Q&A for How to Care for a Pet Rat

Yes, they definitely can be. Unlike cats and dogs, rats only live a few years and aren't as much of a commitment. Plus, they don't take up as much space, don't eat a ton of food, and don't have to be taken for walks.

Like cats, rats clean themselves. In fact, if a rat looks dirty or scruffy, he's probably sick. That's not normal. Dogs look dirty all the time because they do not clean themselves. But rats do. They spend a lot of time cleaning themselves. In fact, if you're holding a rat and he starts cleaning himself, that's a sign that he feels at ease with you, because it's a vulnerable time for them.

Rats are individuals, and different rats prefer different treats. Try and stick with healthy foods which include diced fruit and vegetables. A lot of rats will go bonkers for peas, or foods that you would find tasty such as small cubes of mango, apple, pear, kiwi, melon, or banana. To start training your rat, consider using a clicker. The first step is to get the rat to link the click-clack noise to getting a treat, then you mark the behavior you want by pressing the clicker.

Rats are generally peaceable and prefer to run away rather than attack, but they may bite if they are cornered or frightened. Indeed, the chisel-like sharp incisors at the front of a rat's mouth can inflict an extremely painful bite. Rats can carry diseases, so you need to immediately wash the bite wound with copious soapy water and then disinfect it with antiseptic. If you were bitten on a finger, remove all rings in case it later swells. Get a tetanus shot if you are not up to date. Monitor closely for signs of infection such as heat or a discharge.

Our pet rats live longer than wild rats, because they are protected, fed regularly, and taken care of. While a wild rat might only live for a year, a pet rat can live to be two or three years old.

Consider a rescue shelter; many take in species other than cats and dogs. Their animals are usually vet checked to make sure they are healthy, and they are also in desperate need of a forever home. Alternatively, go to a breeder of fancy rats, who is knowledgeable about their animals and eager for them to go to good homes.

You can bring a pet rat home when it is 4-5 weeks old. If you are purchasing a rat, look for animals that have been part of family life in the home where they were born and also are well socialized. This will get you off to a great start because they should be friendly and used to people. Consider getting a pair of rats of the same sex, as they are company for each other.

Neutering female rats is rarely done because of the risks involved with the anesthetic for abdominal surgery in small rodents.