Rats. They often bring to mind the Bubonic Plague and sewers. Many people have an irrational fear of rats. But, there are just as many people who are able to recognize the rat’s ability to make an excellent pet. Rats are extremely intelligent and social creatures, and can make a better pet than some of the other small animals that people purchase such as gerbils, hamsters and guinea pigs.

Even so, as with any pet, there are risks involved when you consider adopting a rat that has been rescued and is in need of a new home. Many times, these rats have been mistreated and neglected, and can possibly have behavioral and health issues because of their neglect. These are things that you must take into consideration before adopting your pet, to ensure that you will be able to provide it with the environment it needs.

Perfect Pet Rat

Adopt in pairs. ‘Though rats will enjoy and even seek human attention, they need to interact with each other as well; so always keep two or more together. But beware: do not mix them with other rodents (hamsters, gerbils, mice). Rats are predators!

Behavioral Issues Associated with Neglected and Abused Rats

A rat that has been properly socialized with humans from an early age can truly make a good pet. They are loving and friendly, and will love to spend time with you. But rats that have not been handled properly, or have had very little human contact, can have severe issues with humans. They have probably developed a fear of being handled by people, which can cause them to feel threatened when picked up. This can lead to aggressiveness, and cause them to bite and attack if you try to pick them up.

Most rats over time will learn to trust humans, and will eventually come to be great pets. With patience and dedication you can teach your rat to trust you so that it will allow you to pick it up and handle it. Your little rat will get excited just by you walking in the room, and will want you to pick it up and carry it around. But it will take time, and you will have to be consistent, handling your rat everyday. If this is not something that you feel you are willing to take the time to do, adopting a rescued rat is probably not the right choice for you.

Possible Health Issues Associated with Neglected and Abused Rats

Rats can develop certain health issues just like any other pet. Some of these health issues are a direct result of being neglected and abused, while other conditions are things that rats are simply prone to, such as cancer and tumors.

If a rat has been kept in an improper environment, and its cage has been neglected and not cleaned properly, there are health problems that can occur. Rats that are kept on cedar or pine bedding, a common bedding choice among pet owners, often develop sinus infections that can be deadly. Cedar and pine are not appropriate for any pet, but even so, stores still sell them and people still purchase them because it helps to mask cage odor. Unfortunately for the pets, the damage is done and they develop sinus infections that can become so severe they can kill them.

If the rat’s cage has not been maintained and cleaned properly, the poor critter may also have skin problems, hair loss and mites. These things are usually quite treatable with veterinary help. But you will certainly need to keep the cage very clean and may have to administer medication.

Remember! Always do your research before adopting any animal. And, before you bring your new pets home,  be sure there is a veterinarian in your area who treats rats.

More resources:

Rats on the Hill

Fat Rat Central

Rats are “the nearest thing to a dog you’ll find in a small mammal”, Jack Hannah