How to Care for a Pet Rat

While many shiver at the thought, rats are actually extremely clean, affectionate and intelligent animals that bond with their owners and provide a great level of companionship. When you raise rats around people, they are not aggressive and will live a long and healthy life at your side.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large wire cage (at least 1 by 2 feet and should have platforms)
• Hardwood shavings for bedding
• Nesting materials (paper without ink, tissue, paper towels)
• Nest box (cardboard box, flowerpot, jar, PVC tubing
• Toys (hammocks, ropes, platforms, plastic and cardboard tubes)
• Food (special pellets or blocks)
• Treats (fruits, veggies, grains, breads, yogurt, meat)

1. Give your rat a large wire cage, as your rat needs platforms to climb and play. As a general rule, your rat's cage should be no smaller than 1 by 2 feet, but it should be at least 2 feet tall as well.

2. Choose hardwood shavings for bedding, and not pine, cedar or other soft woods. Generally, your pet store will carry special blends for your furry friend. Make sure that you place some nesting materials in the cage as well, such as paper with no ink, tissue or paper towels. Scoop out any soiled bedding or nesting materials each day, and replace the bedding entirely every week.

3. Place a nest box in your rat's cage, which you can make from a variety of objects. You can use a small cardboard box, a flowerpot or jar rested on it's side or even a large piece of PVC tubing.

4. Care for your rat by giving him lots of methods for climbing and playing. Hang hammocks, ropes and platforms in the cage and add some plastic or cardboard tubes for hiding.

5. Keep your rat habitat in a quiet place where she will not feel threatened, but where the rat can see any activity going on as well, as rats are curious and can become bored. Rats are nocturnal and should be left in quiet during the morning and early afternoon. They will need a location which you keep at a comfortable temperature away from direct sun.

6. Feed your rat pellets or blocks found at your local pet store, as they offer the ultimate nutrition. To keep your rat from becoming bored with his food, you can offer treats of fruits, vegetables, pasta, grains, bread, yogurt or even small scraps of cooked meat.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that rats make great companion pets if they are given enough attention. Try to play with your rat for at least 30 to 60 minutes each day, allowing her time outside of her cage to be with you. Additionally, you can bond with your rat by carrying her with you while doing small household chores or even as you relax and watch television at the end of the day.

[selina-kyle]

on 7/26/2009 no no! You cannot use wood shavings of any kind for rats, I know petstores will sometimes tell you that certain types are okay but why take that chance! Please dont get wood shavings of any kind there are lots of other options, including newspaper and carefresh! Wood shavings can cause problems in rats that other rodents dont get. Rats are very sensitive in their lungs, sinuses, and respiratory systems. Be careful! Illnesses there could get fatal.

Also the rat needs lots more room than one foot!
Rats need lots of space and when you have 2 (which all rat websites say you should have 2 at least so that your rat can stay mentally healthy) you need more space, they hate being crowded and will get depressed or fight more. They need lots of room. Id say at least 3 long feet and hopefully you can get a cage that is tall as well so that the footage gets more.. petco has lots of cages and ...