Pet Rat Adoption

Rescue Pet Rat Eating CheesePhoto by Nikolett Emmert: https://www.pexels.com/photo/rad-eating-cheese-15193797/

Considering a pet rat adoption? Smart move! Rats are intelligent and can be trained to do tricks, be handled, and run mazes.


They can be great little buddies. They are sociable with each other and with humans.


They are small and are perfect for a busy apartment dweller who doesn't have a lot of time or space for a pet, but who still wants to joys and companionship of a cuddly pet.

Read more about how to care for pet rescue rats and what they are like.

Choosing the Right Rat Cage for Your Rescue Pet

An Adopted Pet Rat Peering Out of the Wires of His CagePhoto by ardeshir etemad: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-a-rat-trapped-inside-the-cage-69221/

The minimum size cage for two rates is 2 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet. Like with all the other small rodents, bigger is better, and multi-level is even better. The cage should be in a quiet spot, free from direct sun and drafts. They also like to nest, so a little box, like a tissue box, with some bedding will be nice for them to snuggle in.

Selecting the Best Bedding for Your Adopted Pet Rat Cage

Paper or straw pellets are very absorbent and make great bedding for rates.  Another good choice is shredded paper or cardboard and fleece, or other types of textiles. When using paper or cardboard, be sure that there is no toxic ink on the material. Don’t use cedar or pine, cat litter, or corn cob litter.

Guide to Rat Food and Water Care

In addition to rat food you buy at the store, you can feed your rat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and seeds. You can leave the bowl or pellets out all day and just replace them with new pellets after 24 hours because rats like to graze.Monitor how much pellets they eat - don't overfeed them!

Enhancing Your Adopted Pet Rat's Life: Sociability, Activity, and Toys

Two Adopted Pet White Rats Sitting Together in a Cagehttps://unsplash.com/photos/white-mouse-on-pink-textile-FwKBsCQZ28U

They are pretty sociable and do best when kept in pairs. Two females usually get along well, two males can coexist, especially if they are introduced when they are young, and a mixed-sex pair will be fine as long as they are spayed or neutered.

They are pretty smart so they can be trained to do tricks and they easily get used to holding or cuddling with their humans. You can also litter box train them. They generally like to relieve themselves in the same spot anyway, so put a box where they seem to like to go and put soiled bedding in it. Make sure you keep the box clean because if it gets too dirty, they will stop using it.

Rats should be let to roam free in a rat safe environment or a playpen daily. Just know that rats like to chew, so keep electrical cords and valuables away from them. Also, they like to mark their territory, so they’ll pee a litle bit when they are out and even when they are being held. 

Give them plenty of toys and things to chew on.  They get bored easily, so rotate their toys

Size: How Big Do Rats Get?

Rats are larger than mice, hamsters, and gerbils.  Even so, they are still pretty small and are perfect for someone who doesn't have a lot of space but still wants an interactive pet. They can grow to be 14-18 inches long and weigh 0.5 - 1.5 pounds.

Understanding Your Rescue Pet Rat's Lifespan and Health Needs

Adopted Pet Rat in a Hidy on the Bottom Level of It's CagePhoto by Tanner Johnson: https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-gray-mice-inside-brown-house-53813/

They usually live between 2-3 years. Common health problems include teeth growing too much, obesity, and tumors.


Their teeth never stop growing. You need to provide them with chew toys to keep their teeth from getting to long and causing health problems. Wooden chew toys are best. If you think your pet' rat's teeth are getting to long, you should take them to the vet immediately.


Makde sure you are giving your pet rat a high quality rat food that is designed specifically for rats and not another animal. If they are getting fat, think about letting their food dish stay empty for a bit before refilling it. Supplement their diet with fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Don't give to many treats of a lot of human food. Also, make sure they get plenty of exercise with a rat excercsie wheel, climbing structures , and levels to their cage.

You should observe your pet rat’s behavior and if the behavior changes, take them to a vet.

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