Hairless Rats?

Question

I'm thinking about getting a hairless rat but I have a few questions. I read that they will most likely go blind after a year or so and many also go deaf. Is it hard to put up with a blind and deaf animal? It seems like it would be like taking care of an old man or something. I have hairless cats so I know how to take care of hairless animals but I'm hesitant to get an animal that will loose sight and hearing within a couple years. Is it really a big deal when they do or can they still be fun playmates?

Answer 1

You'd never even know if your rat was blind. I have 22 (12 fosters and 10 permanents) and I bet I have a few who are almost completely blind. Hairless rat issues usually come with breeding true hairless to true hairless. As said above, you'll probably end up with a double rex hairless.

Answer 2

It is true that hairless rats can have health related issues, but that is mostly surrounding true hairless rats, who have no hair whatsoever.  Often, what are sold as hairless rats have some peach fuzz and whiskers, and are technically double rexes with an hairless gene.  

I have a double rex girl who is over a year old, and she is neither blind nor deaf.  If you find a breeder who specializes in double rex hairless rats, you should ask them about their health/genetic history, but really, I think you should go to a rescue/shelter.  I have 2 hairless boys that were from a shelter, and one girl that was from a rescue, and all 3 are wonderful, and in great health.

Answer 3

ஐ: poor things..you won't know until you get it though!

Answer 4

Hairless rats who have red eyes are more prone to blindness as they get older. That being said, rats do not have terribly good vision to begin with and rely on other senses. They still make great pals. I have never had a problem with any of my hairless rats - they adapt very well. You do need to take care of their skin (wipe them with baby wipes if they get a yellowish film on them, modulate the temperature of their cage and protect them from the sun. Use softish litter in the cage, not wood or anything like that, since their skin scratches easily.

Answer 5

I have a hairless rat and have had her for a while.She hasnt went blind or deaf yet but is one of the sweetest loveable rats that I have ever had. The only thing I will say about hairless rats is alot of them have eye problems. They are prone to them more than the hairy rats. I have to go to the vet every couple of months to get her a sav for her eyes for conjunctivitis. Also they get cold and hot very easily. They need special care when it gets cold and hot. The easiest way to keep them warm is to get them a hairy friend so that when they get cold they can snuggle up to them and also put blankets in the cage. But in the long run they make wonderful pets and since you said you know how to take care of hairless animals I would go for it.