Are Fancy Rats Right for You?

Choosing a pet is a big decision that depends on your lifestyle, space, and preferences. Rats often get a bad reputation, but they can make surprisingly good companions. This article explores whether fancy rats fit well into a home environment, highlighting their traits, care needs, and what to expect when you bring one into your life.

Pet rats can be great for older children too!

Understanding Fancy Rats as Pets

Rats are intelligent, social animals that can bond closely with their owners. Unlike wild rats, pet rats are bred to be friendly and clean. They are known for their curiosity and ability to learn tricks, making them engaging pets. Rats can form very emotional bonds with their owners, as well as their cage mates.

However, rats aren't pets for everyone. While they are inexpensive to purchase, rats are not disposable pets. They do still require love, time, attention and upkeep. If your rats fall ill, they will need medical attention just like every other pet. We highly suggest doing some research on these different aspects, and having a look at whether having pet rats will suit your lifestyle.

Personality and Behaviour of Pet Rats

• Social creatures: Rats thrive in pairs or small groups. They enjoy interaction with humans and other rats. They cannot be housed alone as they provide companionship for one another.

• Playful and active: They love exploring, climbing, and solving puzzles. They are very smart little creatures so enrichment is a must!

• Clean animals: Rats tend to be cleaner than other pets! Pet rats groom themselves and their cage mates regularly and rarely emit strong odors if their cage is maintained properly. They can also be taught how to use a litter box. Additionally, they don't need to be bathed or clipped.

  
  

Their behavior makes them suitable for owners who want a pet that is interactive but not demanding like dogs or cats. Rats don't need to be walked, they don't bark or howl all night. They don't shed all over your house, need vaccinations, or have to be boarded if you go away over night. Think about the best qualities of every other pet, put them into a small, warm package, and that's what a rat is.

Space and Housing Requirements

It is important to think about whether you have the appropriate space inside your house for a good-sized cage. Rats need a safe, comfortable space to live. A cage with multiple levels, enrichment, and hiding spots keeps them entertained and healthy. Other things to think about include:

• Temperature: Rats are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so their environment needs to be kept between 18-27°C. Additionally, their cages need to be kept away from drafts.

• Location: Pet rats should always be kept inside. Additionally, they should be housed away from stressful noises and strong scents (such as a kitchen).

• Other Pets: Pet rats should not be housed mixed species, and need to be kept away from predators. This means that they may need a separate room if there is cats in the house, or a cage high off the group if there are dogs.

Additionally, if you do not own your own home, you will need to get written permission from your landlord to keep pets as you do not want to end up in a situation where you will need to rehome them. New Zealand has changed laws regarding pet ownership in rentals from December 2025, which you can read more about here.

Daily Care and Feeding of Fancy Rats

Caring for rats involves daily attention but is less time-consuming than many other pets. However, it is important to think about how much time daily care will consume, and whether you can keep up with this. Additionally, if you travel a lot for extended periods of time, will you be able to take your pet rats with you or will you have to get a pet sitter for them?

Daily care items include:

• Feeding: A balanced diet includes commercial rat pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables, occasional treats and access to fresh water. Bowls need to be cleaned daily.

• Cleaning: The cage needs to be spot cleaned daily and a full clean weekly. You can check out a recommended cleaning checklist here

• Handling: Pets rats need handling daily to build trust and social bonds. Daily play table / area is also a fantastic idea for cage out time.

  
  

Rats have a lifespan of about 2-3 years, so they require a medium-term commitment.

Health Considerations of Fancy Rats

Pet rats are generally healthy and cheaper than other pets but can face some common issues including:

• Respiratory problems: Keep their cage clean and dust-free to reduce risks.

• Tumors: Older rats may develop benign or malignant tumors.

• Regular vet visits: It is important to find an experienced vet (which you can research here) to organize regular health checks. Early detection and care can keep your rat happy and comfortable.

Gold standard rat treatment can be costly, so its important to have a vet care savings, or you could purchase exotics insurance (PetCover is the only company who insures rats in New Zealand.)

Are Fancy Rats Suitable for Your Home?

Rats fit well in many home environments but may not be ideal for everyone.

Pros of Having Rats

• Low space requirement: Suitable for apartments or small homes.

• Affordable: Initial setup and ongoing costs are lower than many pets.

• Intelligent and trainable: Can learn their names, tricks, and enjoy interaction.

• Quiet: Rats are generally silent pets, making them good for shared living spaces.

  
  

Cons to Consider

• Short lifespan: Their 2-3 year life can be emotionally challenging.

• Social needs: They need companionship, so keeping a single rat is not recommended.

• Allergies: Some people may be allergic to rats or their bedding.

• Sensitive health: Require attentive care to avoid illness.

  
  

Who Should Consider Getting Fancy Rats?

Rats are great for people who:

• Want a small, interactive pet without the noise or space needs of larger animals.

• Can commit to daily care and social interaction.

• Are comfortable with the emotional aspect of a shorter-lived pet.

• Have no allergies to rodents or their bedding materials.

  
  

Families with older children can benefit from rats as pets, teaching responsibility and empathy. However, very young children may accidentally harm these delicate animals. Little fingers can often smell like food, and will be very appetizing when stuck through cage bars.

Tips for Bringing a Rat Home

• Adopt from a reputable source: Choose pet rats from ETHICAL breeders or rescues, not wild rats.

• Prepare the cage in advance: Make sure it is safe, clean, and enriched.

• Introduce gradually: Allow your rat time to adjust to its new environment.

• Spend time daily: Handle and play with your rat to build trust.

  
  

Final Thoughts on Rats as Pets

Rats can be wonderful pets for the right home. Their intelligence, social nature, and manageable care needs make them a unique choice for pet lovers. If you have space for a cage, time for daily interaction, and want a small, affectionate companion, rats deserve serious consideration.

Further Reading:

• Caring for Rats (SPCA New Zealand)

• Why Rats Make Great Pets (Petstock NZ)