Keeping Rats as Pets

By Leslie Brown

People often think of rats as creatures they have to get rid of, but rats can actually make wonderful pets. As companions, rats are sometimes compared to dogs, but they are a lot less work! Intelligent, social, and easily tamed, rats are relatively easy to care for.

Rats live for only about 2 to 3 years. Because they are such social creatures, they do best in a group with other rats. Male rats, called "bucks," are larger and lazier than females. Female rats, called "does," are not generally bred younger than 4-months old. Some owners prefer to keep males and females apart during their life, only letting them be together for a planned mating.
Female rats go into heat often--every 4 to 5 days for about a day. They get particularly agitated during this time, which makes them livelier than males. When rats do breed, they have large litters—about 10 to 12 babies (or "kittens"). Kittens grow very fast, and by 5-weeks old they run around a lot because they have so much energy!

Rats are simple to care for, but they are not considered low-maintenance pets. They require a fair amount of attention. It's best to keep them out of their cages for at least an hour every day to make sure they get enough exercise.

Most pet stores sell 50% to 90% of their rats for reptile food. If you do buy a rat from a pet store, make sure that it has a clean cage, a good diet, and that it has been handled regularly. The best chance for finding a well socialized young rat is to buy one from a breeder (or "ratterie"). You might also consider rescuing a rat from a shelter, where they are in need of a good home and a patient owner. Most rat breeders also find room for a few homeless rats. When getting a rat from any source, make sure that it appears clean and social enough to go home with you.

When you take your rat home, provide it with a nice comfy cage. A large wire cage works best, especially one with horizontal bars that allow the rat to climb on the sides. Because rats are intelligent and curious, they need toys in and out of their cages to keep them occupied and challenged. They love to climb, so give them ladders, ropes, and platforms. It's best to keep their cage in a fairly quiet area because rats are nocturnal. A large cage, other rats for company, a healthy diet, and lots of exercise is the best way of making sure that your pet rats have a long and happy life.

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