Pet Rats

Rats are highly intelligent, social animals that tend to bond strongly to their owners. However, they are also skittish and fearful in the face of new stimuli. Rats enjoy building nests and frequently…

Face paints don't all contain the same ingredients. The best face paints are water-based, and should be safe for use on a rat. These paints are typically cosmetic paints, and do not contain…

Wild rats have been responsible for the deaths of thousands of human beings due to the European bubonic plague of the 17th century. However, the domestication of rats started in the 20th century and…

Hairless rats are much like rats that have fur in diet -- they get colder and have a higher metabolism, so they must eat a bit more often, but they eat the same food. Hairless rats are opportunistic…

Rat owners are usually faced with the unpleasant issue of rats throwing their soiled bedding outside of the cage, thus potentially destroying the floor underneath. However, with a few simple steps,…

Rats, like other small caged pets, often create unpleasant odors. Instead of using commercial cleaners and air fresheners that contain strong chemicals that may harm the health of your furry friend,…

Rats require an environment that stimulates them mentally and allows them to fulfill their natural instincts of hiding, burrowing, chewing and climbing. Some pet stores sell rat-home starter kits;…

Despite their reputation as dirty scavengers of decaying food and tormentors of housewives across the country, rats can be kept as pets and learn to appreciate humans rather than fear them. Many rats…

Also known as a cutting-grass or grass-cutter, the cane rat (Thryonomys spp.) feeds on aquatic grasses but also eats crops on cane plantations, as the name suggests. It is especially popular in Africa…

The term "rat" is not actually a proper designation for a genus or species; it is used to refer to many rodents that look similar but may not be very closely related at all. For example, kangaroo rats…

Although some people keep domesticated black and Gambian pouched rats as pets, brown rats are the most popular pet rats, and are referred to as fancy rats. According to both the American Fancy Rat and…

Rats have a reputation as being dirty animals, when the truth in fact is very different. They clean themselves regularly using their tongue, but should also be cleaned regularly by their owner in the…

Domesticated rats are sociable animals and they make excellent pets even for beginning animal keepers. As with any pet, you need to feed your domesticate rat with an eye towards keeping it healthy and…

Breaking a rat's habit of biting mostly involves changing the behavior of the owner and not the rat. Rats bite mostly of defense-related instincts -- the classic rat bite is the "lunge and bite,"…

Rats are extremely social animals that require the companionship of other rats to live a happy and fulfilled life, according to the National Fancy Rat Society. This is because even if you are the most…

The two most common North American rat species are the Norway rat and the Roof rat. These animals originated in Asia but spread throughout the world by ships. Rats are considered to be scavengers and…

Some pet rats love water and thoroughly enjoy bath time. Others are not so keen, but, in general, rats rarely make a huge fuss about the experience. If you want to show your rats, wash them a couple…

Although a lot of people cringe at the idea of keeping a rat as a pet, these rodents are actually very sweet, smart, and entertaining creatures. Rats don't require a lot to keep them happy and…

Just like humans, pet rats can get the sniffles during cold season. Some of the main signs that your rat has fallen ill to a cold---more commonly referred to by veterinarians as a respiratory…

There are over 2,500 species of stick insect in the world. Most live in subtropical and tropical environments with medium to high levels of humidity. They also eat similar food plants, consisting…

Pet rats normally keep themselves clean and groom their litter or cage mates. If your pet rat has given birth to a litter, referred to as kittens, you may wish to give the little ones a bath to wash…

Wild brown rats, or Norway rats, are a common rat species with the scientific name Rattus norvegicus. Brown rats are also a domestic species, with domestic brown rats often found in homes as pets and…

Although they are generally thought of pests, rats have become a very popular pet in American culture since the end of the 20th century. In fact, they have become so popular that some rat fanciers…

Pet fancy rats are named and described according to their color, type of coat or fur and their coat markings. Some very special types of fancy rats have their own descriptive category. Each fancy rat…

It is a well known fact that rats are keen and intelligent. However, very few people are aware that pet rats can be trained to do tricks and play games. These tricks can range from jumping through…

Building trust with rats can be difficult because rats are naturally shy and skittish. They're also highly intelligent and social, which means they can bond with their owners. Rats are most likely to…

Rats are social creatures that enjoy living in groups, but introducing a new animal requires care. A new rat challenges the hierarchy that was established by the old rats. The new rat may be a more…

Having rats as pets can be rewarding as they are very loving pets, but it can grow difficult, especially when having to deal with rodent illnesses. Breathing problems are one of the most common…

Although humans and rats seem to be entirely different from each other, they share a surprising number of similar characteristics. These similarities include physical, psychological, behavioral and…

Domestic rats make good pets because they are intelligent and sociable. However, some rats may be naturally timid, particularly if they have just joined your household. Gentle handling coupled with…

Mites are a common parasite found in your rodent's fur. Feeder rats can carry three types of the mite parasite: burrowing mites, bloodsucking mites and fur mites. Any of these types of parasites can…

It's lots of fun to watch pet mice scurry around their cage. With their twitchy little noses and their tiny paws digging into their bedding to make hiding places, they're like real live cartoons,…

Fancy rats are domesticated rats primarily kept as pets. Despite the common perception of rats as being dirty and disease-ridden, domesticated rats are much more healthy and docile than their wild…

Rats make wonderful pets, but like all animals, they can fall ill. Unfortunately, small animals like rats have a very high mortality rate when illness strikes, as disease and viruses tend to advance…

Male mice smell more than female mice, because they have a scent gland used for marking their territory. Pet mice of both sexes kept in a cage create odors. These odors come from defecation and…

Fancy rats are called "fancy" because they're part of the "rat fancy" or the world of pet rats. Despite their wider range of shapes, sizes, coat colors and hair types, these rats are genetically…

Pet rats come with a variety of different colors, type of fur and features, including dumbo rats, which have ears on the sides of their heads. The various breeds of fancy rats can all be friendly,…

While some people may consider rats the subject of horror movies, others believe these scurrying rodents to be as pet-worthy as kittens and puppies. Rat lovers don't experience the creepy-crawlies,…

Rats are active and highly intelligent animals. While you may provide entertainment when you interact with your pet, your rat still needs something to occupy its time when left alone. Toys that allow…

Ridding clothing of unpleasant odor is a task many pet owners will face at some point, particularly owners who keep animal indoors. Even if your pet is house-trained, accidents occur. Pets can also…

When keeping rats as pets, you should let them out of their cages to explore and play for a period of time every day to ensure they receive enough exercise and stimulation. You will probably enjoy…

Rats are very intelligent animals and can be taught to do a varied amount of tricks; litter training being the most productive and advantageous for the pet's owner. This trick will save time when it…

According to the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association, the first domesticated rats were bred in England in the 1800s. As with any pet, rats can contract life-threatening conditions. Once such…

Owning a pet can be a joy, but it is also a huge responsibility. Animals, such as cats, can be difficult to diagnose when it comes to illness. Internal bleeding, also called hemorrhaging, is deadly…

Pet rats are sensitive to heat and can have trouble keeping themselves cool during hot weather. They do not sweat or pant to cool themselves; their tails are their main heat dissipator. However, there…

Although rats have a higher body temperature than humans, which makes it easier for them to handle warmer temperatures, they can become overheated. Your rat should not be allowed to play in the sun…

Clicker training includes a command, an audible cue and a treat to generate results. Clicker training is primarily applied to dogs but is also effective as a training method for rats and other small…

Mites are one of the most common external parasites contracted by rats. The three types of mites that infect rats are fur mites, burrowing mites and bloodsucking mites. Bloodsucking mites are the most…

Rats are often viewed by most as a pest or nuisance that needs to be removed from the home. This is true for wild rats, however, there are many people who have rats as pets and love them because they…

Male rats are notoriously more malodorous than females, according to the Rat & Mouse Club of America. If regular cage cleanings are insufficient for odor control, take your pet to a vet. He may have a…

Lice and mites are external parasites that not only can cause your rat pain and suffering, but might also seriously affect his, and possibly your, health. When treating these parasites, it is…

Ultrasonic pest control devices produce a high-pitched sound that's intended to be audible only to pests. Intended to drive insects, rodents and other pests away, these devices may also affect other…

Anytime a pet mouse begins to scratch a lot, there is a chance that it is being attacked by mites, which are tiny parasites that burrow into the skin of the animal. Mites are transmitted to pet mice…

With rats becoming a more common pet, knowledge about their health is growing. One of the common health issues a rat owner will come across is hair loss. A pet rat's hair falling out can be caused be…

Rats are extremely intelligent animals and can be trained to do many things, like respond to their names and search for food hidden in a maze. Given the proper guidance and a little time to learn the…

No rat poison is completely safe to have around pets. According to the ASPCA's Poison Control Center, rat poison always makes the center's top 10 list in pet poisonings for any given year. That's…

Highly intelligent, social and affectionate animals, rats are considered wonderful pets. Although they are relatively easy to care for, they are susceptible to a number of health issues, many of which…

An anticoagulant is any type of chemical that prevents the blood in animals or humans from clotting. If an animal ingests too much anticoagulant, a small jostle or trauma could cause the animal to…

Though rats are normally clean and healthy pets, like almost any animal, they can come down with a variety of ailments requiring medical attention. When this happens, you may wonder what types of…

A mouse is a common, easy-to-care for small pet that rarely requires vet visits. Unfortunately, not many people know much about their mouse's health. When problems such as fur loss, excessive…

Most people don't think about the cardiovascular health of rats and other small pets, but it can be a serious risk. Rats function much like humans, to the point where they're a common model for…

Although rats are sometimes pests or denizens of sewers and garbage cans, a domesticated rat can be an affectionate and valuable pet. In households that are too small for dogs or that have grown to…

Like many baby animals, rats are best cared for by their mothers or by foster mothers who feed them natural milk. That cannot always be the case, however, and some people choose to raise orphaned baby…

Gangrene occurs when blood flow to an area of the body has been cut off. The tissue dies and then decays, requiring surgical removal. Gangrene is uncommon in rats, but may occur when the circulation…

There is no rat poison that is safe for pets. If it can kill a rat, it will kill or at least harm your pet if ingested. However, there are alternatives for trapping and killing rats while keeping your…

Domesticated rodents, whether rats or mice, make cute and affectionate pets, but, like many pet mammals, they urinate to mark their territory. Even rodent-owner groups like the Rat and Mouse Club of…

A wide variety of rodenticides are available on the market. They work in different ways, have different effects on the environment and pets, and can take anywhere from a few seconds to several days to…

Feeding your pet rat the proper foods is an important factor that can sometimes be overlooked. Being omnivores, eating plants and animals, rats need a diet with the right balance of vitamins and…

Pet rats are popular pets in some circles and need cages and care like any other pet rodent, such as a gerbil, ferret or mouse. While you can buy rat cages in pet stores, you can also make them…

Nearly all pet rats carry a bacterium called Mycoplasma pulmonis that normally lives in the mucosal cells of their respiratory tract. While mycoplasma is typically inactive, in some rats the bacterium…

Although they are touted as being affectionate and sociable animals that can be carried around on your shoulder, pet rats generally live in cages. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of many…

Your pet rat's cage should allow it to freely enjoy its environment while also ensuring its safety. Keeping this in mind, you should select a cage for your rat based on factors such as size,…

Pet rats are able to eat a variety of foods, including cooked pinto beans, but pinto beans should only be given as an occasional treat, or they may make a pet rat overweight.

Domestic Norwegian rats are smart, playful and curious, and make great pets. They are less likely to bite than mice, hamsters or gerbils, according to Jelena Woehr in her Pet Lvr Blog. Most young rats…

Breeding your pet rat for the first time can be an exciting and fun time. Female rats go into heat every four to five days and generally give birth 21 to 23 days after becoming pregnant. But wondering…

Stroke is a common affliction in rats and other rodents, especially as they age. A stroke is caused by a blood clot's interrupting the flow of oxygen to the brain. As with humans, a rat's chances of…

Although young rats purchased from pet shops can make good pets, there's no way to predict genetic temperament, health or longevity. As with any other pet, those purchased from reputable breeders are…

Pet rats can make very interesting and loyal companions. They do have some drawbacks, however. The smell rats and other rodents produce can be very disagreeable to some people. Interestingly, this…

An average adult female rat weighs eight to fourteen ounces (250 to 400 grams) and a male weighs fourteen to eighteen ounces (450 to 520 grams). Rats can suffer from a number of conditions that cause…

Pet poisoning occurs most often when your curious pet eats or drinks something that is best left alone. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that three to four pet…

Rats make great pets and usually pose no health risks to humans. However, in rare cases, rats come down with a case of lice. Luckily, there are treatments for lice on your rats so your furry friend…

Pet rats are susceptible to various forms of skin diseases, mostly because of their excessive scratching. The scratching is usually caused by mites or another problem not obvious to the owner, and if…

Rat and mouse repellents are harmful to pets and domestic animals. Rodents are scavengers, and most people use rodent attractant food for it's effectiveness in getting rid of the pests. In using this…

Rats make good pets for people willing to keep their cages clean and enjoy nocturnal animals. Many rat owners train their rats to sit on their shoulders or stay near them when they're out of their…

Contrary to popular opinion, rats are wonderful small pets because they're clean, intelligent, affectionate, and playful. Rats can be kept in small places, making them popular pets for people who live…

Affectionate and clever, rats make surprisingly good pets. They don't take up much space, and like cats, rats are meticulous self-groomers so they're relatively easy to care for. You've probably…

Every pet rat wants to look stylish, especially when getting together with other rats or attending fancy human parties. Sadly, though, rats cannot make clothes and they depend on their humans to…

Rats love to hide out in little, cozy places. You can create one of those places when you create a rat house. The main thing to watch is that your rat house does not have any sharp edges or contain…

Hariless rats require special care and accommodations due to their almost completely furless skin. Most hairless rats are completely bald except for a bit of fine fur near the snout, ankles, and on…

Rats can be cute, cuddly, cool and often very friendly, but they also can pack one heck of a bite. Whether you are bitten by a domestic rat that is scared and defending itself or you have a chunk…

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…

Wild rats are incredibly intelligent and reasonably tame, but they usually do not make good pets. But perhaps a wild rat has gotten into a place where he shouldn't be and you need to remove him, but…

Rats are some of the most intelligent animals that are a breeze to train. You can train pet rats with a little patience, a couple of props and plenty of treats. The key to training a rat is…

Watch as an animal care specialist discusses the interaction between pet rats and other pets in this free online video about exotic pets.

Watch as an animal care specialist demonstrates how to bathe a pet rat in this free online video about exotic pets.

Watch as an animal care specialist demonstrates how to socialize a pet rat in this free online video about exotic pets.

Watch as an animal care specialist demonstrates how to pick a pet rat care in this free online video about exotic pets.

Watch as an animal care specialist discusses the basics of pet rat care in this free online video about exotic pets.

Buying a rat may seem to be a simple task, but buying a rat that works for you is not. If you want to find just the right rat that will be a wonderful companion to you and a loving pet, use these…

The last thing anyone wants in their home is a wild rat. It is frustrating to hear the patter of little rodent feet in the middle of the night. The damage a rat can cause by chewing through wood…

Pet rats are similar to cats in that neither care for a bath. Rats in general are self groomers and do not need human intervention to get clean. There are moments however when a bath will do much to…

Rats don't normally need to have their teeth trimmed. If you supply them with things to gnaw on (such as hard foods and wood blocks) their natural gnawing will wear down the teeth. If your rat's…

Female rats have strong instincts and know how to take care of themselves when they are pregnant, if they are given the necessary supplies to do so. They need extra food and nesting material and they…

Your pet rats will be come depressed and may start to act out unless you socialize them regularly. You can train the animals quickly if you're willing to devote a little time to the task every day.

Traveling is a way of life for many, so chances are your pet may be traveling with you at some point. More people are choosing rats for pets due to their low maintenance and intelligence. Follow…

Rats try to keep themselves clean by bathing every day with their tongue, the way cats do and by allocating one area of the cage as the toilet area. Humans need to supplement their efforts by changing…

Rats can be wonderful pets, full of affection and playful spirit. They can become so playful, in fact, that holding your rat may be a rare luxury. But picking up a rat is no easy task--and this holds…

If your vet has prescribed an ointment for your rat to alleviate conjunctivitis or some other eye irritation, you can apply the ointment yourself by following this easy method.

Occasionally a rat will need some type of oral medication to treat an illness. You can easily administer the medication yourself using the following method.

Rats don't play with toys the way dogs, cats or parrots do. The very best entertainment for your rat is either you or a rat friend, but there are ways to make toys that will entertain them as well.…

Feeding a rat can be very fun. Rats will eat almost anything. However, you must be a responsible owner and supply your rat with a healthy diet. Your rat has the same nutritional needs that you do:…

A bundle of rats in a cage may all look the same, but each one is blessed with a different personality. You can gauge those personalities, and pick a pet rat that’s right for you with a few…

In spite of their reputation, rats are intelligent animals that are easy to train. Read on to learn how to train your rat to do tricks.

Bumblefoot is a condition most commonly seen in rats. It causes red spots and inflammation on the bottom of a rat's foot. It can be very painful and can lead to bleeding sores. Bumblefoot is a complex…

Like many other kinds of animals you might keep as a pet, rats will likely need to be bathed at times. Like cats, rats do not particularly like water. They will let you know this the only way they…

Your pet rat can be trained to do many tricks, all it takes is a little time and persistence. Training a rat is a lot like training a cat rather than the eager-to-please dog, so keep this in mind when…

You can teach an old dog new tricks and you can teach your pet rat new tricks too. This can be a fun way for you to bond with your rat and keep his mind stimulated. A great trick to start with is to…

Many people enjoy showing off their pets, and what better way to impress your friends than to show off your rat's amazing tricks. Training your rat to jump is a fun and easy trick to try with your…

Everyone knows you can teach your dog tricks, but many people don't know that pet rats can learn tricks too. Rats can be taught tricks as early as eight weeks of age as long as they're motivated by…

It might surprise you, but rats are good pets. Not only are they fairly easy to take care of, but they're intelligent animals who learn quickly. One easy trick is to train your rat to sit on your…

Rats can make intelligent, affectionate pets. They are active and social so they require a devoted owner who will give them plenty of attention. Follow these steps to learn how to keep a pet rat.

If you are left with an orphaned rat, it is imperative you begin caring for it immediately. You may choose to search for a foster mother, or you may take on the task of hand-raising the rat. Read on…

The best thing to do for an orphaned rat or litter of rats is to find them a foster nursing rat to raise them. If you can't find a foster rat then you will have to become the mother. Hand raising rat…

Introducing your rat to other pets in your home can be tricky. Rats are considered prey by many animals in the wild. Due to instinct, your pet rat will probably be nervous around other animals so it's…

Pet rats spend much of their time in their cage so it's important that their homes are roomy, stimulating and comfortable. When you're making housing for your rat there are several important things…

If you have a pet rat, you know that these intelligent animals are easy to train. Pet rats can be litter box trained fairly easily. While younger rats tend to catch on more quickly, you can usually…

Need to introduce a new rat to another or an existing group? Whether you have cage mates that have been apart for awhile, babies or an older rat, adding a new companion can cause problems as the new…