Rats are intelligent, interesting pets. They are the most exotic of the rodent pets and can be lots of fun. As with any pet, there are some common problems that you may encounter when you first begin to keep a rat as a pet.
Rats don’t always care for their owners very much if they’re not used to people. They need to get used to you. If you’re going to keep a pet rat, it’s probably a good idea that you spend some time with the animal before it gets too attached to your scent.
Rats are clean animals and don’t really get dirty unless they get wet. But if they get wet, be prepared for them to get stinky. And if they do get wet, pet shops sell something called “rat-odor-off” that will help remove the stench. Rats need both heat and water to keep themselves clean.
A warm bath is usually what’s needed for a rat that smells really bad. A warm bath also helps them to relax after a tiring day or if they are sick. Just be sure that you don’t get the rat too wet, as rats need to stay warm. If your rat is wet and not feeling well, it’s best to put him in a towel-lined box or plastic bag with crumpled-up bathroom tissue.
Make sure there are no holes in the sides of the box through which the rat could escape. If your rat is wet, it will be frightened and might try to jump out of a box or bag. Be sure that he stays warm while you assess the damage. Just make sure not to put too many towels in with him, as they tend to get hot after a while.
If a rat gets pneumonia, his nose might get runny, soothe him with some Vicks Vaporub on the nostrils. If you can’t get to a store immediately, simply rub some butter or bacon grease on the rat’s nose–anything that will keep that little nose from getting dry.
Rats are very curious creatures and love to explore their surroundings. If you give your rat a treat, such as a banana-nut muffin or some peanut butter and crackers, do not be surprised if he seems more excited by the wrapper than by the treat itself. Rats are playful animals and will often find odd things to carry around in their mouths. These items might include small toys, small pieces of food, or even the wrapper from their treat.
Rats are social creatures and do best if they have a friend to play with. They will often build elaborate tunnels for fun, but don’t be surprised if they also leave some droppings behind as well! Rats are very clean animals but sometimes need help getting to the right place to do their business.
If your rat is not doing well, it may have trouble getting to the litter box in time. Rats need a clean environment to keep them healthy and happy. If you find that he’s having accidents or if he smells bad, then something might be wrong with him. Take him to the vet immediately if there is a problem.
Rats love to play and usually get along very well with other rats. Some rats can even be trained to do all sorts of tricks. Rats really like peanut butter and will often stand on their hind legs when they see it, begging for more. Be careful not to give your rat too much food, lest he become obese.
If a rat is eating more than usual, it might be time to take him to the vet. Fat rats usually aren’t as healthy as lean ones. Rats can suffer from the same illnesses that humans do. If your rat resists going into his cage one day or seems sicker than usual, take him to see a doctor right away!
In conclusion, pet rats are cute, cuddly little creatures that can help take the stress away from a long day at work. They’re also very good at keeping their humans entertained and happy.