Are Rats The Right Pet For Me?

Rats are fantastic pets as they are intelligent, affectionate and full of character. But, like all pets, they have care requirements to consider beforehand. Below are some things to consider.

1. Have you done adequate research on how to care for rats and where to source them?

2. Despite their size, rats aren’t cheap pets! Are you prepared to spend the required money to set up your rats and provide vet care? (~£300 for set up, and I budget at least £600 per rat for vet care over their lifetime and euthanasia)

3. Do you have a rat-savvy vet nearby? A rat-savvy vet sees rats regularly and doesn’t just slap baytril (an antibiotic) on every single issue.

4. Rats live for ~2 years, however nothing in life is ever guaranteed. Are you prepared for this?

5. Rats tend to be very human-orientated. Do you have time that you can dedicate to being with them?

6. Are you going to keep rats long-term? If yes, then you’ll need to plan ahead so you add more rats regularly. I recommend an age gap of 10-14 months. If no, you need to have a rehoming plan when the time comes so you don't have a lone rat. They're social animals, so shouldn't be housed alone.

7. Are they a pet for a child? Rats are fantastic, interactive pets for children! But are you prepared to take full responsibility for the rats if your child loses interest?

8. Do you have other pets? How are you going to keep them separate from your rats?

9. Are you in rented accommodation? Do you have written permission from your landlord/landlady to have pets?

10. Are allergies a concern? If so, consider meeting rats beforehand at a show or at a breeder's home (if they are available). Bear in mind that some people are allergic to adult bucks (a specific protein in their urine, I believe), and that hairless rats are an unethical option.