How To Care for Your Hairless Rat

The hairless rat, otherwise known as the Sphynx rat, is a relatively new member of the fancy rat family. While many people consider rats, and especially hairless rats, to be strange and almost repulsive creatures, the truth is that they make fantastic family pets. Intelligent, affectionate, and clean, they're the perfect addition to an appropriate home and even more fun because they are unique animals.

While rats have existed as pets since at least the late 19th century, the hairless rat was not popularized as a pet until the last decade. The hairless genes were identified many years before, but it has taken decades to breed hairless rats strong and healthy enough to be everyday pets. Many hairless rats actually do have some hair, in the way of light fuzz on their faces and a set of whiskers. They sometimes have wispy hairs on their backs as well, much the same way a woman might have light hair on her arms. Their skin feels very similar to human skin, and the rats often appear wrinkly. The skin can be pink, black, or a combination of both. Because of their unique physical attributes, the hairless rat does require a little bit different care than a regular fancy rat might. They require special consideration especially in the areas of bathing and skin care, diet, habitat, and socialization. They also have more medical needs and are very different to breed than other rats might be. If you have decided to make a hairless rat a member of your family, knowing these differences will make life even better for your new pet.

One of my hairless rats, Nihm.

Credit: Brooke

Copyright: Brooke