Pet rats--advice from rodent lovers?

Question

I am thinking about getting a pet rat.

I can't explain why I feel drawn to this. My very first pet as a child was a rescued lab mouse, so maybe that's why? Now I have a beloved rescued stray kitty and a snake from someone who moved overseas and couldn't take her. I'd like a dog but live someplace where I can't have one. Rats seem so intelligent and misunderstood. I'd appreciate advice from rat afficionados, because I want to be sure I provide the amount of space, attention, affection, etc. And can they be potty-trained to go in one specific litter area inside their habitat? Is there any way my cat would ever see a rat as a friend (instead of something to chase?). Thanks y'all!

Answer 1

Rats make wonderful pets. i too have had mice rats, hamsters, gerbils guinea pigs etc. if your cat is a kitten, yes it could learn to be friendly, if not make sure you get a very secure locking cage or aquaruim

Answer 2

Rats are absolutely misunderstood.

I have 5 boys, and they are sweet, affectionate, intelligent creatures. They know their names and come running to the cage doors when they hear me calling them. The minimum amount of space is 2 square feet per rat (also, you must get 2 rats, they cannot be alone), but more than that is preferred.

They can be potty trained! Although they do tend to pee wherever, they'll p**p in one specific place. This is where you place the litter box, then pick up the poops they have made in other places & put them in the litter box. Keep this up until your rats get what they're supposed to do.

As for your cat, I wouldn't want to find out. I've heard of rats and cats being friends, but it is not common, and it's a very risky thing to try. It only takes a moment for the cat to turn and fatally wound the rat.

They need at least an hour out of the cage per day, but they love to be out longer. They love to climb, so make sure to get a tall wire cage. They're also very fond of bird toys. ;P  

Answer 3

dont just get 1 get 2, they should be kept in pairs, but make sure they are same s*x pairs, you dont want little babies. they can be taught to go to one area of the cage for the toilet, i never taught mine how to do it, they just did it on their own. they are very affoctionate and if you spend along time doing it, they can learn their names. just incase you should keep your cat away from them

Answer 4

Don't think it would be wise if you have a cat.  Cats are natural rodent haters.

Answer 5

The best cage for your money is http://www.petmountain.com/product/cages...

This houses two beautifully with room for a total of three-four if you'd like later (trust me, you will!).

Some cats are terrified of the rats and won't go near them while others are quite curious and will approach them.  The curious cats are the ones to watch.  They can live with one another, but it is too much of a chance to allow them within a few feet of one another without a cage to protect them.  

Litter training is wonderful to have! My own took to it within a month and a half.  Just have different bedding and litter textures.  They'll soon be able to differentiate.  I use fleece as the bedding and Yesterday's News as their litter box litter. This works quite well! No matter the bedding you choose, make sure the only wood bedding you use is Aspen. Pine and cedar are both a no-no.

No types of rats will be better for your allergies.  Pet allergies come from the pet dander from the animal and hairless rats have dander just as other rats do.  Some individuals do find their allergies are worse with male rats than female rats however, so the s*x of your new rats might play a part.  Females tend to be more playful and less likely to cuddle while males tend to like to settle in for some love.  My own boys are my curious runners and my girls are the cuddlers, so it does also depend on the rat and their own personality.

As for attention, they do need out of cage time. I try to let them out for an hour a day. They don't do well with rodent balls that are sold as they have poor eyesight and the added barrier with the ball stresses them out.  They are much happier having some free range time in some rat proof area of your home away from your cat.  As other posters have stated, you do want to have two rats. I tend to stick with threes rather than couples as when one passes away, I like to make sure there is a built in buddy so they are never alone.  You can always introduce more rats when  one passes away, but quarantine in a separate airspace is necessary beforehand and this takes three weeks to complete effectively.  In that time the single rat and the one quarantined have been alone and the one you had prior is mourning the loss of their friend.  I always prefer the three to the two for these reasons.

Please feel free to email me if you have any further questions. Good luck!