In any rat lovers opinion, they are the perfect companion pet. They can actually be trained to do many things! Rats rarely bite and enjoy being held. They thrive on human attention and are extreemly intelligent. 

 Rats are happiest in same sex pairs or groups. They play, wrestle and snuggle together.

Rats require a large, tall wire cage, like Martin's "Rat Highrise". www.martinscages.com They love to climb and explore. The bottom can be lined with newspaper or bedding such as aspen or Carefresh. Never use pine or cedar as these can cause respiratory problems. We have newspaper on the bottom and a plastic tub filled with aspen that they use as a potty! Changed once weekly, there is no odor. Provide flat surfaces for the rats to walk on to prevent foot problems that can come from walking on an all wire surface. Hammocks, sleep sacks or a box suspended from the side of the cage with a "cuddle cup" or other type of soft bedding will keep snoozing rats cozy and warm.

Inexpensive toys include rodent specific chew toys, oatmeal canisters with a hole cut in the bottom, cardboard boxes, "tubes" made of fabric or pvc suspended in the cage to run and hide in, pretty much anything they can chew, hide in or explore. Plastic zip ties or metal clip-type shower curtain hooks are a safe and quick way to hang things in the cage. Rotating toys and other items keeps the rats active and happy.

We have a "treat box" that we fill with shredded paper or carefresh bedding. Treats, such as raisins, cereal, dog biscuits or tiny chunks of vegetables are hidden in it for them to find. We put this in overnight a couple times a week and empty it when removed.

 Lab blocks should be the prime source of nutrition. Look for blocks with wheat or soy, not corn, as the main ingredient. Other rat mixes with grains and seeds are also good to offer as a secondary source as long as they don't contain alfalfa, which rats cannot digest. Fresh or frozen fruits and veggies daily also help keep ratties healthy. Being omnivores, rats eat almost anything! Berries, carrots, corn, peas, apples, shelled edamame (soy beans) -a good food to ward of the growth of tumors in rats, and low sugar cereals are a just some of the foods most rats enjoy. Ours will do ANYTHING for a small chunk of cheese. Cottage cheese, yogurt and plain cooked pasta are a faorite as well. Rice pudding turns them into little sharks!

Fresh water in a sipper bottle should be available at all times.

Like other small companion pets, rats can develop respiratory ailments and should not be kept outdoors or in a drafty area. Rats have poor eyesight, particularly pink eyed rats. They sometimes sway back and forth to help them detect motion.  Rats can also develop tumors and cancers. Find a veterinarian experienced with small animals in case your ratty gets sick.  

When looking for a rat to adopt (of course!), they should be clean, odor free, have clear bright eyes, no sores on feet, tail or body. Fur should be in good condition, no bald patches. If the rat is scratching excessively, it may indicate a skin problem or even parasites. If female, ask if the rat has been kept by that person long enough to insure that it is not pregnant (gestation is 21-23 days). Average life span of a rat is 2-3 years.

For more information and links about rat care, check out www.ratsrule.com.