What You Need to Know Before Adopting a Pet Rat

Rats might not be the first animals that come to mind when you think of adopting a pet, but don’t let their reputation fool you. These intelligent, affectionate, highly social creatures make fantastic companions for the right person or family. With their playful personalities, ability to bond with humans, and manageable care needs, rats are hidden gems in the pet world.

That said, being a rat parent isn’t as simple as setting up a cage and calling it a day. Before bringing a rat (or preferably two) into your life, it’s important to understand what goes into their care, from housing and enrichment to diet and social interaction.

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Special considerations when adopting a rat

If you’re thinking about bringing one (or more) rats into your home, here are some important factors to keep in mind. 

Rats are social animals

“Rats need at least one cagemate, but two or more are recommended,” Christine Malazarte, founder of South Bay Rodent Rescue, says. “They will get depressed if they’re by themselves, and it will affect their health and overall lifespan.” 

Jessica Montano, director at Mainely Rat Rescue, agrees, saying her rescue never adopts out a solo rat unless they know the adopter has rat friends waiting at home. 

They need plenty of space

“Rats need space,” Malazarte says. “Their cage must have room for them to run and climb.”

According to Humane World for Animals, each rat should have at least two-and-a-half cubic feet of space in a cage. Mainely Rat Rescue recommends using a spacious, multilevel cage designed specifically for rats. However, be aware that many cages sold in pet stores are too small for rats’ needs. 

Equip their cage with plenty of enrichment, including toys, tunnels, nest boxes, food dishes, a water bottle, hammocks, and a litter box (yes, rats can be litter-box trained).

They need a rat-specific diet

Rats require food formulated specifically for rats in pellet or block form. Their diet should be supplemented with small amounts of other foods, including fresh fruits, fresh veggies, cooked eggs, grains, and seeds. 

Enrichment is essential

Rats are incredibly intelligent and curious. They need toys, tunnels, chewable items, and regular out-of-cage playtime to stay mentally and physically stimulated. When it’s time for out-of-cage play, make sure they’re secure in a rat-proofed area, such as a spare room or enclosed playpen.

They require daily attention

Rats require daily attention from you, just like a dog or cat. “This is not a pet you put in a small tank or cage and only visit for feedings,” Montano says. “The more time you spend socializing your rat — just like a dog — the more it benefits both of you.”

Their lifespans are short

Sadly, most rats live just two to three years, Montano says, which means you’re signing up for a relatively brief bond. “But in that time, they provide limitless joy and companionship,” she adds. 

Vet care is important

Rats require regular veterinary care just like any other pet, Montano says. This includes spaying or neutering, which can help lower the risk of health issues such as mammary tumors, especially in females. That said, not all veterinarians are trained to treat rodents. You’ll need to find an exotic-pet vet with experience in caring for rats.

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What are some factors to consider when having a rat?

While rats make wonderful pets for many people, they’re not the right fit for everyone. There are potential challenges to consider before welcoming rats into your home. 

• Short lifespan: Rats only live a few short years, which means you may have to say goodbye sooner than you’d probably like.

• Need for companionship: Rats shouldn’t be kept alone, so you’ll need to adopt at least two, which means more care and expenses.

• Daily care required: They need regular interaction, cage cleaning, and enrichment to stay happy and healthy.

• Sensitive health: Rats are prone to respiratory illnesses and tumors (benign and malignant). Treatment can be expensive, especially if exotic-pet vet care is limited in your area.

• Escape artists: They’re small, fast, and clever, so you’ll need to rat-proof any out-of-cage play space.

• Nocturnal habits: Rats are most active at night, which may lead to cage noise or disruptions if they’re kept in a bedroom.

• Disease transmission: Although pet rats are typically healthy and clean, Seoul hantavirus and other pathogens like salmonella, giardia, and rat-bite fever can be spread through the urine, feces, and saliva of infected rats. It’s important to keep their cage and environment clean to reduce these risks.

• Limited veterinary access: Depending on where you live, finding an experienced, exotic-pet vet who accepts rats can be challenging. 

How much does a rat cost to adopt?

Adoption fees for rats are typically budget-friendly. Most shelters and rescues charge between $10 and $100 per rat, with the cost varying based on factors like the rat’s age, whether they’re spayed or neutered, and the rescue’s location. Older, unaltered rats tend to be on the lower end of the scale, while spayed or neutered rats usually cost more due to the added veterinary care. 

Keep in mind that many rescues require adopters to take home at least two rats, since they’re highly social animals and do best with a companion. 

If the rats you’re adopting aren’t already spayed or neutered, you’ll need to budget for that separately. Spay and neuter surgeries for rats can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on your vet and location. 

How much does a rat cost to care for?

Rats may be inexpensive to adopt, but their care does come with ongoing costs. On average, you can expect to spend around $300 to $500 per year per rat, not including veterinary care.

• Food: A high-quality rat diet, including lab blocks and fresh produce, typically costs $10 to $20 per month.

• Supplies: Initial setup, including a large cage, bedding, litter, water bottles, food dishes, toys, and accessories, can run $200 or more. Ongoing supplies such as food, litter, bedding material, and chew toys cost about $10 to $30 monthly.

• Vet care: Annual wellness exams for rats can cost $50 to $100. If your rat develops a health issue, such as a respiratory infection or tumor, treatment costs can be significantly higher. Malazarte says she highly recommends setting aside some funding for a veterinary visit and medications in case your rats need them.

Where can I adopt a rat?

If you’re ready to welcome pet rats into your home, adoption websites like Adopt a Pet are great places to begin your search. You can search by location, and filter specifically for small animals such as rats, making it easy to find adoptable pets from shelters, rescues, or individual people in your area.

Mainely Rat Rescue also offers a helpful directory of rat and small-animal rescues throughout the U.S. and Canada that often have rats available for adoption.

Not sure if a rat is the right pet for you? Consider fostering. Many rescues offer foster programs that allow you to temporarily care for rats in need while they wait for a permanent home. It’s a great way to experience what rat care is like without the long-term commitment.

Commonly asked questions

Are pet rats easy to take care of?

Rats are relatively low-maintenance compared to some other pets, but they still require daily care, attention, and a stimulating environment. With the proper setup and routine, many people find them easy and enjoyable to care for.

How do you take care of a pet rat?

Caring for a rat involves providing them with a spacious, enriched cage, feeding them a balanced diet, keeping their environment clean, providing daily attention, and taking them to an exotic-pet veterinarian for checkups and health concerns. 

Do pet rats smell?

Healthy, well-cared-for rats are actually quite clean and don’t smell much. Most odors come from an unclean cage, so regular spot-cleaning and weekly deep cleans are important to keep smells in check.

Are rats good pets for kids?

Rats can be great pets for older, responsible kids. They’re social, intelligent, and less likely to bite than some other small pets. However, because rats are delicate and need daily care, an adult should always supervise interactions and be prepared to take on most of the responsibility. 

Resources 

“Cage Recommendations.” Mainely Rat Rescue, www.mainelyratrescue.org/rattieblog2/careguides/Cage%20Recommendations.pdf.

“Domestic Rat Care and Human Safety.” Wisconsin Department of Health Services, www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/animal-safety.htm.

“Is a Rat the Right Pet for You?” Humane World for Animals, www.humaneworld.org/en/resources/rat-right-pet-you.

“Things to Consider Before Adopting a Rat.” New Hampshire SPCA, nhspca.org/things-to-consider-before-adopting-a-rat.

“What to Feed Rats.” RSPCA, www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/rats/diet.