Our new tool will narrow down more than breeds for you. If the video doesn't start playing momentarily, please install the latest version of Flash. By Dr. Did you know that rats form lifelong bonds with their owners and respond to their sight and voice? Join the Conversation Like this article? Have a point of view to share? Let us know! Select Dog or Cat. Watch the Latest Vetstreet Videos Check out our collection of more than videos about pet training, animal behavior, dog and cat breeds and more.
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Be aware that pet rodents can shed germs that can contaminate surfaces in areas where they live and roam. Keep pet rodents and their supplies out of the kitchen or other areas where food is prepared, served, or consumed. Clean and disinfect rodent habitats and supplies outside your home when possible. If you clean rodent supplies indoors, use a laundry sink or bathtub and be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect the area immediately after.
Never clean rodent habitats or their supplies in the kitchen sink, other food preparation areas, or the bathroom sink. Your veterinarian can play a key role in helping you and your pets stay healthy. Tell your healthcare provider that you have been around pet rodents, whether at home or away from the home, especially if you are sick or have been bitten or scratched. Some rodent germs can cause serious and life-threatening illness in people. Being a prey animal who is also anxious about things that are new or unknown can obviously produce a watchful, nervous individual.
Domestication has to a large extent bred away from this, leaving pet rats much less anxious by nature. However, not all rats are equal, and rats sourced from a reputable breeder who is breeding for great temperament amongst other positive traits are likely to be more robust in this regard. Rats from pet shops are usually bred in huge rodent farms who breed rodents for snake food , and they are likely to be more anxious and slower to tame. This is something to consider, particularly if there will be children involved in the care of your rats.
Most rat bites are received because rats are startled or feel under threat for some reason. So, having a less anxious nature is a benefit in that regard. In context I have owned hundreds of rats over many years and have only been bitten a few times — almost always this was my fault. Most rats, regardless of their source, will become tame and affectionate, but some will need extra help to reach this point.
Rats from breeders have generally been well handled and require less work to get them settled — and calm about handling — in their new home. Rat cages can generate quite a smell primarily from loose droppings or urine under certain conditions, which include:. A good deep layer of absorbent substrate plus litter pans, with regular changes of paper bedding and cloth hammocks, will make a massive difference to smell.
All of these can cause unrest within a social group. Most rats will have the odd squabble, but social stress is a huge problem to rats causing lack of sleep, anorexia, redirected aggression towards humans, hiding away and PTSD. Incoming rats though accepted as babies can cause squabbles as young adults under the influence of hormonal changes. Groups should be managed so that no rat is left living alone, yet all are able to live peacefully.
A well-bred rat who has been well fed from the time he was conceived will often be physically robust and live a healthy life into old age. However, rats do tend to be prone to a variety of illnesses. These include:. These diseases tend to be more prevalent where their lifetime diet has not included fresh plants, fruit, and seeds. So, rats from rodent farms may not do as well. For example, in the UK, respiratory illness is much less common in well-bred rats than those from pet shop origin.
Pet rats can still have major predator-induced stress. Keeping rats in proximity to cats, ferrets, and even snakes can cause stress and distress. Habituation requires exposure without associated stress — the smell itself is stressful enough. Also, note that rats are predators too! They have been known to hunt and kill pet birds and mice. To conclude, for many people, rats do make excellent pets and can be wonderful, affectionate, companion animals.
However, like all species they do have potential issues that may make them unsuitable for some people in some situations. We hope we have given you the help you need to decide whether rats are for you. Your email address will not be published. Are Rats Good Pets? July 10, This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
About author Alison Alison has been living with rats for the past 22 years. She researches and writes within the international rat community.
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