28
Jun
When you tell somebody you have a pet rat their reaction is typically a lot more muted than when you bring up your puppy or kitten. Long Live The Rat.
They generally dont inhabit the same cages or live in the same spaces but they can be around each other without any concern for dangerous or aggressive behaviors.
Can pet rats live alone. Can pet rats live alone. No pet rats shouldnt live alone. Rats are extremely social animals in the wild they live in large groups with complex hierarchies communicating via sight smell ultrasonic chattering and touch.
Pet rats are no different and should be kept in pairs or groups to replicate this environment. A pet rat that lives alone may not necessarily have a shorter lifespan than rats with at least one other companion but they are likely to be depressed. Rats by nature are sociable that enjoy the company of their fellow rats.
Rats in the wild live in large groups. This way of living is healthy for them and they have complex hierarchies and relationships within their groups. While some critters find success in living alone you can count rats out of that group.
Rats are naturally highly social and gregarious rodents. Theyre happiest when theyre around fellow rats and as a result shouldnt live by themselves. Living solo can be stressful on the little guys.
Pet rats can live alone but they will be lonely when youre not around. Rats love to play. So without another rat they wont have anyone to play with except you.
That may be okay if you spend a lot of time with your rat but definitely not okay if you dont give the rat a lot of attention. You need to understand grieving pet rats do not need to be left alone but rather need extra care and comfort food as humans do. They wont play as much but your pet rats will want to cuddle with you and will find solace in the treats you can give them.
If youre worried that male rats are too territorial you can rest. Compared to other male pets and animals pet rats are not that territorial and will live happily with their companions. You can have up to 6 male rats living in the same space given you.
Yes if you see one rat there are probably many more living in your house in the attic or walls. Finding a rat in your home can be very off-putting but in order to deal with the problem you have to be realistic about the situation. Theyve got each other itll be fine I leave mine alone for a weekend here and there they do fine but seem to get a little stir crazy from being cooped up in their cage for so long.
Just let them out and play with them lots when you get home. Fancy rats can make an incredible pet but theyre still wildly misunderstood. When you tell somebody you have a pet rat their reaction is typically a lot more muted than when you bring up your puppy or kitten.
For how misunderstood they are rats as pets make amazing companions for a lot of different types of people and living situations. Clients have had pet rats that live with guinea pigs that are socialized and living in or around where pet rabbits are. They generally dont inhabit the same cages or live in the same spaces but they can be around each other without any concern for dangerous or aggressive behaviors.
Since they are so small it is generally not recommended to have them neutered so you should not have a male and a female to avoid overpopulation. Males typically fight when housed together so they can be kept alone but females should be kept in pairs or groups. Changing up their environment playing with them and teaching tricks all help keep our pet rats happy and mentally healthy.
Note that almost all of the potential problems listed here can occur even if you were to leave your rats alone for a week INSIDE their cage. Since rats can eat a wide variety of foods you can easily supplement their diet with dinner leftovers and foods you have on-hand. Chicken lettuce rice and apples are just a few of the many foods pet rats love.
Avoid foods that are high in fat. Peanuts dry uncooked beans and citrus fruits can cause health issues in rats. Long Live The Rat.
Rats live an average of two to four years. They are very social so its best to keep a same-sex pair. With regular handling they can become very tame and enjoy human companionship.
They need out-of-cage time for social interaction and exercise and can even be taught some simple tricks. Thats because rats dont live as long as dogs or cats and they sleep for two-thirds of the day. Theyll wake up if you want to play with them but theyll live you alone most of the day.
If you have a child might be good to get him a pet rat instead of a hamster or rabbit.