Rat care — AEMV guide distilled
The common pet rat is the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) — fully domesticated, omnivorous (plant and animal foods), and highly social (free-ranging rats live communally).
Housing & environment
- Enclosure at least 14 × 24 × 12 in (35 × 60 × 30 cm) — bigger the better — made of cleanable, escape-proof material with solid flooring of plastic or metal. Place off the floor, away from windows and vents.
- Maintain room temperature 65–80°F (18–26°C) at 40–70% humidity; avoid above 85°F (29°C). Substrate 1/4–1/2 in deep: shredded paper, recycled newspaper composite/pellets, or compressed wheat straw. Avoid pine, cedar and corn cob.
Diet & nutrition
Feed a fresh, high-quality pelleted diet formulated for rats (rat blocks, free choice). Avoid foods high in sugar and fat (obesity); tree nuts may be offered in very small amounts once or twice weekly. Fresh water always via drinking bottle, cleaned and refilled at least twice weekly.
Behavior & veterinary care
Because rats are so social, keep at least two same-sex or neutered rats together; single rats need more attention. They are prolific breeders — unless you want 3–18 pups every 21–23 days, don't keep a male and female together unless neutered. Handle gently from birth (especially 2–4 weeks) to bond. Frequent physical examinations (an annual exam is recommended) catch problems early.
Common disorders
AEMV lists cardiac (congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, hypertension); dental (fractured incisors, malocclusion, periodontitis); dermatologic (abscesses, infections, bite wounds, cutaneous lymphoma, fleas, lice, mites, pododermatitis); endocrine/nervous (seizures, stroke, pituitary tumors); ocular (cataracts, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer, keratitis, retinal degeneration, "red tears"); reproductive (infertility, mammary gland tumors, uterine prolapse); respiratory; urinary (hydronephrosis, kidney inflammation/infection); and musculoskeletal conditions.
Sources
aemv_care_guide_rat— AEMV Exotics Companion Care Series (rat): Rattus norvegicus, social/omnivorous; housing ≥14×24×12 in, solid flooring, 65–80°F/40–70% RH, avoid >85°F, avoid pine/cedar/corn cob; rat blocks free choice, avoid sugar/fat, water ≥2× weekly; ≥2 same-sex/neutered, 3–18 pups/21–23 days; annual exam; disorder list incl. mammary tumors/pituitary tumors.