What should you do with a pet rat? - briefly
Ensure a clean, enriched cage, balanced diet, daily handling, and routine veterinary care; if you can no longer keep the rat, arrange responsible rehoming or humane euthanasia.
What should you do with a pet rat? - in detail
A pet rat requires a secure cage with solid flooring, adequate ventilation, and a minimum size of 2 ft × 1 ft × 1 ft per animal. Provide a nesting box lined with soft, washable material and attach chew‑resistant bars to prevent escape. Maintain a consistent temperature between 65 °F and 78 °F; avoid drafts and direct sunlight.
Feed a balanced diet consisting of high‑quality commercial rat blocks, supplemented with fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional protein sources such as cooked egg or lean meat. Offer water daily in a sipper bottle; replace it each evening to prevent contamination. Limit sugary treats to prevent obesity and dental issues.
Enrichment is essential for mental health. Rotate toys—tunnels, climbing ladders, hammocks—every few days. Include safe objects for gnawing, such as untreated wood blocks or mineral chews, to wear down continuously growing incisors. Schedule daily handling sessions of 5–10 minutes to build trust and reduce stress.
Monitor health indicators: clear eyes, clean fur, normal stool, and active behavior. Conduct weekly checks of paws, tail, and skin for injuries or parasites. Schedule a veterinary examination at least once a year with a practitioner experienced in small mammals. Administer vaccinations or parasite preventatives only under professional guidance.
If breeding is not intended, keep rats in same‑sex pairs or small groups to satisfy social needs while preventing unwanted litters. Provide a separate quarantine cage for new arrivals for a minimum of two weeks to observe for illness before integration.
Plan for end‑of‑life care. Discuss humane euthanasia options with a veterinarian well in advance, and arrange a respectful disposal method for the remains, such as cremation or burial following local regulations.
By adhering to these guidelines—appropriate housing, nutrition, enrichment, health monitoring, social management, and end‑of‑life planning—owners ensure a rat’s welfare and a rewarding companionship.