An introduction to pet rats

Welcoming pet rats into your life can be one of the most rewarding things you ever do! They’re incredibly fun, energetic and lovable.  

They’re busy little creatures who love to explore and learn from you and their surroundings. Each one has their own loveable character and they can form special bonds with their human family.  

Female rats generally enjoy getting up to mischief and spending hours exploring. Whereas male rats tend to be very content with a cuddle on the sofa, particularly when they get a bit older.  

If you are thinking of taking on your first pet, and you’re keen on a species that enjoys human interaction, then rats might be for you! Read the facts below for more details that will help you decide.   

Facts about rats as pets

Life expectancy

Rats can live between two to three years. 

Companionship

Rats need the companionship of their own kind to keep them happy and healthy. They’re best kept in groups of three or more. This prevents one from being left alone if another one passes away, and it’s also necessary because of their complex social structure. They should be kept in same sex groups, or any ratio of neutered rats, both bucks (males) and does (females) can live within a group. 

Accommodation

Rats need to be housed in a large cage filled with suitable enrichment to keep them interested and active. The minimum size cage for up to four rats is: 80cm wide, 50cm deep, 80cm high. For up to 10 rats, the size should be: 123cm by 63cm by 93cm. The initial start-up cost can be £150+. For more information, read our article about recommended caging for rats.

Time per day

Expect to spend anywhere up to one hour with your rats. This time includes daily spot cleaning, socialising and free-range time outside their cage. 

Diet

Rats are omnivores and should be fed a home-made, well-balanced diet of mixed seeds, grains, protein and vegetable sources. Read our article about what to feed your pet rats for more advice.

Health

It’s important that rats are provided with a good quality diet. This must include correct quantities to avoid obesity, which can have a big effect on their overall health and condition. Rats can be prone to breathing issues, so choosing the right bedding is also very important. Find a rat savvy vet to be on-hand in case your rats need veterinary attention.  Read our article about rats’ health for more information.

Family-friendly

Rats make excellent pets for all the family, they’re inquisitive, affectionate and love to come out and play. See below for some more reasons on why rats make great pets. 

Top 5 reasons to own pet rats

1) Playful Companionship

They love to come out to play and adapt to your daily routine. Rats love to have some free-range time in a secure playroom where they can run, forage, climb and interact with their owners.

2) Rats are very intelligent

They are very intelligent! Rats are very inquisitive and love to learn. They are rather partial to a bit of agility, and learning a few tricks… as long as a tasty treat is on offer that is!

3) They are clean

It is a common misconception that rats are dirty. In fact, they spend many hours of the day busily cleaning and washing themselves, and will even use a litter tray.

4) They are very affectionate

They give lovely cuddles. Everyone needs a cuddle, and rats happen to love snuggling into you for an evening in front of the TV.

5) Rats are child friendly!

They are great with children! Rats really adapt well to children, and get used to coming out to play in the morning and after school. Children can also have lots of fun getting creative and learning new skills, by making enrichment for their rat’s cage. These can include hammocks, cardboard castles, tunnel mazes, rope ladders and rummage boxes.

Want to dive deeper into expert rat care? Explore our comprehensive rat advice page for a wealth of tips and insights to enhance your companionship journey!