Pet rat care: every guide, tool and chart

Can a pet rat live alone?

No. The RSPCA says rats are social and should never be kept alone, and suggests a bonded pair or trio; Wood Green goes further and suggests at least three, so nobody is left alone if one dies. Same-sex groups are simplest, and mixed groups need neutering. See choosing male or female rats, where to get pet rats and, if your rat has lost a friend, my rat lost their cage mate.

How big should a rat cage be?

For two rats, get at least 80 cm high × 50 cm deep × 80 cm wide (31 × 20 × 31 in) with 1 cm (0.4 in) bar spacing: that is Wood Green's minimum for up to four rats. Only a bigger group of up to ten needs Wood Green's larger size, 123 × 63 × 93 cm (48 × 25 × 37 in). The RSPCA asks for a solid floor rather than wire, plus levels, hides and climbing. Check yours with the rat cage size calculator, then follow the rat cage setup guide.

What bedding is safe for rats?

A deep layer of dust-free paper, card or dust-extracted bedding (substrate). The RSPCA says to avoid sawdust, aspen and scented or coloured bedding, and AFRMA warns against pine and cedar because of their aromatic oils. Add plain tissue or fleece for nesting. More in our guide to the best bedding for rats.

What do pet rats eat?

A complete rat nugget twice a day, morning and evening, since the RSPCA says rats feed mainly at dawn and dusk. Wood Green suggests about 15 g (half an ounce) of dry food per rat per day, roughly two tablespoons, plus small amounts of fresh veg, a little fruit and cooked egg a few times a week. The RSPCA lists onion, citrus fruits, walnuts, rhubarb, grapes, raisins and chocolate as foods to avoid. Give water in bottles, enough for every rat at once. Start with what can rats eat.

How much time do pet rats need?

At least an hour a day out of the cage with you, plus about 10 to 15 minutes of feeding, water and spot-cleaning. The RSPCA asks for daily handling, talking, training and treats, supervised free-range time, a digging area and toys rotated regularly, and says never to use exercise balls. Try our 35 rat enrichment ideas.

Where should the cage go?

Indoors, in a room at 19 to 23°C (66 to 73°F), the RSPCA's ideal; the PDSA suggests about 20°C (68°F). Keep it out of direct sun and draughts, away from radiators, bathrooms and loud speakers, and never in a conservatory, garage or shed. See our rat temperature guide.

When does a rat need a vet?

Check your rats morning and evening and weigh them regularly, as the RSPCA advises. Sneezing, wheezing, red staining around the eyes or nose, a rough coat, weight loss, not eating or a hunched posture all mean a vet check. Quarantine any new rat for at least two weeks before introductions, following the National Fancy Rat Society. Use our is my rat sick checklist.

Every rat care guide

Getting rats: first-time owner guide, rats as pets, what rats cost, breeds and colours, fancy rats, dumbo rats, hairless rats, Siamese rats, husky rats, rat names, name generator, rat facts, pet rat facts and figures.

Rat history and stories: how rats became pets, famous rats, Magawa the hero rat, Karni Mata temple, the Year of the Rat.

Food: rat food chart, food checker, food game, drinking water.

Can rats eat it? apples, bananas, blueberries, cherries, grapes, kiwi, mango, oranges, peaches, pears, plums, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes, watermelon, avocado, broccoli, butternut squash, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, courgette (zucchini), cucumber, green beans, kale, lettuce, mushrooms, pak choi (bok choy), peas, peppers, spinach, squash, eggs, mealworms, salmon, cheese, yoghurt, peanuts, peanut butter, almonds, seeds, sunflower seeds, bread, rice, Weetabix, popcorn, marshmallows, chocolate, dark chocolate, cat food, guinea pig food, hamster food, rabbit food.

Cage and home: cage setup, best rat cages, large cages for 2, 4 or 6 rats, cage size calculator, what a cage needs, choosing accessories, cleaning routine, litter training, bedding, bedding compared, bedding tool, hammocks, hanging a hammock, temperature, free-roam safety, playpens, quarantine cage, carriers, travel cages.

Is this cage big enough? Critter Nation 161, Critter Nation 162, Ferret Nation 182, Ferplast Furat, Ferplast Jenny, Prevue 528, Savic Zeno 3, Savic Zeno 3 Empire.

Health and age: is my rat sick?, emergencies, health problems, breathing, hiccups or breathing changes, teeth, bathing, lifespan, life stages, a rat on its own.

Behaviour and new rats: first 30 days, introductions, bonding pouch, body language, visual guide, bruxing and boggling, rat sounds, what rats see, biting, sleeping positions, harnesses, male or female, where to get rats.

Enrichment and play: 35 enrichment ideas, toys that keep rats busy, a bored rat, training, digging box, wheels, exercise wheels, shredding toys, safe wood, tunnels.

Ideas and gifts: gifts for rat lovers, pet rat supplies, hides for every theme, retro TV hide, cage furniture, cage themes, cage styling, gothic accessories, Halloween cage.