tips on how to care for my pet rat?

Question

I have a female rat, shes by herself now, but only because about a month ago her sister died, shes just gone 3 years old and her cage is next to my bed and shes always out with me as its the summer holidays and I have more time :) shes become a lot tamer and friendlier recently, and I was just wondering If there were ways to make her happier, like toys or things I could do? like how do you care for a lone rat, because my mam wont let me get another one as mine is quite old and she would maybe fight with the new rat, I don't know. 
but anyways how would you care for a lone rat? and also shes making a really squeaky breathing noise when she sleeps or you pick her up, but when shes out or sat with you shes fine? and shes only recently started doing it so im getting nervous, any idea? 
10 points best answer? thanks!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Rats are social so they need a friend or lots of attention which it seems you have time to give her that attention. Toys and hammocks are needed to keep her happy and entertained. Hammocks are great for her to snuggle in because she would get cold without having a friend to snuggle up to.
As for toys rats love anything they can chew! wooden blocks you can buy at the pet stores made for rodents are cheap and your rat will really enjoy chewing on them. Other things you can give her to keep her entertained are: Popsicle sticks to chew on, toilet roles which you could fill with vegetables and she has to chew it up to get the veggies out. 

The squeaky breathing noise is most likely you hearing the start of a respiratory problem, 3 years is old for a rat and she may start getting more health problems now.
Respiratory problems are very common in rats but there are ways to help them- Make sure you use a dust free litter, pine shavings or any type of wood shavings are not good for your rats health. 

Use a natural dust free cat litter- the one I use is: cats best universal cat litter or another good one is breeders choice cat litter.

Keep the cage clean and don't use any sprays or candles near the cage as that will also be bad for her respiratory issues.

If she starts coughing, wheezing or sneezing more or has porphyrin around her nose or eyes (which is a red discharge) that may look like blood then it would be best to take her to the vet for a check up, where they can give you a antibiotic to help clear up the respiratory infection.


I hope this helped and hope your rat is doing well :)

? · Answer

Nothing can take the place of another rat, i'm afraid. Adding new and exciting toys might get her motivated and spending time with you (as much as possible) would help. 

You're right that it may not be a good idea to add a new one right now anyways - you would have to add two, since the current rat is old enough that she may pass away relatively soon and you would have another solo rat to work with if that happens, and the stress may not be good for her at this age.

Plus the squeaky breathing noises are not a good sign IMO. If they're a new development then i would be worried about URI or Myco. Both of which are highly contagious to other rats and need antibiotics from a vet to treat, otherwise they will worsen and kill her. Slowly. FYI It is not an option to just leave her be if it is URI/Myco - it will not get better on it's own and there are not OTC meds to treat it. 

For now, monitor her closely and if it continues, worsens, or you notice new symptoms then she will HAVE to go to a vet. Offer her toys, companionship, and just keep an eye on her.

tips on how to care for my pet rat?

2 Answers