Some Rat Books

It is hard to find books for new rat owners, but at our local library I found some excellent selections. 

This is my favorite book, and it explains EVERYTHING in a way that both experienced rattie owners and new rat owners can understand. The title sounds like a children's book, but is full color, and is actually explained in an adult manner but I think even the youngest rat lover could understand it.

My Rat by Gerd Ludwig

Front cover

Back cover

Some inside photos

I love the "did you know?" facts as well.

This book isrobably the best down- to-earth book and should be a first choice. It's well worth the money and I recommend it to be in a rat owner's "library!"

Next, this book is slightly more from a higher level, but it is pretty helpful - just lacks the feature of being both detailed and really easy to understand for first time rat owners.

RATS - Practical Advice from the Expert

By Debbie Ducommun

Front cover

Back cover

Photos inside

As a conclusion, both books were great to look through, and will serve as valuable information for future rats! (:

Rats + outdoor playing/living = a good idea?🐁

Whether you're an experienced rat owner or a first-time rat owner, you may wonder... "Could I let my rat go outside to play?" The answer varies with different websites, but the right answer is always clear. Rats playing or living outdoors is not safe!

Harnesses and Pens: Extreme Danger

Everyone's seen them. Rat harnesses look fun, but pose a threat to rats. First of all, if you put on the rat harness the wrong way or it has been designed poorly so it feels uncomfortable, your rat will want to escape the harness's feeling on his body. He's likely to chew or squeeze out, leaving you with no more rat. Predators like birds of prey or feral cats and dogs could scare your rat as well, causing him to panic and get twisted in the harness. So it's closing for the harness idea, but what about other playtime solutions, like a playpen?

A rat owner who knows rats well doesn't have to use their own experience with pet rats to know that all rats are great climbers! Obviously, any open-top playpen would be too easy for an intelligent rat. Closed-top playpens look safe, but even a sturdy one couldn't keep out unwanted predators, dangerous parasites, and worst of all, heat. Besides, for a few minutes the fresh air would seem nice to a rat, but it would quickly get boring and very hot. An ideal way to let your rat get a bit of fresh air is to carry his cage onto a clean, covered deck or patio and sit out with him for no more than 10 minutes. Never take him out of the cage even for a minute, as any predator could spook him. 

Can I keep my rat cage outdoors?

Inexperienced, first-time rat owners may think keeping a rat outdoors is okay. As many people think all rabbits and guinea pigs belong outdoors, rats are put into this concept. Although rabbits and guinea pigs can normally survive outside,(although the boredom they encounter is considered cruelty) rats will become sick and/or the first few days of outdoor living.

Not only will your rat(s) need attention and human contact, he will also get sick from parasites, heat exhaustion, and exposure to wild rodents, which he could transfer diseases from and pass them to other people or domestic animals. A rat outdoors is no fun for the owner because they will only go out to clean the cage and give him food and water, and the owner will not get to experience the benefits of a great pet rat. Any animal relegated to a hutch or outdoor confinement will be bored and act boring towards the owner. Besides, how can you create fun mazes, train your rat to do cool tricks, and relax in front of the TV with your rat if he lives outside? A true rat owner wouldn't keep a rat outside to die, but he or she would want to create a great environment for the rat and help him have the best 3-4 years he lives up to. No form of outdoor living can top the tremendous love a rat can offer when living inside with his family. Rats don't live that long, do its up to you to help him live his life to the fullest. Be sure to keep your pet rat indoors when having him as a pet. There really is no point in getting a rat if he is left outdoors, because all you are doing is keeping him alive if he's left outside. Be a good pet owner and keep all pet rats indoors only. You will be rewarded with a happy rat that can fully experience the best life you can give him.

I mean, what life is without cuddles, kisses, and a happy, healthy pet rat ready to be your best friend? Not any life I know! 

The placement of your rat's cage is very important!

Two or More Rats as A Pet: Why?

I really needed some good inspiration because I really haven't been keeping up on my blog like I used to. I'm very sorry, and finally, with the help of some inspiring pet bloggers, I decided to take on an information post for you guys! Today I'll inform everybody about why it's important to get 2 or more rats. 

Rats make great pets for children and adults, but you always should be educated about them. A common misconception people have is whenever they think of a pet rat, they think of the misunderstood classroom pet, a rat in a rectangular wire cage or glass aquarium, with a wire wheel, sawdust bedding, and a plastic water bottle and food bowl. A true rat owner knows better than to keep an energetic animal in such a cruel habitat. 

A single rat could get very depressed and lethargic, possibly even aggressive without a friend or two. And really, people give excuses like, "Well, rats are too expensive," or, "It'll be too hard to care for more rats and it'll be smelly!" Anyone who's been to the average pet store knows a rat only costs $6-10 for one rat! Rats adopted from adoption centers cost slightly more, but for a healthy, happy pet rat, you would probably want the best for him. Plus, rats don't have any smelly odors unless you fail to clean his enclosure or cage once a week, and they are very easy to care for.

Female rats are especially energetic, and a lack of companionship (especially if she had been living with other rats when she was still at the pet store) can be fatal. 

In general, all single rats experience loneliness just as a human does, and even if the cage is when a lot of human activity is, and you let him out every day, he still won't have interaction 24/7. 

For example, you won't be playing or interacting with your rat when you're at work or doing errands. Your rat will have someone to snuggle with during all those times he's in his cage during those long hours you are away from the house. 

Rats are "pack" animals, and they love to be in groups of their own kind. Your rat could not only get sick and depressed without any rat friends, he could also be fearful and angry towards you. Rats don't generally bite, but a rat in a small cage with no rat companions could get upset enough to produce a small nip. A single rat gets over-protective over his sleeping house, toys, and other things you may not know he is protecting until he defends his cage and territory. Many people that have had rats for several years only keep one rat with success, but if you're a first-time rat owner, then you need to learn the facts. You should really get two, three, or even four rats instead of just one, not only for the pleasure of rat companionship for a great experience when you have them as pets, but for the rats to be truly happy with their friends and live their lives to the fullest! 

15 Reasons(count 'em: 15) Why Rats RULE!

Rats are awesome pets, but SOME people don't like them. If someone in your household needs a little persuading, then print out this list and hand it to them!

1. Rats are personable. They love humans and are social pets that don't hide in their sleeping houses and be shy. They always want to say "hi" to any humans that pass by, rat-lover or not! They also have unique personalities that make them great pets.

2. Rats are affectionate and loving. Yes, affectionate! Rats are sweet, snuggling creatures. Rats have natural instincts to be with each other and they will love to sit in your lap or on your shoulder and lick you. Unlike hamsters, they really want to be with someone.

3. Rats are clean. People think rats are dirty, filthy, diseased creatures. Wrong! Rats groom often, and like cats, they have a second germ-free saliva that foams at the lips while grooming. It acts as a soap to clean their fur and tail. Another way they are clean is their waste. They keep urine and feces in one corner of their habitat and don't leave it scattered all over a room. They can also be litter box trained so they don't even need a cage nearby for playing, just a small "rat-box" in a corner for him to have access to.

4. Rats are easy to care for. Rats don't need a lot of care. Even if you don't have time to play on some days, rats will be happy to explore a safe room while you do house-chores or homework. Everything else is a breeze. Water and food can be replaced every other day. Cage cleaning is simple: every two weeks. Rats don't need as much cleaning care as other pets. The only thing is playtime. Rats shouldn't have a plastic ball. Instead, you should have fun activities for them(cucumber slices in a bowl of water, blanket tunneling, outdoor harness) and especially one-on-one time.

5. Rats are inexpensive to have. Rat owners only spend the most when they first get the rat: probably about $90-$100 max. The rest of his life is very inexpensive. Food lasts longer and is usually only $6-$8 dollars. Cages don't need to be replaced. Accessories like training items, toys, and harnesses don't need to be bought right away.

6. Rats are smart and trainable. Rats are the most common animals used in labs and college psychology
studies. Some people create "Rat Olympics" as school events, and even owners can train rats to spin, sit, speak, open things, fetch, stay, stand, jump......as much as a dog can be taught! Service rats are used to find bombs and even physical problems with people using their astounding sense of smell. Blind use rats to guide them. Children with down syndrome and autism have rats as loving pets for snuggles and to help them learn. Rats are very amazing creatures when it comes to training and intelligence.

7. Rats are great with kids! Rats never bite or scratch and are safe for young children to pick up. They are sturdy, tolerant pets that don't try to "get back" at a grabby toddler. In fact, they want to be petted. Surprisingly enough, rats are perfect pets for kids in hospitals that have cancer or have had surgery. They are therapeutic animals that make you love them forever once you see their personality towards you.

8. Rats are cuddly and huggable. Rats are soft creatures that are good for hugging and loving on. They will love back!

9. Rats are quiet.  Rats are VERY quiet. They don't bark, hiss, or screech. They don't keep you up at night. People who had rats in a room whenever the landlord or their rodent-negative friends came to visit were never heard of or noticed.

10. Rats don't take up much room. Pet rat cages are usually no bigger than 4 feet tall. Living rooms or bedrooms are great places to keep rats, since the cages look modern and cool in those environments.

11. Rats don't need shots or many medical visits. Unlike dogs or cats, rats don't need expensive check-ups unless they are obviously hurt or sick. Spaying and neutering costs $20 per rat, but make sure it is a rat-savvy vet.

12. Rats are loyal. Once a pet rat owner had an unexpected seizure and the rat climbed out the cat door, climbed the top of the fence, and squeaked loudly for the next door neighbor. Rats are loyal, caring pets that care about their owners greatly and will even lose their lives for them.

13. Rats are entertaining and great stress busters. Rats are extremely fun pets to watch and interact with. A simple idea like a tissue box turns into a million ideas for a pet rat! 24/7 your pet rat will be doing something that will be fun to watch. Pet rat enthusiasts take rats to rehabilitation and nursing homes and let everyone watch the rat(s) play and even interact with the people! After a long stressful day at work, pet rat owners can play with their pet rats to relieve stress and anxiety, along with plenty of relaxation.

14. Rats come in all sorts of colors and styles. Rats aren't just white, they come in plenty of colors, sizes, and shapes to fit your needs and likes. Rats can be used for show in 4-H and other animal showing organizations to show off your rat's unique colors.

15. Rats are animals you will get very attached to. Karen Robbins, a rat owner, says: "I used to have goldfish. They were pretty, but when one died, I didn't get sad at all. They were simple to replace, and nobody felt bad." She recalls the day she got her rats. "My mom didn't want anything to do with them, but after a few days of having them, she loved them! She told me they were great pets and that she couldn't believe her feelings about them before." Having rats as pets is rewarding and satisfying. There are many great things about these misunderstood pets that people should know. "These little angels are the greatest." Robbin says. "Each of the many rats I have owned have given me so much love, affection, and joy - more than i could ever ask. I cannot imagine living my life without them."

QUIZ: What Kind of Small Pet Is Best For You?

Enjoy Critter Corner's FIRST Critter Quiz! Friday's fun quiz is about the best small pet for you! Print out the page or use paper to keep track of your score. Have fun!

1. Do you have a lot of time to care for a pet?

A) No, I go to work or school.

B) I have plenty of time.

C) Yes, I have a lot of time, but I spend it doing other activities.

2. How big is your house?

A) Very small.
B) Average.
C) Gigantic!!

3. How many kids/siblings do you have?

A) Many.

B) 2-4 kids.

C) 0-1 kids.

4. Are you squeamish when it comes to smell?

A) Yes.

B) Not really.

C) Not at all.

5. Are you squeamish when it comes to type of pet?

A) No.

B) Not really.

C) Yes.

6. What pet-wanting personality do you have?

A) Affectionate

B) Active/Hilarious

C)Cuddly/Friendly

7. How much maintenance are you willing to have to be responsible for?

A) Hopefully not a lot.

B) I don't mind how much.

C) As much as I need to.

8. Are you a first time pet owner?

A) Yes.

B) I have had a few pets in my lifetime.

C) No, I have lots of experience.

9. How long do you want your pet to live?

A) Not a very long time.

B) Average.

C) Long.

10. Do you really promise to love and care for your pet?

A) I will try.

B) Yes.

C) YES!!

RESULTS: (see below the post and click on the tags or use the search box to learn more about each animal.)

Mostly A's: A gerbil, hamster or mouse. 

Mostly B's: A ferret, guinea pig, or rat.

Mostly C's: A rabbit, chinchilla, or hedgehog. 

Keeping a Routine

Rats are highly intelligent and observant creatures, so even a slight change will make a rat confused and worried. If someone, for example, passed away in the household, especially if the rat favored them, the rat could become depressed and even die too. But the things you can change whenever you like should be in an organized way. In the mornings, you should do what you normally do for your rat. Perhaps you give it a crumble of toast or a nibble of dry cereal. In the afternoons, you most likely will go to work or school. Around the evening, right when you come home, spend time with your rat for at least half an hour. Later on, you should spend another half hour of time with him. Be sure to include at least an average of 10 minutes of "ball time"(or when you put your rat in his exercise ball) and training time, if you want to. Rats don't like "whenever", they like it if you are planning on doing it every day. In the wild, rats went in packs, like a colony, and every day they scavenged the same area they always went to. Domestic rats are like this. There's a time to eat, sleep, and play. This is how a rat's normal day usually is.

A Rat's Normal Day


Scurry around
Nibble on food
Climb on cage bars
Take naps
Wake up
Drink water, eat...
Take more naps
Owner comes home
Wait
Owner gives treats
Owner lets me out of cage
He lets me explore room(or even house)
He gets down
He plays with me
I go in rat ball
I get out and go in cage
I eat, sleep, play in cage
Owner feeds and waters me
Training time
Owner does his own thing
The end





Usually all rats are different, so they do things differently, and so do their owners, so try to   "go with the flow" and observe your rat's routine!!

FAQ about Rats

Many people may think of rats as dangerous, diseased creatures.  For one thing, wild rats do have this description. For another, domestic rats are not at all diseased or do not carry the potential danger to bite(unless you tried to hurt your rat in a cruel way, but who can blame them!). Here are some frequently asked questions about these commonly misunderstood animals.

Q:  Do rats bite?
A: They have the ability to bite, but, they only do it when they need to, like when a person is trying to injure them or if the person is scaring the rat. Children under 6 need to be supervised around a rat.

Q:  Can rats eat everything?
A:   No! They can have a large amount of things, but that doesn't mean you can just feed a potato chip to your pet and think its ok. Since I can't list all the items here, go to a special rat website to print out a list of  food they can and can't eat.

Q:  What about exercise?
A: Let your rat out for at least an hour a day. Try to do this at the same time, or your rat will be confused.  Keep your rat in one room and supply toys and attention.

Q:  How long will my rat live?
A: About 2-3 years.  This is the only bad thing, but if you keep your rat healthy and playful, you will own a great pet!

Q:  Where can I get a rat?
A:  The pet store is not the best place to get a rat. Wild rats can get into the rat cages, and will cause disease to you and the other rats. Some pet stores may care more about money than the well-being of the animals. The best place to go to is a breeder that takes in-home care of the rats and provides the same amount of love that you will give to your new furry friend. From  $5 to $10 is the usual price. Talk to the breeder and get all the info about what she feeds them and what kind of cage they live in. Get two females or two males to have companionship for the rats while your gone.

Well, that's all for today, thank you for reading today's
Critter  Corner!!!