Pet rats are intelligent, social, and affectionate companions that make wonderful additions to many households. Despite common misconceptions, these small rodents are clean and trainable and bond closely with their caregivers. This guide will cover everything you need to know about keeping pet rats.
What Makes Rats Unique as Pets?
Pet rats are very different from their wild counterparts. They’ve been selectively bred to have more docile temperaments, varied coat colours, and an increased lifespan. Pet rats are extremely intelligent, able to learn their names, respond to commands, and even perform tricks.
What truly sets pet rats apart is their capacity for genuine social bonding. Unlike many small pets, they form attachments to their humans, recognise familiar people, and often enjoy cuddling and being handled.
Why Should Rats Always Be Kept in Pairs or Groups?
Pet rats are highly social creatures. This means they need companionship for their psychological well-being. A rat kept alone will become depressed, anxious, and stressed. Even with plenty of human interaction, rats still need the company of other rats for important social behaviours like mutual grooming and play.
Ideally, pet rats should be kept in same-sex pairs or small groups. Males (bucks) typically grow larger and tend to be more laid-back, while females (does) are more active and exploratory. Both make excellent companions when properly socialised.
How Intelligent Are Pet Rats Compared to Other Small Pets?
Pet rats are smarter than most small pets. They demonstrate impressive cognitive abilities, including spatial memory, problem-solving skills, and incredible learning abilities. Unlike their hamster and gerbil cousins, pet rats can be trained using positive reinforcement. With some patience, you can teach your rat to come when called, stand on its hind legs, and even play fetch with small items.
Emotionally, pet rats are well developed. This is evident in their preference for certain people and activities. You’ll be able to discern when your pet rat is excited to play or for a treat, and you may even notice that your rat seems to show empathy toward other familiar rats in distress.
What Should an Ideal Rat Cage Setup Include?
The ideal cage for your pet rat should provide at least two cubic feet of space per rat. Wire cages with multiple levels can help maximise vertical space – a big hit with rats. The spacing of the bars should be no wider than ½ an inch to prevent escapes.
Essential cage components include:
- Soft, absorbent, dust-free bedding (ideally paper-based, fleece, or aspen)
- Multiple sleeping areas (hammocks, nooks, and houses)
- Enrichment items (climbing ropes, branches, platforms)
- Various toys (puzzle feeders, cardboard tubes, chew toys)
The ideal place for the cage is in a quiet area of the home with a stable temperature between 65°F and 75°F. Avoid areas that are drafty or in direct sunlight.
How Should a Rat’s Diet Be Balanced?
Your pet rat will thrive on a diet of high-quality laboratory blocks (containing 14-16% protein) supplemented with fresh foods. Commercial rat food should form the foundation of your rat’s diet, ensuring they receive all the essential nutrients in the right amounts.
Fresh food should comprise around 20% of a pet rat’s diet, including leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and root vegetables. You can give your rat fruit occasionally as a treat. Proteins like cooked eggs or small amounts of chicken can be given 2-3 times a week, particularly for young or nursing rats.
Don’t give your rat human treats like chocolate or carbonated beverages. Also, avoid raw beans, sweet potato, blue cheese, alcohol, and anything with caffeine, as these can be toxic to pet rats. Ensure your rat has easy access to plenty of fresh water.
How Do You Properly Handle and Socialise Pet Rats?
Socialization is important for owning a pet rat and should start as early as possible. Begin by getting near the cage and speaking softly. Offer treats from your palm to encourage your pet rat to approach you voluntarily. Gradually, they will become more comfortable with you until they allow you to pet them on their back.
To pick up a pet rat correctly, support its entire body by scooping one hand under its chest and hindquarters. Never grab a rat by the tail, as this can cause injury. Once you’ve lifted your pet rat, hold it close to your body at a comfortable height.
Handle your pet rat regularly for around 30 minutes a day to help them become fully socialized. Well-socialised rats often seek human interaction and might even enjoy riding on your shoulder or nestling in your sleeves.
What Are Common Health Issues in Pet Rats?
Respiratory infections are the most common health concern among pet rats. Look out for symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, and reddish oozing from the eyes and nose. These issues can largely be prevented by maintaining a clean cage, using dust-free bedding, and ensuring good ventilation.
Tumours, particularly mammary tumours in females, are common in ageing pet rats. Regular and gentle examination can help you detect any growths early. Spaying your female pet rats before six months can greatly reduce the risk of tumours.
Other common issues include mites (which can cause scratching and hair loss) and dental issues arising from misaligned or overgrown incisors. Regular veterinary care from a veterinarian specialising in exotic pets will help you detect and treat any issues early.
How Can You Tell if Your Pet Rat is Happy and Healthy?
Happy pet rats will show you that they’re living their best life in several ways. Bruxing (grinding their teeth) and boggling (eye bulging) indicate deep relaxation. A happy rat will also explore, stand on its hind legs to sniff (known as ‘periscoping), and use its whiskers to navigate, suggesting curiosity and confidence.
Regular grooming (of themselves and their cage mates) indicates good health and social bonding. They’ll also show playful behaviours like wrestling and ‘popcorning’ (small little jumps) to demonstrate their physical well-being.
A pet rat that is lethargic, hunched over, disinterested in food, or isolated from its cage mates might indicate a health problem that requires veterinary attention.
Final Thoughts on Pet Rats
Pet rats are very rewarding yet underappreciated companion animals. They offer a combination of intelligence, sociability, cleanliness, and moderate care requirements, making them suitable for owners seeking interactive pets.
Doing your research and preparation will ensure you’re adequately equipped to provide your new pet rats with everything they need for a happy and healthy life, including appropriate housing, nutrition, veterinary care, and social interaction.
