This pet rat complete guide will help you better understand this intelligent, social, and affectionate companion. Despite common misconceptions, the domestic rat is a clean, playful, and highly engaging pet. With proper care, a balanced diet, and a stimulating environment, your pet rat can live a happy life of 2 to 3 years.

General characteristics

• Family: Rodent / Muridae
• Origin: Asia
• Weight: Males: 300–500 g | Females: 250–350 g
• Length: 35 to 50 cm
• Coat: short, long, or hairless

Colors and patterns

Pet rats come in a wide variety of colors, including:

• Agouti, beige, gray, albino, black, blue, champagne, pearl, chocolate, lavender…
• Distinctive patterns:
  • Capped: colored head and shoulders
  • Hooded: a stripe running down the back
  • Masked: color around the eyes
  • Pointed: colored nose, feet, and tail (e.g., Siamese, Himalayan)
  • Irish: white body with colored belly spots
  • Hairless: no fur
  • Manx: tailless
  • Dumbo: wide, low-set ears

Personality and behavior

• Extremely affectionate and forms strong bonds with humans
• Can recognize its name and come when called
• Rarely bites — only if scared
• Great for older children if handled gently
• Highly social: should always be kept in pairs or groups
• Mostly nocturnal, but adapts well to household routines

Housing and diet

• Ideal setup: tall cage with
  • Levels, tunnels, hiding spots
  • Shredded tissue boxes or cardboard for comfort
  • Some enjoy exercise wheels (optional)
• Recommended diet:
  ✅ Pellets made for rats, rich in fiber, no seeds or dried fruit
  ✅ Vegetables, fruit, cooked pasta/rice, eggs, lean meats
  ❌ Avoid seed mixes → promotes selective eating and obesity

Reproduction

• Sexual maturity: 6 to 10 weeks
• Gestation: 20 to 23 days
• Litter size: 6 to 12 (up to 18)
• Postpartum fertility: 24 hours after giving birth
• Weaning: starts at 3 weeks, ideal separation at 5–6 weeks

Common health concerns

Rats are prone to certain health conditions:

• Mammary tumors: affect 50–90% of females
• Respiratory infections: seen in 17–38% of rats
• Ear infections, obesity, external parasites, kidney disease

💡 A regular vet checkup can help detect and treat these early.

With social interaction, a clean environment, and quality nutrition, your pet rat can be a cheerful, interactive, and deeply rewarding companion.