What should I do if a rat is not eating or drinking and just lies down? - briefly
Isolate the rat, keep it warm, and provide easily digestible food and fresh water. If it does not resume eating within a few hours, seek veterinary care promptly.
What should I do if a rat is not eating or drinking and just lies down? - in detail
A rat that stops eating, refuses water and stays still is likely experiencing a serious health problem. The first priority is to determine whether the animal is conscious and responsive. Gently lift the rat, observe breathing rate, and check for signs of pain such as vocalization, rapid breathing, or trembling.
If the rat is awake but apathetic, inspect the cage for possible stressors: excessive temperature, drafts, loud noises, or recent changes in bedding. Remove any source of irritation, provide fresh, clean bedding, and ensure the enclosure is at a stable temperature of 68‑74 °F (20‑23 °C).
Offer highly palatable, easily digestible foods. Options include:
- Small amounts of softened pellets mixed with warm water
- Fresh fruit puree (e.g., banana or apple) applied with a syringe or dropper
- Commercial rat recovery formula or baby food without additives
Administer fluids if the rat does not drink voluntarily. Use a 1 ml syringe to deliver a few drops of sterile saline to the side of the mouth, avoiding the throat to prevent aspiration. Limit each session to 0.5 ml and repeat every 30 minutes if the animal tolerates it.
Conduct a quick physical examination: feel for a pulse at the femoral artery, check for abdominal distention, and look for discharge from eyes, nose, or mouth. Note any wounds, lumps, or signs of parasites.
If any of the following conditions are present, contact a veterinarian immediately:
- No response to gentle stimulation
- Labored or irregular breathing
- Blood in urine or feces
- Sudden weight loss or dehydration (skin tenting)
- Persistent refusal of food and water for more than 12 hours
Even in the absence of these critical signs, a professional evaluation is recommended within 24 hours because rats deteriorate quickly without nutrition and hydration. Early veterinary intervention can prevent irreversible organ damage and increase the likelihood of recovery.