Fancy Rat

About the species

The fancy rat is the domesticated form of the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), and its intelligence and capacity to bond with people often outpaces many other small rodents – it readily learns to come when called, perform simple tricks, and recognise its owner. It is also one of the few small rodents that can be trained fairly reliably to use a litter corner in its cage, which surprises many new owners. That same closeness is exactly why a rat demands more day-to-day involvement than its small size suggests.

Company is a requirement, not a nice extra

Rats should never be kept alone – at least two same-sex rats are needed, since without the company of their own kind they suffer even with plenty of human attention. A group introduced together while young establishes a clear social hierarchy and spends much of the day grooming and playing together.

A tall, multi-level home

Because rats are curious, physically agile climbers, they need a tall, multi-level cage with shelves, ropes and hideaways rather than just floor space. Bedding must be dust-free and free of aromatic oils (avoid cedar and pine), since a rat's respiratory system is quick to react – their lungs are among the most sensitive of any small rodent kept as a pet.

Teeth and a chew-proof cage

A rat has surprisingly powerful jaws for its size, so the cage itself needs to be metal – soft plastic or thin wood gets gnawed through quickly, which also rules out many plastic tubes and houses that hold up fine for other small rodents. Because its incisors grow throughout its life, it needs constant access to wooden chews and cardboard, or they will overgrow.

Daily time out of the cage

A rat needs supervised time outside its cage every day to explore, play and learn – it is one of the most curious and intelligent small pets, and without that daily enrichment it quickly gets bored and can become withdrawn or destructive toward cage furnishings.

Diet

A good-quality pelleted rat food, supplemented with fresh vegetables, small amounts of fruit and an occasional protein source, should form the base of the diet, since rats are omnivores. Because rats are prone to putting on weight, portions should be measured, with fatty or sugary treats kept occasional.

Introducing new rats to a group

A new rat cannot simply be placed into an existing group – the animals first swap bedding and scent for a few days, then spend several weeks being combined gradually and under supervision on neutral territory, somewhere neither has already claimed. This gradual approach substantially lowers the risk of a fight that could otherwise follow from dropping an unfamiliar rat straight into an established hierarchy.

Short lifespan and health risks

A pet rat has a fairly short lifespan, typically only two to three years, which makes ongoing health monitoring important throughout that time. Rats are prone to respiratory infections, worsened by dusty or poorly ventilated housing, and to tumours, most commonly mammary fibroadenomas – an annual check-up with a rodent-savvy vet and a prompt reaction to any new lump or change in breathing are both worthwhile. Early spaying of a female, discussed with a vet, can lower the risk of these tumours.

Temperature and environment

A suitable range for the room housing the cage is 19-23°C, away from draughts and temperature extremes – rats cannot sweat except through their paws, so they cope poorly with heat. As a prey species, keep rats housed and handled separately from cats, dogs and other predators; their companionship should come exclusively from other rats.

Pros & cons