Q&A for How to Choose Between a Pet Mouse or Pet Rat

As with other rodent pets, you should clean a rat's cage once a week to keep the smell down and prevent bacteria and other unpleasantness from forming.

Any rodent might bite, depending on its personality and how it is socialized. It's important to tame them properly and gradually over time. If you decide to get a rat, check out the article on How to Tame a Rat for tips.

If she is okay with rats, then sure. It's important that all members of the family like the pet that you're choosing. However, be sure to get 2, as rats need company.

Rats and guinea pigs must be kept in groups of their own species. And you should never let the two species meet each other. Rats can bite very hard and could easily hurt your guinea pig.

Rats must always be kept in groups, same with female mice. Male mice must always be kept alone. A male mouse is a much better option if you can only adopt one.

There are harnesses and leads for rats. A rat would react better to frequent socialization. I would recommend getting two, as they are very social creatures. If socialized correctly, your rat will love hanging out on your shoulder while you show him off to your friends. Be sure to purchase them from a breeder or shelter and not a pet store. Rats from pet stores do not live as long and are not as social. I would recommend watching videos from the YouTube channels "Shadow the Rat" or "The Rat Guru" so you know everything you possibly can about rats before adopting them.

If you are bitten, return your friend to their cage and quickly wash the wound with soapy warm water. Place polysporin or some other antibacterial cream on a band-aid, and place it on your injured body part. If you are concerned, get it look at by a doctor. Pet rats are unlikely to carry diseases, especially if you get regular vet care for him/her.

Snakes can be dangerous for rats and mice, as the snake can eat your rat or mouse. If you want to keep them, make sure your snake doesn't interact with your rat or mouse. Bearded dragons can get along with rats or mice, but make sure they don't interact with each other as bearded dragons are known to eat rats and mice. My recommendation would be that you get any one of these animals as a pet.

Yes it is. Male rats and mice are aggressive towards each other and can cause injury or death.

This is a bit based on what you consider hard work and what type of dog you have. Rats are generally less work though. Rats are independent creatures and are usually fine to chill in their cage all day, but need to be taken out at least an hour a day. Along with cleaning the cage, giving them treats, and making sure nothing else crops up. Dogs generally require a bit more attention and outside time.

it depends. If your parents are interested in keeping either, they could help you pay for them but if they aren't willing to do that, then maybe a male mouse would be okay, as long as it's from a reputable breeder.

Yes, you can have both pets. However, keep the rats in a separate room and let them settle in before letting your cat watch them. (Rats need to live in pairs/groups.)

Yes. All rodents are mammals, so they will produce milk for their young (if they have any).

If you train it well in its early childhood, it should be able to tolerate being handled. Mice are usually territorial, which makes them independent in general. They do not require much social interaction, so it should be fine if you can deal with the responsibilities you have to fulfill.

Tell them all of the ups (and downs) of having a rat. Your parents will want to know everything about having a rat. The price, how much maintenance they need. I presented a very educated slideshow that took me weeks to make to get my parents to agree on rats. You might want to include how you'll keep them safe from the dog too.

Yes, but you have to keep your rats in a separate room where your dog can't access. If your dog is in the same room, he is likely to knock the cage over, bust it or let your rat out. Although it isn't as talked about, dogs often eat mice/rats as well and the whole experience will be stressful for your rat even if it doesn't get eaten.

If you keep the goats and rats separate and keep the rats in the cage, you should be fine. If the goat bothers the rats, you may want to consider moving the rats to a different room.

Yes, but you should be more careful if your dog is energetic. Hold your rat and let the rat and dog sniff each other on the first meeting. If your dog gets too excited or your rat gets nervous, try again another time. Rats and dogs should be able to get along well once they are used to each other.