Caring for Your Rat
-
Life expectancy: 2-3 years
-
Omnivore
-
Community-oriented
Rats are one of the most intelligent small animals you can have as a pet. Rats can be taught to recognize their name when called, are easily shoulder trained, and can learn games and tricks. Some owners have success in litter training their rats. Best of all, rats can be very cuddly and affectionate!
Housing Multiples
Rats have a highly developed social instinct and display this interesting behaviour best when kept in numbers. They are pack animals and need contact with other rats; therefore, it is better to keep them in a group. However, they are also very prolific breeders, so only keeping rats of the same sex in the same cage is recommended.
Handling
Scoop their body and hold them securely under the chest with one hand, while supporting their hindquarters with the other hand. Do not hold by the tail, as their tails are fragile and fractures can occur.
Our pet counsellors are small animal lovers; because they are, they hold and play with all the small animals in our store. Our guests also play a big part in our small animal’s social skills. This is why Petland’s small animals are quick to bond with their new owner.
To provide a happy, healthy atmosphere for your rat, Petland recommends the following necessary and fun accessories. We have listed them as your new pet’s 4 Basic Needs: Environmental, Behavioural, Nutritional, and Maintenance. When you meet these needs and provide a loving environment, your rat can live a long and happy life.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Enclosure – Your rats will need a place of their own where they can find security and quiet time. A large escape-proof cage with two or three levels is important to satisfy their natural urge to hop, jump and climb.
No matter how large the living quarters, your rat will need physical and social stimulation, which no cage can provide. Take your rat out daily with close supervision. Rat-proof the area for safe play. Never leave your rat unattended.
Nesting Material – This material is specifically made for rats, gerbils, mice, hamsters, and degus. One package goes a long way in giving your new pet soft bedding that they can form into a cozy bed.
Hiding Place, Hammock, Hanging Tents – Every pet needs a space to call their own. Provide at least two hiding spots to reduce stress and create a sense of security. Ground-level shelters made of grass or wood work well, and adding a hammock or hanging tent gives rats a chance to climb, nest, and snuggle. Always monitor for chewing. If your pet eats fabric, avoid cloth items. Check the bird department for more options.
BEHAVIOURAL
Chew Blocks – Your rat’s teeth will grow throughout their life. Give them a variety of chewing aids to help keep their teeth trimmed. They love to chew and it is a behavioural need that must be met to prevent malocclusion (improper alignment of teeth). A branch from outside may not be safe nor will a toilet paper or paper towel roll. Small animal chews are generally made from balsa wood, which is hard enough to gnaw on, but soft enough so it won’t splinter or cut.
Exercise Wheel – Select a giant exercise wheel to be used inside the cage for a safe way for your rats to stay in shape. All forms of exercise help to prevent obesity. Your rats need the opportunity to emerge from the cage and stretch their legs, and the opportunity to run at top speed (you will be impressed how quickly those stubby legs can move!).
Ladders and Branches – Rats love to climb and will entertain themselves (and you) with their acrobatics! In order to provide them with mental stimulation and exercise, ladders and bird perches are necessary. Check out the bird department for more options.
Harness and Leash – Yes, even rats enjoy an outing. Take them out for a safe walk (don’t worry, they won’t pull you over!) Never leave your rats unattended outdoors.
NUTRITIONAL
When choosing what food to purchase for your new pet, keep in mind that small animals often get diarrhea when new foods are introduced too quickly or during stressful events like adoption. Stick to familiar foods, including the same pellet brand, to support digestion. When adding new items, especially fresh foods, introduce them one at a time and watch for changes in behavior, appetite, or stool.
Rat Pellets – Pellets are formulated to contain a correct balance of all the essential nutrients that your rat needs each day, and is their primary diet. Follow the recommended guidelines on the bag of food to know how much should be offered daily.
Adding a teaspoon of rat food mix to the pellets can add an enrichment experience, although rats have a habit of selecting the more tempting, fattening morsels, and leaving the healthy pellets behind.
Grass Hay – Grass hay stimulates natural foraging behaviours to help in the prevention of obesity. Hay is an excellent source of nesting material. The bonus is that they also love to eat it! All grass hays, timothy, orchard, oat, and botanical (timothy with herbs), are nutritionally similar, differing mainly in taste and texture. Rats especially enjoy oat hay, which often contains immature seed heads.
Treats – Only offer 1/2 tsp of treats daily. Treats encourage interaction between you and your pet, and build a bond between you.
Fresh Foods – These foods are considered treats for rats rather than a staple in your pet’s diet. Great options include romaine, kale, green leaf lettuce, bell peppers, carrots, parsley, and pea pods. Large amounts of green foods should be avoided, since they are difficult to digest and can cause health concerns.
Moss Hollow Adapt – Using Moss Hollow Adapt, while minimizing stress, can help your new pet adapt to their new home by promoting relaxation from stress caused by the environment (Echinacea), offering a prebiotic for building gut flora (Burdock Root), easing diarrhea (Psyllium Husk), increasing palatability (Wheatgrass), providing a natural dewormer (Diatomaceous Earth), and nutrient-rich clay (Bentonite). This veterinary health product uses natural ingredients which can aid all small animals before symptoms emerge.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplement – In the wild, animals can choose the foods their bodies require. Even if you give your pet a variety of foods, you may not be providing them with certain vitamins and minerals that they need. Add the supplement to the drinking water or food according to packaging directions.
Mineral and Salt Stone – Make this available to your rat at all times. Salt will encourage them to drink enough water, and the water aids in digestion.
MAINTENANCE
Water Bottle – When your rat is in their cage, use a large water bottle to keep their water clean and to conserve any liquid vitamins. Fresh water must be available at all times and replaced daily. When your rat is outside their cage, give them water from a ceramic dish.
Keep water bottles clean to prevent bacteria and sediment buildup from supplements. Use a bottle brush with dish soap and water to clean both the bottle and the inside of the stainless-steel drinking tube.
Ceramic Dishes – Ceramic dishes are easy to clean, cannot be chewed, and are difficult to tip over. You will need one for pellets, one for fresh foods, and one for water during playtime outside of the cage.
Substrate – Aspen shavings, paper-based bedding and/or a pet mat are recommended for your rat, as substrates like pine or cedar can negatively affect your rat’s sensitive respiratory system. Use a litter scoop to spot clean the cage regularly.
Litter Box and Litter – A small animal litter box with pelleted litter made from wood pulp or recycled paper is easy to remove, reduces the time and cost of maintenance, and cuts down on odour. Place the box in a corner and add a small amount of soiled substrate inside using a litter scoop so that the rat can sniff it out for next time.
Cage Cleaner – Use a pet-safe cleaner, ideally one that is enzyme-based to break down stains and odours. Clean the cage weekly with the cleaner or hot water and mild soap, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid bleach and other household cleaners, as they can irritate your pet’s respiratory system or cause even worse problems.
Brush or Comb – Rats spend a great deal of time grooming themselves; however, they still enjoy being brushed regularly with a small animal brush or comb. This will help their coat to stay healthy and shiny. Don’t forget to offer them a treat after a grooming session!
Cleanliness and Safety
All pets can potentially carry diseases that may be contagious to people. Young children, infants, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems and the elderly are at greater risk of infections and should use caution when in contact with pets or their environments. Regular cleaning of your pet’s environment with a pet safe cleaner may help avoid the spread of contaminants.
Hygiene procedures such as washing your hands before and after handling your pet and/or after having any contact with their habitat, is a necessary routine. Children should be assisted with hand washing and always have adult supervision when interacting with pets.
CHECKLIST
-
Enclosure
-
Hiding place, hammock, hanging tent
-
Chew blocks
-
Exercise wheel
-
Ladders and branches
-
Harness and leash
-
Pellets
-
Hay
-
Treats
-
Moss Hollow Adapt
-
Vitamin and mineral supplement
-
Mineral and salt stone
-
Water bottle
-
Bottle brush
-
Ceramic dishes
-
Substrate
-
Litter scoop
-
Litter box and litter
-
Cage cleaner
-
Brush or comb
Please ask your pet counsellor what other items pertain to your pet’s needs.