🐭 Pet Rat Care Sheet 

Rats are intelligent, clean, affectionate, and highly social animals that make amazing pets! With the right care, they form strong bonds with their humans and live happy, enriching lives.

✅ Quick Facts

• Lifespan: 2–3 years

• Size: 20–25 cm (plus tail)

• Temperament: Friendly, curious, and playful

• Ideal for: Teens, adults, and families (supervision for young kids)

• Best kept: In pairs or groups (rats are highly social)

🏠 Housing & Setup

Cage Size:

• Minimum: 75cm (L) x 45cm (W) x 60cm (H) for 2 rats

• Multi-level cages are best – rats love to climb and explore

• Bar spacing: No wider than 1.5cm

Bedding:

• Use paper-based bedding or aspen shavings

• Avoid cedar or pine – they can harm respiratory health

• Clean soiled bedding daily; full cage clean weekly

Cage Setup Must-Haves:

• Hammocks, tunnels, and platforms

• Hidey houses or boxes

• Chew toys (wood, cardboard, ropes)

• Climbing ropes or ladders

• Food dish and water bottle

🥗 Feeding Your Rat

Main Diet:

• A high-quality rat-specific pellet or lab block

• Supplement with fresh fruits, veggies, grains, and occasional protein

Safe Fresh Foods:

✔ Cooked pasta, rice, or oats
✔ Broccoli, kale, spinach, carrots, peas
✔ Apple, banana, berries (no seeds or pits)
✔ Boiled egg or cooked chicken (occasionally)

❌ Do NOT Feed:

• Citrus (especially to males)

• Chocolate, raw beans, onion, garlic, corn, avocado, carbonated drinks

• Junk food or anything sugary/fatty

Water:

• Fresh, clean water must be available at all times in a water bottle or bowl

🧠 Social Needs & Enrichment

• Rats must be kept in pairs or more – they are extremely social

• Spend at least 1 hour a day interacting with them

• Let them free roam in a safe area regularly

• Teach tricks – they are smart and love to learn!

• Rotate toys and rearrange the cage for mental stimulation

🧼 Grooming & Hygiene

• Rats groom themselves, but check regularly for cleanliness

• Long-haired rats may need brushing

• Trim nails monthly if overgrown

• Spot clean cage daily, deep clean weekly with pet-safe cleaner

🩺 Health & Vet Care

Signs of a Healthy Rat:

✔ Bright eyes and clean fur
✔ Curious and active
✔ Eating and drinking well

Watch For:

❗ Wheezing, sneezing, laboured breathing
❗ Weight loss or poor coat condition
❗ Lumps or swelling
❗ Diarrhoea or abnormal behaviour

📍 If you notice anything unusual, see a small animal/exotics vet ASAP

🧾 Essential Supplies Checklist:

☑ Spacious multi-level cage
☑ Safe bedding (paper-based)
☑ High-quality rat food
☑ Fresh fruit & veg
☑ Toys, hammocks, and climbing accessories
☑ Companions (never keep a rat alone!)
☑ Time out of cage and regular interaction

🐭 Fun Facts:

• Rats can learn their name, solve puzzles, and even do tricks!

• They're cleaner than you think – rats spend a lot of time grooming

• They communicate using high-pitched sounds we can’t hear!

 

Pet rats are loving, clever, and endlessly entertaining companions. With daily attention, good housing, and a proper diet, they’ll bring you years of joy!