by Katrina Comens

Created on: March 02, 2007   Last Updated: April 15, 2007

Rats, like all mammals, have scent glands, and will produce their own personal odours upon occasion. Most of the time, it is quite minimal, and not a cause for concern. To rats, though, it is a part of their identity. They use scent as a way to mark what is theirs, and to interact with other rats, especially in mating. Anyone who has ever watched a rat for even two minutes will tell you that they use their nose almost constantly. They are forever sniffing the air, their food, themselves, anything. A certain amount of odour should be expected in any pet, but here are some ways to keep it under control with rats and other rodents, while still respecting their need to use their scent.

1. Selecting a cage that is easy to clean is the first step. I am partial to the wire cages with detachable metal bottoms. Lay newspapers under the cage, making sure they stick outward about three inches on all sides. When you clean the cage, just gather up the newspapers to catch any bedding that has fallen through the wires.

2. When cleaning the cage, use mild, organic cleansers. They are less irritating to small mammals, who can be prone to skin afflictions. I am partial to Simple Green, which you can find at just about any big supermarket. Spray it on the cage bottom, and wipe it down. rinse with clear water and make sure its DRY before you put new bedding in.

3. Keep food dishes clean, and remove any uneaten vegetable or fruit matter promptly. Make sure food is always fresh and not rotting in the cage, which can cause odours, and health problems in your animals. Many rats like to hide bits of their food throughout their cage, but unless you actually see something disgusting and rotting, don't worry about hunting it down.

4. While buck mice are notoriously smelly, male rats usually don't have that problem. If you do have a male rat who is a bit too musky, and you don't plan on breeding, I have heard of some people having them neutered, and the problem is solved.

5. When changing the bedding, keep a small amount of the old bedding and mix it in. You won't notice the smell, but your rat will, and it will remind them that they are safe and in their own home.

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