World Rat Day: Myths, Facts and Tips
4 April 2025
This World Rat Day, our Reception and Administration Coordinator and proud rat owner, Madeleine, has put together some top tips and myth-busting facts about her favourite pets! If you're all about dogs for their loveable nature and ability to learn tricks, or if you’re into cats for their curious, playful antics, then you’ll be sure to like rats for the same reasons! They're sweet, clever, and full of personality.
Sadly, there are lots of myths about rats that can stop people from wanting adopt rats or have them as pets.
Myth #1, All Rats will bite you.
- Pet rats who are handled often and with care are very friendly and will recognise their owners. Wild rats keep their distance but, just as any animal can react this way, they may bite if they feel threatened. Young rats will often gently nibble on objects and their owners’ fingers when exploring but this does not hurt.
Myth #2, Rats love cheese.
- Although this is a tasty treat, most rats’ favourite foods are sugary foods and berries.
Myth #3, Rats are low maintenance pets.
- While adopting a rat may be affordable, their equipment is pricey. They require an appropriately sized cage, plenty of enrichment and due to their chewing habits, they will often need bedding and toys replaced. They also need at least 2 hours of free-roam time for mental and physical health.
Myth #4, Rats are dirty.
- Rats spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves to maintain their fur. They use their teeth and paws to comb their fur, keeping it neat and tidy. They can be litter trained, and regular cage cleaning is essential for their wellbeing.
Myth #5, Rats cry blood.
- When stressed or ill, rats release a reddish liquid called Porphyrin from their tear glands. This can occasionally be seen around their nose, too. If noticed, please speak to a vet.
Rat Facts
- They are great swimmers. Wild rats are often seen swimming across lakes in quiet, rural areas. Pet rats can also enjoy swimming if introduced at a young age. Even adults can be introduced this, although they will require a little more time and patience. Paddling, washing and swimming in water is great way for rats to have fun while cooling off in the summer.
- Just like their rodent ancestors, rats’ front teeth do not stop growing. Although rats naturally grind their teeth, chew blocks and crunchy rat food will help prevent overgrowth. They are well known to chew through things around the home as this is an instinct to keep their teeth in check as well as a result of their curiosity and need to explore.
- They have a great sense of smell. Just like our doggy friends, rats use their sense of smell when meeting new people or surroundings. They can sense chemical changes and are used as ‘sniffers’ to detect buried explosives and tuberculosis in other countries.
- Rats cannot vomit. It is believed that rats do not have the brain circuit to tell their body to vomit. Because of this, keeping them away from toxic substances/foods is important for their own health.
- Rats can be trained. Rats have a very good memory and are very intelligent. While some learn quickly, others may need more time and patience. They can be trained to do tricks like spinning, recalling and even counting.
Top Tips
- If your rats aren’t swimmers, you can keep them cool and entertained by placing frozen peas in shallow water for them to grab (similar to apple bobbing). They also enjoy using shallow water as a bath to cool off.
- Buying puzzle games keeps their minds active, although after frequent use they will learn how to complete a puzzle quickly due to their great memory. I like to give my rats a treat ball to entertain them, as even my smartest rat still finds it difficult.
- If you are using treats for playtime or to train your rats, reduce the amount of food they have at mealtimes in order to maintain a healthy weight. Aswell as sweet treats, they enjoy scrambled eggs and vegetables, too. Give them a choice of fruit and vegetables to find out what is their favourite.
- Check your pet rat regularly. Check your rat when they wake up as the rusty liquid may go unnoticed due to their frequent cleaning. Check their body and tail for any wounds, scabs and lumps.
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