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Rat Care Guide
In this Article
Radical Rats!
Like many rodents, pet rats get a bad reputation for being considered “dirty” and “gross.” In reality, rats are very intelligent, inquisitive, and interactive. They are not overly messy, and are less likely to bite than some other species. Given time to get used to their new home, pet rats make fantastic additions to the family. Pet rats are very social and active pets that are much smarter than they get credit for. In fact, rats are so smart that some individuals even learn to come when their name is called.
Species Profile:
Scientific/Common Name: Fancy Rat (Rattus norvegicus f. domestica)
- Size: Fancy rats grow up to 7 to 10" (18-25 cm) long with a 6 to 8" (15-20 cm) tail.
- Lifespan: They live for approximately 2 years.
- Behavior: Fancy rats are most active during the night, but often end up gradually adjusting their own bed time to better adapt to the activity of their new owners. They are highly intelligent and equally as curious about their surroundings.
- Temperament: Rats are very social both with humans and each other. Because they are such social animals, they do best when housed in same-sex pairs. A solo rat will need significantly more human attention to be happy than a pair of rats would need to be content.
Housing note: Rats can be territorial. Just like human siblings, it is best to make sure there’s enough toys, bedding and bowls for everyone so they don’t feel the need to compete. Ensuring there is plenty of space and resources for all animals in the enclosure is one of the best ways to mitigate fighting. Observe your rats closely when introducing them and be prepared to separate them should a fight occur.
Setting up your rat habitat
Rats like having multiple levels to their habitat to explore, and also enjoy having plenty of toys to gnaw on and play with. It is recommended to have lots of options for your rats so they don’t feel the need to compete with each other over resources.
Choosing the right rat enclosure size and setup:
- House your rat in a habitat that's at least 16" x 28" x 30", with multiple levels
- Place the habitat out of direct sunlight in a low humidity area that's between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and not in a high-traffic or loud area
Rat bedding and cleaning bedding:
- Line the habitat with an appropriate amount of clean bedding (about 1" deep)
Cleaning schedule:
- The bedding should be spot cleaned as needed
- The whole cage should be deep cleaned every 1 to 2 weeks
Rat habitat essentials hiding spots:
- Your rat's habitat should include hides where it can play, rest and chew
- Clean hides regularly
Enrichment items:
- Don't forget your enrichment! Place your exercise wheel, your chew(s), toys, hides and any other enrichment items into the habitat
Exercise wheel safety for rats
Avoid using a wire or slatted exercise wheel. Instead, opt for a solid wheel. Wire or slotted wheels carry a risk of your rat getting their leg caught between the slats and can be seriously injured. Solid wheels eliminate this risk and can be easier to clean as you don't have to get into as many nooks and crannies.
Feeding your rat
Rats are omnivores in the wild and eat a variety of foods including seeds, nuts, plant vegetation and insects. Rat pellets provide well balanced nutrition for your pet, but are not the only thing your rat will need.
Fresh vegetables for rats
Every other day feeding:
- Fresh vegetables should be offered every other day in addition to the pelleted diet to increase variety into the diet as well as to help supplement hydration
Safe vegetable options:
- Safe vegetables include: peas, kale, squash, and carrots
Treats and fruit for rats
Weekly treats:
- Fruit can be offered once a week as a treat
- Treats should be limited to help prevent risk of obesity
Safe fruit options:
- Safe fruits include: apples, melons, berries, oranges, pears, and bananas
Understanding rat teeth
Many rodents, including rats, have front teeth that keep growing their entire life. These are called "hypsodont" teeth and, unlike human teeth, hypsodont teeth will continually grow longer and longer. In addition to regular feedings, rats need things to gnaw on, like wood chew sticks, to keep their teeth at an appropriate length so they can chew and eat normally and without pain. If you notice your pet is having difficulty eating, you may want to have a vet evaluate their teeth to make sure they're not overgrown.
Rat hydration
Water access:
- A water bottle attached to the side of the cage should be available at all times and refreshed daily
When to see a vet
In addition to regularly scheduled appointments, contact your small animal veterinarian if you notice the following signs:
- cloudy, sunken or swollen eyes
- wheezing
- sneezing; discharge from the eyes, nose or mouth
- overgrown front teeth
- drooling
- inability to close mouth, food falling from mouth frequently
- not eating
- bare patches in the fur
- sores or swelling/changes to the feet
- weight loss; not eating or drinking normally
- diarrhea or discolored droppings
SHOPPING CHECKLIST
- habitat sized 200 square inches or larger (multilevel home preferred)
- rodent block/fortified rat diet
- food dish
- water bottle
- bedding and nesting material
- solid exercise wheel without slats
- Toys – ropes, cardboard tubes, tunnels
- hide
- treats
- wood chew
Need other cat supplies while you’re shopping for small pets? PetSmart also carries small pet food, small pet cages, small pet treats, small pet hay, small pet litter and bedding, small pet toys and much more. Explore PetSmart’s Small Pet Shop to find everything your cat needs, all in one place.
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Information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure your pet and is not a substitute for veterinary care provided by a licensed veterinarian. For any medical or health-related advice concerning the care and treatment of your pet, contact your veterinarian.
©2025 PetSmart LLC Vet Assured™: Pets purchased at PetSmart are part of our exclusive Vet Assured™ program, designed by PetSmart veterinarians to help improve the health and well-being of our pets. Our vendors meet a high standard in caring for pets and screening them for common illnesses. This program also includes specific standards for in-store pet care.
The PetSmart Promise: If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14-day period, or if you’re not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price.
This care guide contains general information for the proper care of your pet, but is not comprehensive and is not a substitute for veterinary advice or care. PETSMART and VET ASSURED are trademarks of PetSmart Home Office, Inc. © 2025 PetSmart. All rights reserved.
The PetSmart Promise: If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14-day period, or if you’re not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price.
This care guide contains general information for the proper care of your pet, but is not comprehensive and is not a substitute for veterinary advice or care. PETSMART and VET ASSURED are trademarks of PetSmart Home Office, Inc. © 2025 PetSmart. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2025 Petsmart LLC
