How to Bathe a Small Rodent

Your rat, hamster, gerbil or mouse may be stinky or you’re about to enter him in the international rodent show and you want him looking his best. You can bathe a small rodent with a gentle hand a few simple steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Turn on the water in the kitchen sink so that it’s lukewarm and leave it running. Make sure there’s a screen on the drain. Place a small dollop of shampoo in a cup so you can access it with one hand.
2. Go get your furry critter from his cage, holding him securely but gently as you run the water along his back.
3. Keep holding him with one hand securely beneath his belly while you use the other hand to lather him with shampoo.
4. Rinse him well and wrap in a soft towel as you gently dab him dry.

Tips & Warnings

• The kitchen sink is better than a bathtub for bathing rodents because you are standing instead of squatting and he’s easier to catch if he slips out of your hands.
• Talk soothingly to the rodent throughout the process to calm his nerves.
• Don’t put him back into his cage until he’s fully dry.
• Some rodents may really hate being bathed and scream bloody murder like one of my rats used to. Soothe and coo but don’t let go.