Taking Rat to vet..should we take others for company?

Question

thinking of taking one of my three female rats to the vet to trim its nails. Should we take all three rats or just the one?. I am asking because I wonder if the other rats will note she has been gone for over an hour and will start to treat her as a stranger when she returns. Maybe the stress would be took much for three rats though.

What do you think?

Answer 1

Don't cause the other rats stress.

If only one needs it's nails trimmed, only take the one.

Rats aren't stupid and she won't smell different to them when she returns- it won't be an issue. Whereas if you take all three, you're going to have three stressed rats, instead of one who will be calmed- upon her return- by the two calm rats who stayed at home.

Answer 2

i dont think its a problem but ive actually started doing that with my Cats. i would take one and when we would return the other was quite mad that he smelled different and got to go somewhere (the mad cat loves to run out into our backyard so i think he thought our other cat went outside or something) but he would hiss at everyone for like 2 weeks lol. anyways...off the subject lol....your rats would probably stress out a bit. i would just take the one and watch their behavior when you return the other rat. then you will know what to do the next time. but seriously...its very easy to trim their nails...do some research first obviously but it could save you some money. i used to do it when i worked at the vet office and its just like trimming a childs nails...there is blood/quick in the nail so youd have to be careful to not cut it but like i said do some research and save some money and hassel

Answer 3

just take the one, rats are smart enough to remember her when you put her back in the cage. besides she'll have you for company while she's out  

Answer 4

I suggest that you take all three. It's good practice for when the other ones need to go to the vet, they already know what it is. I had to take my one rat to the vet and I toook his 3 brothers for the experience and company. It makes them feel safer if they are with other rats. Trust me.

Answer 5

Your rats won't forget each other that quickly, so just take one. Put some of the current bedding from the cage into her travel cage, so she feels at home. The familiar smell will comfort her.

It's not too hard to trim your pets nails, so maybe this time when you are at the vets you could ask the vet to show you how to do it at home. This way you can save the stress of having to take them anywhere next time.

Good luck!