Rats enjoy being held and cuddled and can learn simple tricks. It is not uncommon to see a pet rat perched atop its owner's shoulder or snuggling inside their owner's shirt. A pet rat will learn to recognize its name and will respond affectionately to its owner.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a rat is approximately 2 years, although some rats live to be four years old. If there is any drawback to a rat, most owners believe that its short lifespan is it.
Housing
Rats should have a large and sturdy wire cage outfitted with hammocks, ramps, and shelves. Tall cages are better than long ones because rats enjoy climbing. Make sure the cage is spacious with at least 12" x 24" of floor space for a pair of rats. The bar spacing should be no greater than one half inch to prevent escape.
Although the cage itself should be wire to allow proper ventilation and to encourage climbing, the floors of the cage need to be covered with another material. Rats are prone to the condition known as bumblefoot. This condition begins with small red spots or blisters on their feet and can become quite serious. The best way to prevent bumblefoot is to keep the wire floors covered with wood or bedding.
Diet Requirements
A quality commercial soy-based rat pellet should be available at all times along with fresh drinking water. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be given daily in small portions along with whole-grain cereals, pastas or breads, lean cooked meats such as chicken, and occasional dairy products. Nuts and seeds are welcome treats, but are high in fat and should not be fed in large quantities. Rats relish chocolate and many owners feed them small bits as a reward.
Rats are most active in the evening and night so most owners feed their fresh food in the evenings and leave dry food in the cage at all times.
Exercise and Socialization
Rats require exercise and proper socialization. Pet rats should have supervised playtime outside of the cage each day. A good assortment of toys should be available inside the cage. Special wheels are made for rats that resemble the wheels used for pet hamsters. Ladders and other toys for parrots often make good toys for rats. Rotate toys to make the environment more interesting for your rat, but do not overcrowd the cage with too many toys.
Rats are rodents, which means their teeth continue to grow. Rats require wooden toys or other hard items to chew in order to wear down their teeth.
Because rats are so social and intelligent, it is always better to have two, especially if you have other activities in the evening and are unable to spend several hours daily playing with your rat. Introduce new rats slowly, as rats are also territorial. Be mindful not to mix males and females or you will soon be overrun with rats.
Cleanliness and Medical Care
Keeping a rat cage clean is important to the overall health of the animal. Uneaten food should be removed daily. The bedding needs to be changed at least once a week, and the entire cage needs to be scrubbed with vinegar and water weekly.
Rats are prone to several illnesses, including tumors, respiratory problems, and bumblefoot. At the first sign of illness, a rat should be taken to a qualified exotic veterinarian for treatment.
Rats are clean, friendly and intelligent animals that require very little space compared to other pets. They come in a variety of colors, and with proper care, will provide several years of companionship. They are ideal pets for apartment dwellers.
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