Housing
Rats are agile and can escape many enclosures. Choose a secure cage made for rats or larger rodents.
Multi-level cages are ideal because rats love to climb and explore. The Midwest Critter Nation cage is an excellent option. An enclosure with solid flooring is preferred because it is easier to clean than wire or mesh. Wire floors are not recommended because pressure sores can form on the feet. These sores can lead to pododermatitis, an infected ulcerative condition commonly called bumblefoot. Your cage must be large enough for a rat-sized exercise wheel and have space for running, climbing, and enrichment. Make sure the top and doors are secure, as rats are escape artists.
Bedding and Cleaning
- Use a dust controlled paper bedding such as Carefresh.
- Bedding should be changed at least twice weekly.
- Never use cedar or pine shavings The aromatic phenols in these beddings can be highly
- irritating to a rat’s respiratory system.
Other acceptable bedding options include:
- Fleece Liners
- Recycled Newspaper
- Aspen Bedding
Provide nesting materials such as plain, unscented, dye free tissue paper and cardboard rolls. Clean the enclosure regularly to reduce odor and respiratory irritation. For routine cleaning, wash the cage with mild soap and water and rinse thoroughly before returning your rat to the cage.
Temperature, Ventilation and Enrichment
Temperature
Keep the environment at 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, ideally around 72 degrees.
Keep humidity levels between 40 and 70 percent.
Ventilation
Good ventilation and clean housing are essential to reduce the risk of respiratory disease.
Enrichment
Rats need a variety of toys and activities to prevent boredom. Rotate toys every few days. Great options include tunnels, hammocks, hanging toys, cardboard rolls, wood chews, and safe home-made enrichment.
Diet
Rats will pick out favorite high-fat items and leave the balanced nutrition behind. Offering a variety of vegetable matter daily is great for fiber and nutrients.
- Feed a rat-specific diet. We recommend Oxbow Animal Health Essentials Rat Food
- Avoid seed and nut mixes
- One tablespoon of chopped veggies per day is recommended
- Vegetables include raw or cooked carrots, green beans, squash, lettuces, peppers and cucumbers.
Use a heavy ceramic bowl to reduce tipping and spilling. Fresh water should be available at all times in a water bottle or heavy bowl. Clean bowls and bottles regularly.
Rats should always have access to wood chews. Because their teeth grow continuously, rats can develop malocclusion if they do not have appropriate items to gnaw.
Monitoring weight is one of the simplest and most effective ways to detect illness early. We recommend purchasing a gram scale and weighing your rat at least once weekly. In rodents, weight loss is often the earliest sign of disease.
Spay & Neuter
Male Rats
Neutering is recommended even if males are not housed with females. It can reduce aggression and urine-marking behaviors after puberty and helps prevent testicular tumors, which are common in intact older males. Neutering is often performed before puberty. Neutering can be performed when they reach 180 grams and both testicles have descended.
Female Rats
Spaying is strongly recommended. Ideally, spay female rats at about three to four months of age or when body weight reaches approximately 180 grams. Spaying eliminates the risk of ovarian disease and greatly reduces the risk of other reproductive diseases. It also significantly reduces the likelihood of mammary tumors as the rat ages and is one of the most important steps to extend her healthy lifespan.
Common Medical Issues
Rats can be afflicted by several conditions:
- Respiratory Disease
- Pododermatitis
- Tumors
- Mites & Lice
- Dental Disease
Signs of Illness – Seek Veterinary Care
Contact us if you notice:
- Lumps or bumps
- Sneezing, runny nose or runny eyes
- Hair loss, flaky skin or itchiness
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Decreased appetite or weight loss
- Lethargy or a major change in behavior
Preventive Care
Routine preventive care is important for your Rat’s health and longevity. We recommend:
- Annual veterinary exams (minimum)
- Annual fecal tests
- Teeth trimming
Many rat illnesses progress quickly and early signs can be subtle. Routine exams help identify problems before they become advanced, which is a core goal of preventive care.
Between visits, your job is to know what is normal for your rat. Watch appetite, activity, breathing effort, stool quality, and body weight. If you notice changes, call. Early care often makes treatment simpler, less expensive, and more successful.
Questions or Concerns?
If you have questions or concerns about your pet rat, give us a call today at (603) 882-0494 or book an appointment online today!