Which animals require the same minimum cage height recommendations in the Guide?

The correct choice highlights an important aspect of animal care as recommended in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Both rats and guinea pigs share similar body sizes and behaviors, which necessitate comparable cage height requirements to ensure their well-being and allow for natural movement and activity.

The recommendations for cage height are designed to accommodate the animals' need for vertical space, which is crucial for their physical and psychological health. For rats, the height allows them to stand on their hind legs, climb, and explore their environment, while guinea pigs benefit from similar heights to engage in natural behaviors such as jumping and playing.

In contrast, the other options involve pairs of animals that do not share the same cage space requirements. For example, mice and hamsters may have different activity patterns and bodily dimensions that influence their cage height needs. Likewise, guinea pigs and rabbits, although they have similarities, might have different ideal cage setups due to their respective sizes and behaviors. Rabbits and cats have the least compatibility in terms of cage height recommendations since they are fundamentally different species with distinct bodily structures and environmental needs.

Understanding these requirements is vital for ensuring that laboratory animals receive proper housing that supports their health and welfare.