Is a Rat the Right Pet for You?
Before diving into rat parenthood, there are several things you need to consider. While their irresistible cuteness makes it hard to resist a spur-of-the-moment decision when you see one, it’s crucial to do your research first.
Here is my list of important things to consider before buying a pet rat.
Cost
Just a few of the bare necessities include the cage itself, bedding, food, and toys. I won’t sugarcoat it—rats can be expensive pets. One reason is that they love to chew and destroy things, so you will need to frequently replace their toys, fleeces, hammocks, and hides.
Another major cost is veterinary care. Rats are prone to health issues, especially as they age. It’s crucial to be prepared for vet visits because you don’t want to be in a situation where your rat needs treatment, and you can’t afford it. Being a responsible rat parent means planning for these expenses and ensuring they have the care they need throughout their lives.
Health
As previously mentioned, rats are unfortunately prone to various health problems, including respiratory ailments, tumors (benign or malignant), spinal cord degeneration, and digestive disorders.
However, getting your rat from a reputable breeder who prioritizes temperament and health can reduce the likelihood of severe health issues due to good genetics, which I will cover in more detail later.
Lastly, you must be mentally prepared for their short lifespan. While the joy and love they bring make every moment worthwhile, the most challenging part of owning a rat is knowing that our time with them is so limited.
Sociability
If you decide pet rats are a good fit for you, it is important to get more than one. Even with our undivided attention, rats need the companionship of another rat and can become depressed if kept alone. Keep in mind, the more rats you have, the more cage space they will require.
Human interaction is also key when socializing with your rats. Time commitment is paramount for daily interaction and bonding if you want lovable and friendly rats, particularly if they were not well socialized in their previous environment.
Living Space
Pet rats need ample room to run around, climb, and explore. Without a large enough cage, they can easily become stressed and unhappy. Bar spacing is another important consideration, especially if you are adopting very young rats. They will easily squeeze through bars that are not small enough.
A safe environment is crucial as well. Rats are renowned chewers and can easily ingest something harmful or get electrocuted by chewing on electric cables. It is important to keep dogs, cats, and other large animals away from your rats. They are small and fragile and can be easily injured by other pets.
Allergies
Allergies to pet rats can manifest in various ways. Some people may experience skin irritations such as rashes or redness, while others might develop symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or itchy eyes.
Additionally, some pet bedding brands contain a lot of dust particles, which are particularly harmful to rats. If you find yourself reacting to their bedding, there is a good chance it is not suitable for your rats either.
Noise
This may be noteworthy, especially if you are a light sleeper like myself – rats are nocturnal and can be quite active at night. To get my beauty sleep, I have given my pet rats their own room in the house.
The evening is also the best time to play with them and work on bonding. Regular socialization is key to getting them used to you, so make sure you can spend quality time with them every day.
Making sure they have their own space not only helps you rest, but also gives them a safe environment away from other household pets.
Legal and Housing Considerations
Before bringing pet rats into your home, it is crucial to ensure you won’t run into any legal hiccups. Some rental agreements and housing communities have restrictions on pets, including rodents.
Believe it or not, some areas even have specific bans or rules about owning pet rats—complete malarkey, if you ask me. But it is best to check on these things rather than suffer the consequences later.
Conclusion
While owning rats has brought me immense joy and purpose, it is important to share both the pros and cons of being a rat parent so that you can make an informed decision going forward.
We must think not only of ourselves, but the impact we have on our animals as well. By considering these factors and preparing accordingly, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for your pet rats.
Whether you are embarking on this journey for the first time, or expanding your furry family, embracing the responsibilities, the rewards of rat parenthood will undoubtedly enrich your life in ways you never imagined.
Be sure to check out my other blogs to ensure you are taking all the precautions and staying updated on everything rat care related so you can take the best care of your new pet rats! ☺
