5 Top Tips For Good Rat Care1. Give your Rat plenty of yummy food. Hide some food in different parts of the cage to give your Rat some fun trying to find it!
2. Find toys that your Rat would like to play with to entertain himself. Your Local pet shop will offer many options for this I am sure. 3. Make sure your pet rat always has plenty of water to drink in the cage, use a water bottle attached to side of the cage for best results. 4. Always pick up your Rat with both hands & hold him nicely, see our How to Handle guide for further instructions. 5. Give your Pet Rat lots of attention, that way he will get used to you and he will be less likely to bite or scratch. See Mya's Pet Gallery. |
Rat StatsWeight: Light
Length: 20 - 25 cm Lifespan: 2 - 4 years Price at Pet Shop: £15 - £20 (Rats prefer to live in Pairs) Yearly Cost: £175.00 Approx Rat Fact:The Guiness Book of records has recorded a Rat that has lived for 7 years four months. Far exceeding the average lifespan.
Types of Rat- Standard Variety Rat
- Rex - Tailless Variety - Hairless rat - Satin Rat - Himalayen - American Blue Rat - Hooded Rat How to Handle a RatTo pick up your pet Rat hold him with both hands, do not squeeze him to tightly as this may frighten him. Prior to picking him up you may have to let him get used to you, by gently stroking him, giving treats and leaving your hand still, whilst he investigates it. If he keeps biting, wear gloves until you think this behaviour has stopped.
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About Your Pet RatA Rat can live on average 2 - 3 years. Rats are social animals, they however do not get along well with Cats and Dogs. They enjoy foraging for their food so hiding some in the cage can be a good idea. They are social animals and once used to their owners rats have been known to be very affectionate and seek out their owners for attention.
Rats are nocturnal so they do become more active in the evening and during the night, this is similar behaviour to a Chinchilla. |
Do Rat's make good petsA domestic Rat as a Pet is one of the most intelligent, affectionate and responsive of the rodent family, far more so than a Guinea Pig. There are a lot of stigma attached to rats as they're wild counterparts have a bad reputation. 'Fancy Rats' though as they are termed when of a domestic Breed are different, they are tamer, less wary of new foods, have a longer average lifespan and can bond with their owners far more easily. They are best kept in same sex pairs as they are extremely social making good pets for children
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History of The Rat as a Pet
Domesticated Rats or 'Fancy Rats' were thought to be first Bred from captured wild animals as early as the 18th Century. These rats were most likely used for 'Bloodsport' at that time, unfortunately. 'Jack Black' a Rat catcher was thought to have bred the first coloured variety's of Rat we see today in our many pet shops and they were held as pets by the wealthy, Queen Victoria was one of the first to have a pet rat that she kept on a least and would take it out with her.
Essential Rat Equipment
Rat Cage or AquariumPlastic/wire cage suitable for indoor areas, can be similar to what you might get for a Guinea Pig. A cage that has a plastic bottom with mesh top is best for cleaning purposes. An aquarium, with a wire mesh lid can also be used to house rats, they are not so easy to clean though.
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Floor CoveringWood Shavings or Newspaper Strips are a cost effective bedding option. Saw dust can cause irritation for the eyes of your pet Rat. Scented shavings should also be avoided for similar reasons.
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Food BowlNot strictly required for a Rat, they are more than happy to eat from the floor but this can lead to a messy cage. A ceramic or Metal bowl would be most ideal. A rat would enjoy foraging for its food and this will provide your pet with some stimulation.
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Water BottleA water Bottle attached to the side of the cage is the best away to provide water for your pet Rat, just remember to top it up with fresh water regularly.
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If you like this pet, see our Hamster or Ferret Page
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The content of this site is based upon the experiences of pet owners & advisory bodies. The Webmaster cannot be held responsible for any of the information on the site or for the consequences of any actions taken by anybody relying upon this information.
The content of this site is based upon the experiences of pet owners & advisory bodies. The Webmaster cannot be held responsible for any of the information on the site or for the consequences of any actions taken by anybody relying upon this information.
