Rats often get an undeserved bad reputation, but for those in the know, these intelligent, social creatures make some of the best pets you can have. With their friendly nature, intelligence, and low maintenance care, rats are ideal companions for families, individuals, and even first-time pet owners. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping rats as pets, from their behavior and care to creating a happy and enriching environment.
Why Rats Make Great Pets
Pet rats are a world away from their wild counterparts. Here are some reasons they’re such wonderful companions:
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Highly Intelligent: rats are incredibly smart and trainable. They can learn tricks, respond to their names, and even solve simple puzzles. With patience, you can teach them to come when called, stand on their hind legs, and run through obstacle courses.
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Social and Affectionate: rats are highly social animals and bond closely with their humans. They enjoy being handled, will often snuggle up to their owners, and sometimes even groom your fingers as a sign of affection.
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Low Maintenance: compared to dogs or cats, rats are relatively low maintenance. They clean themselves regularly and require only a well-maintained habitat, regular feeding, and social interaction.
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Quiet and Gentle: rats are quiet creatures, making them perfect for apartment dwellers or those in shared living spaces. They rarely bite and are known for their gentle, playful nature.
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Short Lifespan, Big Impact: with a lifespan of around 2-3 years, rats don’t require the long-term commitment of some other pets. Despite their shorter time with you, they’ll bring joy and companionship every day.
Creating a suitable environment for your pet rats is essential for their health and happiness.
The Cage
Opt for a large, multi-level wire cage with horizontal bars for climbing. Rats are active and need plenty of space to play. Ensure the bars are close together (no more than 1.5cm) to prevent escapes.
Bedding
Creating a safe and comfortable nesting environment is essential for your rats’ well-being. Providing soft, clean, and non-toxic bedding allows them to build cozy beds and engage in their natural burrowing behaviors. Be sure to use materials that are safe for rodents and absorbent, to create a hygienic and inviting space for your pets. Avoid cedar or pine shavings, as they release aromatic oils that can irritate your rats’ respiratory system and lead to serious health issues.
For an excellent bedding option, consider Pet One Critters Comfort Small Animal Bedding. Made from 100% organic coconut coir, this bedding is non-toxic, dust-free, and free from chemicals and fragrances, making it a safe choice for your rats and you. Its natural properties provide excellent odor control and absorbency, ensuring your pets’ habitat stays clean and fresh. With Pet One Critters Comfort, you can have peace of mind knowing you’re providing a safe and high-quality environment for your furry companions.
Hideouts and Accessories
Rats thrive in an enriched environment that offers opportunities for rest, play, and exploration. To ensure your rats feel secure and stay active, include a variety of hideouts, hammocks, and tunnels in their habitat. These features provide safe spaces where your pets can relax, sleep, and hide, essential for their sense of security. Adding ladders, ropes, and climbing toys helps to keep your rats mentally stimulated and physically active, which is crucial for their overall well-being.
For a cozy resting spot, consider the Pet One Small Animal and Cat Hammock. These hammocks are designed to provide a safe, warm, and comfortable environment where your rats can play, relax, and sleep. The solid base ensures stability, while the soft fabric offers a snug retreat.
To promote exercise and maintain your rats’ physical health, the Pet One Rat Wheel is an excellent addition. With a generous 30cm width, this wheel encourages movement and helps keep your pets fit and active. Regular exercise is vital to prevent boredom and promote mental and physical health, making the Pet One Rat Wheel a must-have accessory for any rat habitat.
Food and Water
Ensuring your rats have access to fresh water and nutritious food is vital for their health and well-being. Using a sturdy water bottle with a sipper tube, such as the Pet One Deluxe Drinking Bottle, helps maintain a constant supply of clean drinking water while preventing spills and contamination. This bottle is designed for convenience, featuring a top-fill lid and a stainless steel nozzle to deliver a steady stream of water. It easily attaches to the side of your pet’s enclosure, making hydration simple and hassle-free.
For feeding, choose food bowls that are heavy or stable enough not to tip over, ensuring your rats can eat comfortably without creating unnecessary mess. The Pawise Small Animal Bowl is a durable and lightweight option, perfect for holding food or water.
Selecting the right diet is just as important as providing the right accessories. For a wholesome and well-rounded meal, try Garden Select® Adult Rat food. This premium blend uses non-GMO ingredients and combines balanced sources of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to support an active and healthy lifestyle. Enriched with antioxidants and prebiotics, it promotes whole-body health while providing 100% of your rat’s daily recommended vitamins and minerals.
Another excellent choice is Vetafarm Rodent Rat & Mouse Origins Food, an Australian-made diet inspired by nature. Crafted with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, this formula includes natural chicory root to encourage beneficial gut flora and immune function. Its unique extrusion process ensures optimum digestibility, safety, and taste, making it a favorite among pet owners and their furry companions alike.
Treats
Rats thrive on a varied diet, and supplementing their regular food with fresh, wholesome options can boost their overall health and happiness. You may like to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into their meals. Safe options include broccoli, apples (without seeds), carrots, peas, leafy greens, and cooked sweet potato. However, avoid feeding citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeinated foods, onions, garlic, and raw beans, as these can be harmful to your pets.
Rats also adore treats, making them a wonderful way to bond with your furry companions or reward them during training sessions. Offer small amounts of healthy options like berries, oats, or dried herbs to add excitement and enrichment to their diet. For a ready-made treat option, try Simple Rewards Baked Treats with Apple & Banana. These sweet, wholesome snacks combine the delicious flavors of real apple and banana with high-fiber Timothy hay, making them an irresistible treat your rats will love.
Another excellent choice is the Peters Parsley Bowl with Apple, a delightful treat crafted from aromatic parsley and filled with naturally sweet, dried apple cubes. This snack not only keeps your rats happy and stimulated but also provides hours of nibbling pleasure while helping to maintain clean, healthy teeth.
By supplementing your rats’ diet with fresh foods and offering enriching treats like these, you’ll ensure they enjoy a balanced, stimulating, and satisfying diet that supports their overall well-being.
Handling and Socializing Your Rats
Rats are incredibly social animals, but they need time to build trust and get used to being handled.
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Start Slowly: let your rats settle into their new home for a day or two before handling them. Sit near the cage and speak softly so they get used to your presence.
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Gaining Trust: use treats to encourage your rats to come to you. Offer your hand in the cage and let them sniff and climb onto you on their terms.
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Handling Tips: always support their entire body when picking them up, using both hands. Avoid grabbing them by the tail, as this can cause injury. Spend time with them daily, rats thrive on social interaction and will become more affectionate the more you bond.
Common Health Concerns
Rats are generally hardy and resilient pets, but they can be susceptible to a few health issues that require attentive care. One of the most common concerns is respiratory infections, as rats are prone to respiratory issues. To minimize the risk, ensure their cage is kept clean, well-ventilated, and free of dusty bedding. If you notice symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, or labored breathing, it’s important to consult a vet promptly. Using high-quality, dust-free bedding like Pet One Critters Comfort Small Animal Bedding can help maintain a clean and healthy environment for your pets.
Another concern for rats, particularly older females, is the development of tumors, which can be benign or malignant. Regular health checks are crucial to detect any lumps early, allowing for timely intervention. Additionally, parasites such as mites or lice can occasionally affect rats, causing symptoms like excessive scratching, redness, or fur loss. For effective treatment and prevention, consider Vetafarm Furry Friends Insect Spray, which offers instant control of pests on contact and provides six weeks of residual protection. For internal parasite management, Aristopet Small Animal Wormer is a palatable and effective solution for the treatment and removal of roundworms, recommended for regular use every three months.
Dental health is another important aspect of rat care. Since their teeth grow continuously, providing appropriate chew toys is essential to prevent overgrowth and related issues. Incorporate chewable items and natural supplements like Oxbow Natural Science Vitamin C, which not only supports their overall wellness but also benefits animals during times of stress or recovery.
To support your rats' overall health and immunity, a probiotic supplement like Vetafarm Synbiotic can be beneficial. This 9-strain probiotic blend with natural prebiotics enhances digestive health and boosts the immune system, ensuring your rats stay active and happy.
By staying vigilant about your rats' health and providing them with the right care, environment, and supplements, you can ensure they live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
Choosing Your Pet Rats
When adopting pet rats, it’s best to get at least two of the same sex to ensure they have a companion. Rats are social animals and can get lonely without a friend. Look for active, curious rats with bright eyes and clean fur. Consider adopting from shelters or reputable breeders who prioritize their health and well-being.
Enriching Their Lives: Playtime Outside the Cage
Rats love to explore, so give them supervised playtime outside their cage every day. Consider setting up a “rat-proof” play area with tunnels, climbing structures, and toys. Be sure to always supervise playtime to ensure their safety, and use treats and games to keep them engaged and active.
Rats are affectionate, intelligent, and entertaining pets that will bring joy and companionship into your life. With proper care, a stimulating environment, and lots of love, you’ll quickly discover how rewarding it is to share your home with these remarkable little animals.
Whether you’re a first-time rat owner or considering adding to your rat family, the bond you’ll form with these clever creatures is truly special. If you’re ready to get started, visit Woonona Petfoods for everything you need to give your pet rats a happy and healthy life.
