Rats

 

 

Rats are intelligent, highly social animals, and are normally active at night and dawn and dusk. They have an excellent sense of touch, and have a wonderful sense of smell. Rats also have the ability to taste subtle variations in food, much like humans can.

Rats are inquisitive animals however prefer to avoid open spaces, often hugging the walls of an enclosure to avoid entering an open space.

Provided that their needs are met, rats are incredibly rewarding animals to look after and can form close human animal bonds with their carers.

There are several different kinds of rat, varying mainly in colour. 
 

Your duty of Care

Owning and caring for a rat can be fun and rewarding, but it is also a big responsibility and a long-term commitment in terms of care and money. Usually, rats live for around 2 years, but some may live for longer.

Although this may appear a short time in comparison to other pet animals, owning rats is still a big responsibility and commitment. Rats have complex needs and are not easy to look after well. If you own or are responsible for rats, even on a temporary basis, you are required by law to care for them properly.

If you are unable to care for your rats at any time, you must make arrangements for another suitable person to look after them on your behalf. That person will also be legally responsible for the welfare of your rats in your absence.

Read more about the Animal Welfare Act and your duty of care to your animals.

 

The Five Welfare Needs

There is no one “perfect” way to care for all rats, because every rat and every situation is different. It is up to you how you look after your rats but you must take reasonable steps to ensure that you meet all their needs.

Read our expert reviewed pet care information to find out more about the needs of rats and how to make sure that they are happy and healthy: Environment, Diet, Behaviour, Company, and Health and welfare.

If you are ever unsure about anything to do with the care of your rats, you should always seek advice from a vet or other expert (for instance a vet nurse, rat behaviour expert and/or an animal welfare organisation).

Clarification of terminology

There are a number of terms used throughout our welfare information, which can cause some confusion with regards to cage kept animals. Therefore these terms are described here for your reference and understanding.

Bedding material is used to describe the material or substrate that is used to cover the bottom of the cage.

Nesting material is used to describe the material provided in addition to bedding material, which is given to animals for nest building and nesting behaviour.