Diet
Balanced rat mix with fresh foods in moderation
Small animals
Rats care
Rats are intelligent, social animals that need companions, climbing, enrichment and regular health checks.
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Lifespan
2-3 years
Typical costs
GBP 25-GBP 60 per month
Space
Tall cage with shelves, hammocks and supervised free-roam time
Care basics
What to get right first.
Housing
Ventilated cage with absorbent substrate and enrichment
Social needs
High. They should live with compatible rats
Exercise
Daily interaction and foraging games
Cleaning
Spot clean frequently while preserving scent balance
Handling
Confident, gentle handling with body support.
Common health concerns
- Respiratory disease
- Tumours
- Hind leg degeneration
Often misunderstood
- Keeping one rat
- Poor ventilation
- No enrichment
- Ignoring sneezing
Related information
Care guides
More guides are being prepared
The page structure is ready for more species-specific articles, sources and practical checklists.