by Callista Meyer

Created on: September 28, 2008

As with any pet, before bringing a rat into your home you will want to do some brief research to ensure this is the right pet for you and your family. Despite what many may think, rats are clean, intelligent and social rodents which will require some time of your day for playtime. Also, while rats may not require frequent visits to the vet's office, you need to be prepared just in case of an emergency that could take a nice chunk out of your pocket. There are a few questions you should consider before your actual purchase of a rat for your home.

To provide your rat with the basic requirements, you should be able to provide at least an hour of your day for socialization with your pet. You will need to clean your rat's cage at least once a week entirely, while pooper scooping each day and provide a safe living environment for your rat. While many rat's will survive having their basic cares met, they will want more from you, so try to provide as much as you can or invest in a pair of rats so they can play together.

Now, once deciding you can care for a pet rat, many will run to their petstore to choose one. Wait a minute...first lets discuss housing for your rat. Your cage should be large with no wire mesh as your rat's tiny little toes will get caught. Wire bars on your cage should be no more than 1/2" apart as anything a rat can put their head through, their body will follow. A nesting box, either purchased or made from a milk carton etc. for your cage. Your rat will use this to possibly hide, sleep or hide their special treats. The litter/shavings you choose for your cage should not include ceder, pine or newspaper instead look for recycled paper bedding or shredded aspen.

Your pet will no doubt need to eat.You can purchase ready mixed rat food at your local pet stores. Your rat will most definatly walk on or chew their feeding dishes so something sturdy and easy to clean would be your best choice. The best material for feeding dishes are ceramics or heavy plastic which you will be able to fill regularly. Water is best offered in a bottle with a metal ball inside, hooked to the outside of your cage away from next boxes and toys so it will not drip on them. Toys for your rat can include a rolled up sock, boxes, rope to climb and even rawhide treats meant for dogs.

Now that your cage is purchased and hopefully set up, lets discuss choosing your rat. Generally the rats at a petstore will be quite skittish when handled. This is mainly due to the lack of human contact

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