5 Things to Consider Before Adopting Rats

Every animal lover knows the feeling of wanting a new animal right now. I know I tend to think about how great a new pet would be instead of what new responsibilities I would be taking on. With my rats, I rushed into the decision and there were things I didn’t expect that I had to deal with. Rats are much more high maintenance than other small animals and it is important to know about the extra needs they may have. Being prepared will ensure that your new pet will be happy and that you won’t get any unwanted surprises.

If you have been considering rats or just want to know more about them, here are some things to think about before adopting.

1. Rats are naturally very social animals.

In the wild, rats live in packs; domesticated rats like to live the same way. When adopting rats you should always adopt more than one at a time. While they grow and become socialized they need a companion or two to keep them company and make them feel safe. Their need for social interaction also involves interaction with you, the owner. Be sure that you will have enough time to talk to and hold your rats on a consistent basis. This will not only make them more comfortable being held but it will also keep them happy and healthy.

2. You will spend money on toys and accessories

With their large teeth and nails rats can easily rip apart anything that you put into the cage. However, they need constant stimulation and things to chew on to keep their continuously growing teeth in check. Rats also enjoy hanging out in hammocks huts where they can cuddle up with each other. Of course when they aren’t relaxing they will be tearing at those same hammocks that they love so much. I have personally gone through dozens of hammocks, ledges, and toys. The best way to keep up with your rats is to make your own toys and hammocks and switch them out when you see signs of damage, patching them up as necessary (learning to sew is not a requirement but it sure does help)!

3. A proper rat cage may take up more space than you think.

Rat cages need to be large, even if you only have two or three rats living inside of it. Rats need space to move around and get exercise while they are in their cages. Most manufacturers will have a number indicating how many animals will fit comfortably inside a cage; most give conservative estimates and they are a good reference point if you are struggling to find the right size cage. Apart from the space within the cage itself, you must also have ample space around the cage as rats tend to reach for things that look like they might be fun to chew on. I once let a shirt hang too close to the cage and I came back to my rats cuddled in a new flannel nest. Not only is it bad for you when your rats chew up your things but it can be harmful to their health as well. Having a proper cage and creating the proper space in your home for your rats is vital to them living happy and healthy lives.

4. Rats are highly prone to health issues.

One of the saddest parts of pet ownership is when a pet falls ill. Rats unfortunately have a lot of common health problems that can lower their quality of life or even cut their lives short. Most commonly rats can get tumors which can sometimes be cancerous. Even when the tumors are benign they can cause other complications and impede a rat’s ability to move and exercise. Cancerous tumors are even more serious and they are very rarely treatable. Any tumors can be removed with surgery but the rats rarely live through the procedure. The most important problem to keep in mind with rats is that they have a weak respiratory system, meaning they are very prone to infection. This weakness can be managed by ensuring that your rats are in a clean environment and that they cannot get to anything that may irritate their sinuses. You must also make sure to thoroughly clean their cage on a regular basis as the ammonia from their urine can irritate their sinuses as well. Not all rats will have these problems of course but they can occur and it is definitely something you need to be prepared for.

5. Rats have a short lifespan.

Most small animals have a short lifespan but rat lives seem especially short. Depending on who you ask a rat’s lifespan is between two and three years. In my experience, however rats live closer to two years. Unfortunately, this is one of the issues with rats that just needs to be dealt with and accepted. I have been incredibly lucky to only have lost one rat since last year and even just the one loss was very painful. Thankfully, that loss really helped me to take a new outlook to the short lifespan of rats. Rats may not live for very long but if you love your rats and take care of them properly they will give you some of the best years of your life.

By keeping these 5 things in mind you will be able to more properly prepare for owning rats. This list may make it seem like rats are more trouble than they are worth but don’t let a little bit of work turn you away from these wonderful pets. If you open your heart and your home to these loveable animals they will make every day a little happier.