Rat

Do you dote on your rodent? Make sure your rat's life is gnawing not boring.

Rats are sociable and it's a good idea to keep a pair of them. Choose two males or two females so that they don't breed. If they're from the same litter, they are less likely to fight. Rats can be territorial so be careful when introducing them to one another.

Food and Water

Rats eat a variety of different foods. You can buy rat food that has cereals and protein and add fruit and vegetables every now and again. Make sure that:

• your rat can always get to water (a drip bottle is good, but check that it doesn't get blocked)
• your rat doesn't eat chocolate (it could make it ill)

Accommodation

Rats are very active so need as big an enclosure as possible, with plenty of ventilation. Rats like to build nests so need bedding materials (avoid nylon or cotton wool as this can be dangerous). You can cover the floor of your enclosure with wood shavings or shredded paper. Check that:

• your rat's enclosure is away from draughts and direct sunlight
• your rat has a nesting box or somewhere to hide
• your rat has plenty of room to move about
• the enclosure doesn't have uncovered wire flooring as your rat could get sores on its feet

Exercise

Rats need exercise so that they don't get bored but check that your rat can't chew wires and furniture or escape through holes or windows when out of its enclosure. You could add things to the enclosure like:

• climbing ropes, ladders, cardboard tubes or blocks (rats often enjoy climbing)
• different levels to give it more running space
• things to gnaw and chew on

Cleaning

Rats will groom and clean themselves but you need to clean your rat's enclosure every week. Make sure that you:

• clean away old food
• clean the water bottle
• replace bedding and wood shavings

Handling

If you handle your rat every day it should get used to you. To pick up your rat:

• be gentle and calm
• put your hand under its stomach and gently lift
• cup it in your hands

Health

Check that:

• your rat isn't scratching a lot, it may have fleas or mites
• your rat has something to gnaw to keep its teeth naturally worn