If you think a rat is the right pet for your family, how do you pick the right one? You have several options for where you get your rat.
- Pet stores may or may not be a good choice, depending on how knowledgeable the staff is about rat care in general. Check the housing — make sure males and females are housed separately, or you may get a surprise litter after you get your pet rat home. Young rats should be handled regularly.
- Breeders (also known as ratteries) are a great place to find a well socialized young rat. A good breeder will be sure to handle and socialize babies from an early age! If you’re looking for a particular coat type or color, a breeder may be your best bet.
- Don’t rule out a shelter if you are interested in rescuing a rat. Rescued rats may be skittish or shy, but can overcome that with time and patience. Avoid aggressive rats if you can; this is a difficult trait to overcome. If you are looking for an older rat, a shelter or rescue group is your best choice.
Once you decide where you’re going to get your rat, there are certain qualities you should look for in your new pet:
- Rats should be alert and active.
- Rats should be curious enough to approach you.
- The body should be firm and well-rounded. Younger rats may be leaner.
- Make sure nose, eyes, ears, and rump are clean and free of discharge.
- The coat should be clean — rats spend a lot of time grooming!
- The skin on the ears and tail should be clean and a healthy shade of pink.
Warning signs that a rat may not be a good choice:
- Rats should not panic when handled.
- Rats that are too calm and quiet may be ill.
- The skin should not have sores or be red and flaky.
- The breathing should not be labored. The rat should not be sneezing. Respiratory disease is a common problem in rats.
- Drooling and/or wetness around the mouth could be a sign of dental problems.
Rats do have sharp little nails, so be careful when picking up a potential pet. The store staff, breeder, or rescue staff should be able to show you how to trim your rat’s nails. Human nail clippers can quickly and easily snip off the tips of the nails; just like in trimming dog or cat nails, avoid the quick or your pet’s nail may bleed.