RAT

Choosing and buying your rat

There are many colours available such as white or albino, Hooded, Agouti

and Cinnamon. There is also a Rex variety with curly coat and whiskers.

Whichever variety you decide on your rat should be a minimum of 4 weeks

old.

A healthy rat should be:

Bright and alert

Have no signs of discharge from eye, ears, mouth and nose

Have a clean anal area

Have a glossy coat with no bald patches and no have sores on the

skin

Should have no signs of breathing problems

Should move around the cage easily

Should feel well covered and not bony

Housing

A cage of at least 60cm x 35cm x 25cm will give your rat adequate space.

However they love to climb and will appreciate separate areas for feeding,

sleeping and exercise. Cages specially designed for rats will usually be of

plastic and wire and may be on two or more levels. Most importantly they

must be escape proof.

Rats will enjoy a varied environment with branches, tunnels and ropes. Soft

wood, dust-free wood chips make an ideal floor covering. Your rat will also

appreciate a nest box with soft shredded paper.

Rats are clean in their habits but will need their bedding changed and their

cage cleaned with a pet-safe disinfectant at least once a week.

As rats are indoor pets they should be kept in an even temperature ideally

between 16 C and 22 C. You should avoid putting the cage in draughts,

direct sunlight or in damp or humid conditions.

Rats are inquisitive and active therefore they should be provided with as

much stimulation as possible. Try and buy a selection of toys and rotate

them to avoid boredom.

Feeding and Water

Rats are omnivores and so will enjoy a varied diet. A complete rat

mix should be the basis of the diet. This can be supplemented with

small amounts of fruit and the occasional boiled egg. Uneaten fruit

should be removed the next day.

Most rats will enjoy a mineral block which should be available for their use.

Food bowls should be sturdy, gnaw proof and easily disinfected.

Rhubarb or avocado can upset your rat s stomach but unlike us they cannot

be sick.

Fresh drinking water should always be available for your rat. It should be

provided by a water bottle designed to fit your rat cage.

Handling

Handling your rat will often help them build up a relationship with

you. When you first get your rat home allow him 24 hours to get

used to his environment. Allow your rat to sniff your hands before

handling him; this will get him used to your smell. Stroke your rat

and be sure he is facing you, then cup both hands around him and pick him

up.

Always concentrate when holding your rat as he will be quick and can slip

out of your hands.

Never pick your rat up by the tail.