How to Care for Rats
A domesticated rat can make the perfect pet. Rats have gotten a bad rap, but they are actually very affectionate, clean and intelligent. Rats love to be held, and can even be trained to come on command. They are also very easy to care for.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Fairly large wire cage
- Bedding
- Water
- Rat food (dry, from store)
- Fresh veggies, fruits and nuts
- Toys
Instructions
-
-
1
You will need a wire cage that is 2' x 2' x 2' or larger. A wire cage is preferable to an aquarium, as it is healthier for your pet. Rats are crafty, so be sure your cage has a good latch he can't learn to open.
-
2
Shredded recycled paper make good bedding, as does a product called Care Fresh, which can be found in pet stores. Do not use pine or cedar, which will make your rat sick!
-
-
3
It's fun to feed your rat, and she will enjoy small amounts of fresh fruits and veggies every day. Try things like grapes, strawberries, apples, carrots, an occasional peanut or unsweetened whole-grain cereal. Rats like people food, so even a little cooked pasta or cheese could make her happy. But her main diet should consist of a quality pellet formulated especially for rodents.
-
4
Fresh water (in a bottle) is a daily necessity. All rodents drink a lot of water.
-
5
You should played with your rat for at least one hour per day and clean his cage twice a week, or more often if necessary. Hold your rat in a way that supports his bottom and back, and let him cuddle with you or ride on your shoulder. Like all rodents, rats need to gnaw to wear down their teeth, so a couple of wood blocks or sticks are good to put in the cage.
-
6
Rats are good problem solvers, so the trickier the toy you can get for yours, the better. They like boxes, ropes and swings, tunnels and platforms, and may even play with a little ball with you.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Rats are very curious and like to explore their surroundings.
Your rat should go to the vet if you ever notice she is not acting like herself.
Simple items like large cardboard paper towel tubes or small cardboard boxes make wonderful toys for them to chew on. Be sure to rotate the toys so your rat doesn't get bored.
With good care, a rat will live for two to four years.
A pair of females can be put together at any time, but a pair of makes will fight. Spayed females can live with males, but don't keep a male and a female together unless you want a million babies a year!
Harmful foods include corn, candy, sugared drinks, onions, anything sticky or junk food.
Rats are also natural chewers, so watch yours when you have him out of his cage, because he will chew on electrical cords.
