Proper Rat Care

Pet rats are the pocket pet of today's world. They are affectionate, clean, inexpensive, intelligent, small, and trainable. Personally, I've had cats, chameleons, dogs, ferrets, fish, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, hermit crabs, horses, mice, parakeets, rabbits, and rats; of all of these critters my favored are the rats.

The rats' popularity is on the rise. Rat rescue centers and specialized rat breeders can be found all over the US. There are organizations in California, as well as all over the UK, which hold fancy [pet] rat shows (much like one would have for well-bred cats or dogs). However, it is hard to find good advice on proper rat care; so much is left untold that it's easy to form a wrong assumption and then make a harmful mistake.

To aid current and potential rat owners, below are listed essential basic rat care facts. If you have concerns or questions about your rat, in any manner, you can post them on the message board of Ratsauce; there, other rat owners and specialists are always glad to help provide any information they can.

GENERAL
Clean cage area every three to five days
DO NOT use any poisons around rats
DO NOT use cleaners that are noted as unsafe for children/small animals
Keep away from cigarette/tobacco smoke
Keep in room temperature (not an outside pet)
Supply new fresh food daily
Thirty (or more) minutes of daily play time

THE CAGE
One square foot per rat
Some solid (unwired) area to stand
Well ventilated
Wire

Rats need the ventilation because their respiratory system is sensitive; an unventilated cage can cause lung infections and diseases, pneumonia, mycoplasma, and other serious health problems. The need for unwired areas of a cage (Which can by anything; EX. Cardboard) is due to the hope of preventing conditions such as Bumblefoot. Rats need room to climb and play. Often rats will become depressed if kept in too small of an area.

BEDDING
Clean cloth
Cotton
Hypo-allergenic paper
NEVER use woodchips