Pet Rat

A pet rat is a domesticated rodent. Pet rats are easy to care for and make affectionate, loving, and loyal pets.

Fast Facts

1. Lifespan: 2 to 3 years
2. Also known as a "fancy rat"
3. Highly intelligent
4. Weight: 350 to 650 grams
5. Domesticated for over 100 years
6. Can be litter trained
7. Come when you call them

Why a Pet Rat?

Pet rats make an excellent pet for kids and beginning pet owners. Rats are intelligent, affectionate, and responsive. They learn their names and come when you call them. They can be taught to use a miniature litter box.

Rats are social animals and should be housed with a cage buddy rather then housed alone.

Feeding

Pet rats should be fed a seed and grain staple diet mixed with fresh fruits and vegetables along with table scraps in moderation. ¹

Most Common Ailments

1. Spots and scabs: Can be caused by an overly rich diet, claws to sharp and in need of trimming, or mites. ²
2. Abscesses: From an infected cut or bite. ³
3. Tumors ⁴
4. Malocclusion: Broken, damaged or deformed teeth. ⁵
5. Respiratory diseases ⁶
6. Loss of weight and condition: Usually the onset to old age but can be a sign of a underlying disease. ⁷

Types of Pet Rats

• There are many variations of pet rats. Some of the basic types found in pets shops are:
• Rex
• Argente
• Topaz
• Silver Fawn
• Silver
• Himalayan
• Siamese
• Burmese
• Agouti
• Cinnamon
• Blue Agouti
• Lilac
• Russian Blue
• Pearl
• Cinnamon Pearl
• Dumbo
• Hooded

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