Experience Level: Beginner

• Life expectancy: 3-5 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!

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.

Housing Multiples

Rats have a highly developed social instinct and display their 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 keeping only rats of the same sex in the same cage is recommended.

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 rats out daily, and with close supervision, this routine will become a much-loved event for all of you! Safety is key during this free-range time, and it will be necessary to “rat-proof” the free-ranging area that you choose.

Hiding Place, Hammock, Hanging Tents – Every creature needs an area to call their own. Hiding places are necessary to reduce stress and help make them feel secure. We recommend at least two hiding places. A hiding place on the ground made of grass or wood is a good choice. Also consider a hammock or hanging tent that allows the rat to climb to access. Rats love to nest, snuggle, and climb, and what better way to provide this than by giving them a cozy retreat to climb to! Please ensure your pet does not eat the material. If they are so inclined, please do not use the hammock or any other similar items made of cloth. Check the bird department for more options.

BEHAVIOURAL

Chew Blocks – Your rats’ 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 acrobats! 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

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.

Note, that many small animals are susceptible to diarrhea, especially when new foods are introduced too quickly or they encounter a stressful situation (i.e. being adopted). By providing food that is familiar to them, including the brand of pellets, their digestive systems will prevent this type of health problem. When introducing a new food item, especially fresh foods, do so one at a time. This will avoid overwhelming and upsetting your rat’s digestive tract. Monitor for any changes in attitude, appetite, or stool production.

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 it! Choose from a variety of grass hay, including timothy, orchard grass, oat, and botanical (timothy blended with herbs). They are exactly the same nutritionally; they are just different in taste and texture. Rats especially enjoy oat hay, which often contains immature seed heads.

Treats – Only offer 1/2 tsp of treats daily. Offer treats to encourage interaction between you and your pet, but only after your pet eats their staple diet.

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 – This should be added to the drinking water or food according to packaging directions. 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.

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.

Water bottles need to be kept clean of bacterial growth, as well as sediment that may be caused by using nutritional supplements. Use a bottle brush set with dish soap and water to clean both the inside of the bottle and the inner surface 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 (i.e. Carefresh® or Eco 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 – Select a small animal cage cleaner that has a natural enzyme-based formula to permanently break down stains and odours. Clean the cage once a week using a pet safe cleaner or hot water and mild soap. Rinse well and dry. Do not use bleach, or other household cleaners, which will irritate your rat’s respiratory system, or even cause 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!

Please ask your pet counsellor what other items pertain to your pet’s needs.

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. 

Click here to find all your rat's needs.