizable, with a full line of additional accessories such as tunnels, ramps, wheels and hideaways, giving your customers more reasons to come back.
OVO Dwarf Hamster Habitat
Habitrail (Hagen)
KEY FEATURES: Part of the top-selling OVO line, this home is designed specifically for smaller hamsters and mice. Includes food dish, exercise wheel, water bottle. Clear tubes make for easy viewing.
SALES TIP: Point out that this modern look also meets small rodents’ natural desires to tunnel, with a result that’s pleasing for pets as well owners who have an eye for design.
habitrail.com, (800) 353-3444
$40
CritterTrail LED Lighted Habitat
Kaytee
KEY FEATURES: Highlight of this award-winning design is the two “Bubble Plugs,” battery-powered LED lights. The habitat also features expandable ports compatible with CritterTrail accessories, and comes with water bottle, exercise wheel and food dish.
SALES TIP: Set up a demo cage to show off the nighttime red light, which will allow pet parents a glimpse of what their gerbil is really getting into after hours.
kaytee.com, (800) 529-8331
$39.95
Critter Universe Ava Tower
Ware Manufacturing
KEY FEATURES: Three-level design that stimulates burrowing instinct. Compatible with line of Critter Universe cages and accessories. Comes with cube hideouts, water bottle and bowl.
SALES TIP: Your customers can connect multiple habitats and give their pets more legroom than first class.
waremfginc.com, (602) 257-8803
$43
Kid-Friendly
Since hamsters, gerbils and mice are perfect first pets for children, it makes sense to carry some cages that appeal to youngsters (and their parents). Here are some starter homes, pet-tested and popular with people of all ages. Add some accessories, food and bedding to create your own kits, for an easier sell.
3-Level Hamster Cage
Iris USA
KEY FEATURES: Sized for a single hamster, this tri-level home has a plastic front and wire sides for good air circulation.
SALES TIP: Point out the cute and colorful background, which pairs perfectly with a kid’s bedroom.
irisusainc.com, (800) 320-4747
$54.99
Hamster Haven
Prevue Pet Products
KEY FEATURES: Colorful tri-level cage, available in an assortment of base and component combinations. Comes with platforms, ramps, hideaway dome and exercise wheel.
SALES TIP: Newly redesigned retail-ready packaging is available in English, French and Spanish, making it easier to sell to customers in diverse markets.
prevuepet.com, (312) 243-3624
$49.99
Pink Princess Castle
Penn Plax
KEY FEATURES: Lives up to its name, with plenty of accoutrements. Multi-level home has “cellar” to replicate underground. Comes in two- or three-level sizes.
SALES TIP: If a man’s home is his castle, then a girl’s pet hamster’s home is a princess castle. Set these out at eye-level for pint-sized customers to grab their attention.
penn-plax.com, (866) 625-2385
$39.99/$69.99