an automatic cage lock for securing various cages in a ventilated cage and rack system . the automatic cage lock facilitates the securing of a cage within the cage and rack system when a user slides the cage into the cage and rack system until the cage fully passes the locking finger component of the automatic cage lock . the cage may be easily unlocked by applying a small amount of pressure to the locking finger while simultaneously grasping the cage for removal . a color - coded indicator block may be disposed on the end of the lock assembly ; the indicator block may be hidden by an indicator shield when the cage is securely docked in the rack . conversely , the indicator block may be visually exposed when a cage is present in the rack but not fully docked within the rack . the indicator block provides a clear indication to a user as to the docking status of the cage .