“Pet rats need at least one same-sex companion, a tall multi-level cage with about 2 cubic feet of space per rat, a lab-block diet with fresh vegetables, dust-free bedding, and an hour or more of out-of-cage time daily. They usually live 2 to 3 years.”
Pet rats are one of the most rewarding small pets you can own. Domestic “fancy” rats are clean, clever, and affectionate. Many learn their names, come when called, and ride happily on their owner’s shoulder. They have more in common with a small dog than with a hamster when it comes to personality. This guide covers everything you need to give your rats a great life.
Pet Rat Quick Facts
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Domesticated brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) |
| Adult weight | Females about 9 to 12 oz; males about 16 to 23 oz |
| Lifespan | 2 to 3 years |
| Social needs | Must live with other rats |
| Active times | Mostly dusk and night, but adapt to owners |
| Varieties | Standard, dumbo, rex, hairless, hooded, Siamese, and many colors |
Always Keep Rats in Pairs or Groups
Rats are highly social. They groom each other, sleep in piles, and play together. A single rat depends entirely on you for company, and even devoted owners can’t be there around the clock. Keep at least two rats of the same sex, or a neutered male with females. Males tend to be larger and more laid-back; females are often more active and curious. See social vs solitary rodents for how rats compare with other species.
Choosing a Cage
- Size: a common guideline is about 2 cubic feet of space per rat. Bigger is always better.
- Height and levels: rats love to climb, so choose a tall wire cage with shelves, ramps, and hammocks.
- Bar spacing: no more than about half an inch for adult males; closer spacing for young rats and small females, who can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps.
- Floors: solid shelves are better for feet than wire. Cover wire levels with fabric or mats.
- Location: a quiet, draft-free room at comfortable house temperatures, out of direct sun.
Our guide to choosing rodent cages compares cage styles for each species.
Bedding and Litter Training
Rats have sensitive lungs, so dust matters. Use paper bedding, aspen, or fleece liners, and avoid cedar and pine shavings. Rats are easy to litter train: place a small corner litter box with paper pellets where they already tend to go. Our guide on how to litter train a rodent has step-by-step tips, and our bedding comparison covers materials.
What to Feed Pet Rats
A Balanced Base Diet
Choose a quality rat lab block as the foundation. Seed mixes let rats pick out fatty favorites and leave the rest, which can lead to obesity and poor nutrition.
Fresh Foods
Offer small daily portions of vegetables such as broccoli, kale, peas, carrots, and bell peppers, with occasional fruit like berries, banana, or apple (no seeds). Small amounts of cooked egg, plain cooked chicken, or cooked whole grains make good treats.
Foods to Avoid
- Raw sweet potato, raw dry beans, and green potato skins
- Chocolate, candy, and sugary or salty snacks
- Carbonated drinks and alcohol
- Moldy or spoiled food
- Sticky foods like peanut butter in large clumps, which can be a choking risk
Many keepers also avoid feeding citrus to male rats. Rats can’t vomit, so it’s important to be careful with anything questionable.
Out-of-Cage Time
Rats need daily exercise and interaction outside the cage, ideally at least an hour. Rat-proof a room or set up a playpen, remove electrical cords, and block gaps behind furniture. Our guide to rodent-proofing your home shows what to check.
Enrichment and Play
A bored rat is an unhappy rat. Keep them busy with:
- Hammocks, ropes, and tunnels
- Dig boxes filled with paper or soil (pesticide-free)
- Foraging toys and hidden treats
- Cardboard boxes to shred
- A shallow dish of water with peas to “fish” for
See our list of enrichment toys by rodent type for more ideas.
Handling and Bonding
Most pet rats warm up quickly. Start by offering treats through the cage, then let them climb onto your hand. Scoop them gently with one hand under the chest and the other supporting the rear. Never lift a rat by its tail. Happy rats may “brux” (grind their teeth softly) and “boggle” (their eyes vibrate in and out), which are signs of contentment. Rats even respond to gentle tickling with ultrasonic chirps that researchers have compared to laughter.
Rats are very trainable. Learn tricks like coming when called, spinning, and high-fives in our guide on how to train a pet rat.
Cleaning
- Daily: spot clean litter boxes and remove leftover fresh food.
- Weekly: change bedding, wash hammocks, and wipe down shelves.
- Tip: Leave one familiar item unwashed after a big clean. Too much scrubbing can prompt extra scent marking.
Common Health Problems
Rats are prone to respiratory infections, especially when bedding is dusty or ammonia builds up. Watch for sneezing, wheezing, or clicking breathing sounds. Females are prone to mammary tumors as they age, and older rats of both sexes can develop other tumors. Red staining around the eyes and nose, called porphyrin, can signal stress or illness. Our pet rat health problems guide covers symptoms and treatments.
Before you bring rats home, locate a vet who treats small mammals. Our tips on finding an exotic vet can help.
Are Rats Right for You?
Rats are ideal if you want an interactive pet and have time each day to spend with them. The main downside is their short lifespan. If you’re still deciding, compare them in rats vs mice as pets and guinea pig vs hamster vs rat.
Where to Get Pet Rats
Rescues frequently have bonded pairs of rats looking for homes. Reputable breeders focus on temperament and health and can tell you about their lines’ lifespans and common problems. Rats from feeder bins at pet stores may be poorly socialized or carry respiratory infections. Wherever you get them, look for bright eyes, clean noses, and quiet breathing. Our guide to breeder vs adoption covers the options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do pet rats bite?
Well-socialized rats rarely bite. Nips usually come from fear, pain, or mistaking fingers for food. See why pet rodents bite.
Do pet rats smell?
Rats groom themselves often. Odor usually comes from dirty bedding or males scent marking.
Can rats live alone?
They shouldn’t. Rats are social and do best with at least one companion.
How long do pet rats live?
Most live 2 to 3 years, occasionally a bit longer.