Q&A for How to Bathe Your Pet Rat

Just use a damp cloth if the rat isn't particularly dirty (rats are very clean animals anyway). This is the preferred method of bathing.

You can use a warm, wet towel or sponge; they tend to be less scared of that. Just make sure to clean the tail and paws very well!

No. Baby rats are cleaned by their mother. If they do not have a mother, you can clean them with a wet paper towel, avoiding the nose and mouth. Keep them warm afterward; if they catch cold, they will likely die.

No. Have a warm towel ready to let him snuggle in it once bathing in done.

Yes, that is great to use with rats, as it is very mild.

Use a damp cloth or sponge as often as you like; however, do not use shampoo more than once a month.

The rats will most likely be scared of the water and will be very jumpy, so be sure to not soak them. Get them wet gradually.

It is not recommended, due to the types of ingredients in them that could strip your rats of their natural oils. Use baby shampoo, as that is very mild and safe.

No. The soap should only be used once a month. You don't want to strip their coats of the oils they need. If the smell bothers you too much, rinse them with lukewarm water or wipe them down with a damp cloth.

Gently stroke him with a damp towel in the temperature water you will be using. Don't plop him right into the water; gradually lower him in. While he is in the water, feed him treats to encourage him to stay in the water. DO NOT EVER fill your sink or "bathtub" so your rat has to swim. NEVER fill it past his legs and NEVER, EVER, EVER, dunk him in the water. This can not only traumatize him about water forever, but it can also drown him.

No. Your rat does not need coconut oil.

No. Dawn Dish Soap is bad for rats. Don't use it.

The water shouldn't be too cold or to hot. You have to be able to put your hands in it and have it feel pleasant. It's very dangerous for your pet rats when the water is too hot, as it could burn them and that would definitely hurt them. And, if the water is too cold, they might catch a cold.

Yes, most likely, but also check them for fleas, and replace their bedding.

You can use a very small amount of baby shampoo.

No. Rats have delicate respiratory systems that could be put at risk by a sand bath.

In some cases, yes. Puppy shampoo would be more greatly recommended than regular dog shampoo. Check the ingredients, too. If it has something that will irritate the rat, then don't use it.

Yes, you may handle them on the first day.

You don't have to, they will do it themselves! But if they do get too long, you can use regular fingernail clippers. Alternatively, glue a small piece of sandpaper to their running wheel so their nails will be filed as they run.

You could start bathing at any age; just be sure you are careful when doing so. At 5 months, don't use any kind of shampoo or bathing products, because they are so sensitive.

Yes, a rat can get sick and die if its cage is very dirty. You should do a spot check every day (ideally), and deep clean every week.

You can't! Rats are very fidgety and squirmy. Just try to get her used to the water, and stop if she's obviously in distress. Not all rats like water, so it can be pretty difficult to bathe them.

No, they are too young to be bathed and possibly too small. Let them clean themselves or allow their mom to do it.

You can use dog shampoo, but you should not use dish soap on rats.

No, because rats have more sensitive skin, and lavender is a strong oil, and may hurt their little nose because of the smell. Tea tree should be okay in small amounts, though.

Use a soft bristle toothbrush to brush your rat's fur to get out the tangles.

No. You might drown the rat, it might jump out of your hand and escape, or it might even get so scared that it bites you. It's not a good idea.

Yes, you can! It is a good idea to bathe any baby animal that is not being bathed by their own mother. This builds a relationship between you and your pet and develops trust, as well as the obvious benefit of keeping your pet clean and healthy. Use a damp washcloth and warm water (be careful not to use water too hot), and gently rub with the fur, not against it. This simulates a licking sensation similar to being groomed by their mother in the wild. Be sure to reward your rat with a tasty treat both during and after the bathing session to further build trust and get them excited about the next bathing time.

Dish soaps are too strong and may be harmful for your rat. Rats have natural oils on their skin to protect them and to prevent them from getting dry. Don't bathe your rat unless absolutely necessary to avoid drying its skin. If you plan on giving it a bath, bathe it in very shallow warm water, rub baby shampoo on its fur (avoid getting soap near your rat's eyes and head) and rinse off the shampoo. As an alternative, rub a pea sized amount of coconut oil on your rat's fur. The rat will use its hands to spread the oil. Only do this if your rat's fur seems to be dry or if it smells. Don't bathe them more than once a month.

You could try gently washing your rat with a cloth, or perhaps expose it to water little by little, as a kind of training routine. But if your rat needs to be bathed and refuses to go near water, consult your vet or a professional groomer.