Reading the blog’s title, I’m sure some of you cringed or are grossed out. But yes, I have pet rats! I currently have five rats, but at one point, I had 11. Like most people, I was not always a rat lover. Rats have a bad rep for being stinky, unhygienic, and mean. However, once I started working at AAAC, I quickly fell in love with these little guys! Rats are brilliant and social animals that need at least one cagemate. If handled correctly, like most small mammals, they can be very loving and affectionate towards their humans. I often carry them in the hood of my sweatshirt while doing various things at home. 

Let’s talk about caring for rats!

Enclosure: While hamsters can be in a smaller enclosure with paper bedding, rats do much better with a larger enclosure, allowing ample space for hammocks, hides, and climbing. Rats also do best with taller, multi-level enclosures.  They require fleece or paper bedding to line the bottom to ensure they don’t get sores from wire grating on the bottom of their feet.

Choose a location away from direct sunlight and drafts (fans, air vents, open windows) where the temperature is between 72-80 degrees.  The room should be able to get dark during the night.  And most rats appreciate a location where they can interact more with you!

Enrichment: I always tell new rat owners that the busier the cage, the better. For example, I make my rats small hides out of boxes and put scraps of fleece inside.  Rats also love enrichment and puzzle toys to keep them busy!  

• Food Ideas: Scatter the pelleted diet around the kennel, hide food treats in tunnels or under toys, and offer new fruits/vegetables as treats (or change what you offer regularly).
• Social: Many rats do better with a companion. Schedule time each day for regular interactions with your rat, or ensure they have a friend. Be wary of introducing new rats; they can fight and do not always get along.
• Toys: Wheels provide good physical exercise. Avoid wire wheels, as rats can get their feet stuck in them. Toys designed for cats or birds also work great for rats. Rotate toys in and out regularly so your rat does not become bored with them. Like many rodents, rats’ front incisors constantly grow throughout their lives, and they need chews to keep them filed down.
• Structures: Add ropes, ladders, etc., to provide climbing opportunities. Tunnels and hide boxes are also favorites. Cardboard tubes can be (happily) destroyed and easily replaced. PVC tubes can be connected to make “mazes.”

Feeding: Rats do much better on a pellet diet supplemented with various fruits/veggies. I feed my rats Oxbow, but there are numerous other brands. Outside of their staple diet, you can offer small amounts of treats, which include veggies, fruits, herbs, and even small amounts of proteins, which include the following:

• Veggies: Carrots, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Sweet peppers, Cucumbers, and Peas.
• Fruit: Apples, Pears, Peaches, Melons, and Dried bananas.
• Herbs: Basil, Parsley, Sage, and Coriander.
• Proteins: Good options include lean meat (e.g., chicken), mealworms, lentils, beans, and chickpeas.

*Do not give grapes, raisins, rhubarb, walnuts, lettuce, or citrus fruits to your rat, as these can be toxic to them.*

Other things to know:

Active times: Rats are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk.

Lifespan: The only downside to having pet rats is their short 2-3 years lifespan. Unfortunately, poorly bred rats, such as those bred as “feeder rats,” can have even shorter lifespans.

 I often compare these guys to tiny dogs since they love scratches, can learn their names, like to play, can be taught various tricks such as potty training, and are overall lovely creatures. I can’t say enough good things about these little guys in the short two years I’ve had them as pets. Of course, I haven’t included a ton of information, so do your research before acquiring them as pets. We are always happy to help answer any questions you may have! Thanks for taking the time to read this blog. I hope this helped with any preconceived judgments and will help change your mind the next time they come up in conversation!

Hello! My name is Emilee, famously known as “Double E” at the clinic! I’ve been a part of Ankeny Animal and Avian Clinic since 2019. I started as a receptionist but have since been trained as an exam room assistant! I also have the pleasure of doing pet ornaments every year. In my free time, I love to read and hang out with my dogs, Odin, Apollo, and Ellie.