Your Rats Outside It can be fun to take your rats outside on a nice day to enjoy the fresh air. Rats will love all the new smells that they can take in and explore. There are people who will take their rats out loose or on a leash, however we prefer to keep them within the safety of a cage or a enclosed play pen. Things can be unsafe for an openly exposed rat. They could get attacked by a loose dog or cat, and this might sound ridiculous, but believe me we've heard of it happening, I bird of prey may swoop down and snatch your rat up. City birds are very brazen, and will fly right up to you if it means a free meal. However you choose to take your rat outside, be sure to keep them away from fertilized lawns or anything else which might be toxic or dangerous. Also, don't let your rats bake in the sun. Pick a shady area if the sun is bright that day. Never leave your rats outside unattended. Never take your rats out into a cold or really hot day.