Rats (Rattus norvegicus) are increasingly common as pets. Clever, inquisitive and amazingly clean, they make very good pets, especially for young families. They rarely bite, and since they react to their surroundings will be awake during the day if the owner is there but vice versa will sleep during the day and be alert in the evening if the owner is out at work all day.

Rats have been shown in the UK for over 100 years and there are many different classifications, mainly based on colour. Self, Marked, Silver, AOV and Rex are the main groups. They live on average for around 2 years.

For rats, enriching their environment, and spending more time with them, will allow their individuality to come across even more. A recommended cage or tank would be around 2’ x 1 ‘x 1’ for a pair, and they should be bedded on untreated sawdust, newspaper or commercial rodent bedding. Generally keeping them in single sex groups, established at a very young age will minimise fighting. If new rats come in after 10 weeks old, there is more risk of squabbling.

Diet can be a commercial rat diet, but there are also many “diet recipes” available that you can make yourself as long as you make sure that it will be a properly balanced diet for your rats.

There are a number of health problems that rats are prone to, but 2 in particular:

Mammary lumps: which respond to hormonal stimuli, are the most common lumps in rats. A good prognosis is generally achieved if they are removed.

Respiratory problems: Mycoplasma pulmonis is very common in rats. It is an infection that causes them to have rattly chests”as they breath, and also to be duller and possibly off their food slightly. It is important to treat the condition quickly, and generally it can be well managed, though is prone to recurring in the future.

Overall rats are fascinating pets, and great patients too. We see a large number now, so if you have any queries we should be able to offer advice and treatment or point you in the right direction.

The webpage www.fancy-rats.co.uk provides lots of information for existing and potential rat owners.

The Scottish Rat Club is also a source of relevant information at a more local level.