{"id":4645,"date":"2026-04-27T16:02:06","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T21:02:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/mammals\/?p=4645"},"modified":"2026-04-27T16:04:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T21:04:57","slug":"10-mistakes-to-avoid-as-a-rat-owner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/mammals\/10-mistakes-to-avoid-as-a-rat-owner\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Mistakes To Avoid As A Rat Owner"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"rat
Knowing about common rat care mistakes helps you provide a better life for your furry pals. Brandi Saxton<\/a> of It’s A Rat’s World<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For better or for worse, one of my main personality traits is perfectionism. This does not mean I\u2019m perfect at everything \u2014 I\u2019m definitely not. It just means that I will drive myself crazy trying to be perfect at anything I\u2019m passionate about. This, of course, includes rats. Which is why it felt like sheer torture when I discovered that I had unknowingly been doing everything wrong when I first became a rat owner.<\/p>\n

Having singletons rather than two or more rats was one of those mistakes. Oops, rats are social and really need friends!<\/p>\n

Then there was the 10-gallon aquarium I used as a cage. UGH!!! But if that weren\u2019t bad enough, I filled it with pine and cedar shavings, which are, um\u2026 toxic for small pocket pets! Double UGH!<\/p>\n

I literally shudder every time I have flashbacks of my early days as a rat owner.<\/p>\n

These egregious mistakes aren\u2019t entirely my fault though. This was back in the \u201990s and rat care information was limited to say the least, and often wrong. Plus, some pet stores provided terrible examples and showcased questionable products for rats. But the minute I got access to accurate rat care information, my perfectionism went into overdrive with research, as I set out to course correct. And this ultimately led me to the realization that I had a real passion for sharing this newfound knowledge with other owners.<\/p>\n

I\u2019d like to say that I eventually developed into the perfect rat owner, but who are we kidding? Some mistakes are unavoidable, but it\u2019s important that we recognize when we\u2019re making them so that we can fix the problem.<\/p>\n

So, from one perfectionist to hopefully another, here\u2019s a list of 10 avoidable mistakes and what you should be doing instead.<\/p>\n

1. Relying On The Wrong Resources<\/h3>\n
\"rat
The more research and information you gather about caring for rats, the better. Brandi Saxton<\/a> of It’s A Rat’s World<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Education should be a never-ending part of rat ownership. But as great as the internet is, it is also the breeding ground of disinformation. Don\u2019t assume that every website, blog, or rat influencer online knows what they are talking about; they may be repeating outdated information. Instead, you need to become savvy at deciphering whether you\u2019re getting regurgitated misinformation, this includes from some pet store employees.<\/p>\n

How long has the source been a rat owner and how do they manage their own rats\u2019 care and illnesses? Pay attention to whether they give sources or provide information from a rat-knowledgeable vet. Do they continue working on their own education of rats and are they willing to learn from others? Is their information backed up by well-known rat sources? (My favorite for health advice is the Rat Guide<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

For contrast, I have over 30 years of experience with rats and more than 20 years researching and writing about them. I have also consulted with numerous vets and longtime owners in rescue and in different medical and health fields.<\/p>\n

Do not turn to AI for answers either. It commonly pulls from incorrect information or misunderstands and changes the nuance of details. Unless you\u2019re proficient at the subject you\u2019re looking up, it is very difficult to determine which facts are correct.<\/p>\n

2. Not Providing Adequate Housing And Supplies<\/h3>\n
\"collage
There are many different styles of multi-level cages that are suitable for rats, but yours should comfortably fit the amount of rats you have. Or consider going larger if you want room for your mischief to grow. A small single-level cage like the one in the bottom right corner is only suitable for temporary situations or for transport, such as going to the vet. Brandi Saxton<\/a> of It’s A Rat’s World<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I see so many rat owners online making the worst cage choices. A cage should have good ventilation, multiple levels, and be sized to comfortably fit the number of rats being housed. A cage calculator<\/a> can help with this. The wire bar spacing and latches should be escape proof<\/a> and wire floors should be covered<\/a>. Exposed wire can lead to injury, bumblefoot, and a filthy living space. Seriously, don\u2019t make your rats walk and sleep on wire bars.<\/p>\n

Mistakes don\u2019t stop at cage choice either. You also need to make thoughtful choices on cage placement, cage accessories, and bedding. It doesn\u2019t help that some pet companies market products that are actually unhealthy for rats or are better suited for a different type of pocket pet. Plus, even beddings that are considered safe may cause some rats to sneeze or become congested. My bedding of choice is fleece. For the litter boxes, my choice is crushed walnut shells. Note that walnut shells must be frozen for 24\u201348 hours to kill off parasites before putting them in the cage. I forgot one time, and all my rats got mites.<\/p>\n

Articles of mine that can help you set up a fun, safe habitat for your rats include:<\/p>\n

Accessories: Cage Makeover With Rat Cage Ideas<\/a> and My Favorite Tips For Rat Care<\/a><\/p>\n

Placement: Home Environment: Rats And The Air<\/a> and Home Environment: Rats And Home<\/a> Ambience<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Not Cleaning The Cage Often Enough<\/h3>\n

A perfect cage setup stops being perfect once it stinks. Plus, it\u2019s unhealthy for your rats. Breathing in large amounts of ammonia can aggravate their already sensitive respiratory tracts and lead to illnesses. It can also burn their eyes, make their fur smell, and it isn\u2019t hygienic for rats to live in their own waste.<\/p>\n

If you need to step up your cleaning routine, please read my article Resolve To Keep Your Rat\u2019s Habitat Cleaner<\/a>.<\/p>\n

4. Poor Feeding Habits<\/h3>\n
\"two
Too much of any food, even healthy food, can be bad. Brandi Saxton<\/a> of It’s A Rat’s World<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Food leads to some of the worst mistakes owners can make<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For one, not all commercial rat mixes or lab blocks are equal. Just because it says it\u2019s for rats doesn\u2019t mean that it\u2019s healthy or meets their nutritional needs.<\/p>\n

Second, overfeeding and giving rats junk food is too commonly done. But too much staple diet (a rat\u2019s main food) and snacks, even healthy snacks, can lead to weight gain. And do you really think your rats should be regularly splitting your fries, pizza, chips, and other fatty, salty, greasy, sugary guilty pleasures? Of course not.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m guilty of offering a bite of fry or a lick of ice cream, too, but it should be a rare splurge given in very tiny portions. Even healthy fruits and veggies, which rats need daily, must be fed in appropriate proportions. I understand the temptation to spoil your sweeties, but too much of a good thing is still too much.<\/p>\n

To learn more about rat staple diets and portion-controlled snacks, please check out the diet articles I helped co-write for the Rat Guide. There\u2019s even one about Lafeber\u2019s rat food.
\nDiet<\/a>
\nDaily Menu<\/a>
\nLafeber<\/a><\/p>\n

5. Not Enough Exercise Or Mental Stimulation<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s hard not to love a lazy rat who wants nothing more than to sleep their day away in your lap, but it would be a major mistake to let them spend their entire day sedentary. Lack of exercise and mental stimulation can lead to obesity, health issues, and behavioral problems.<\/p>\n

But no worries, I have lots of suggestions in my article Daily Exercise For Rats<\/a> to help get those lazy bones moving, while also keeping them entertained.<\/p>\n

6. Grabbing Your Rat By Their Tail<\/h3>\n
\"view
Never pick up your rat by the tail. Brandi Saxton<\/a> of It’s A Rat’s World<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You may be tempted at times to grab that long pink tail if your rat is, say, refusing to come out of hiding, is about to run off, or you\u2019re afraid to pick them up \u2014 but DON\u2019T!<\/p>\n

Why? Because this appendage is far more than just an ordinary tail, it\u2019s a multifunctional tool that provides thermoregulation, helps with balance, communication, and sensory input, and is technically an extension of their spine. It\u2019s almost as if their tail is a source of superpowers!<\/p>\n

Want to know more? Then head on over to my article Why Rat Tails Are So Important<\/a>.<\/p>\n

7. Not Being Financially Prepared<\/h3>\n
\"rat
Yes, having pet rats means you have more expenses, including vet visits, food, supplies, etc. Brandi Saxton<\/a> of It’s A Rat’s World<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Rats may be small, but the financial responsibility for their care isn\u2019t. This is especially true as the cost for veterinarian<\/a> care has risen a whopping 60% since 2014.<\/p>\n

Between respiratory issues, tumors, aging concerns, and the random ailments that pop up, it\u2019s almost a guarantee that your rat will need to see a vet at least once. Sadly, this is one of the main reasons why I had to take a break from my most favorite pet<\/a> and prioritize my own health instead.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also expenses for the cage, food, cage supplies, replacement supplies (things do break), and toys you plan to spoil your rat kids with.<\/p>\n

So, not only do I suggest mentally preparing yourself for unexpected expenses, but I also encourage you to start a savings account for your rats\u2019 care immediately. And don\u2019t forget to have a vet picked out BEFORE you need one.<\/p>\n

8. Rushing Into Free Ranging<\/h3>\n

There are a lot of things to enjoy about free-ranging rats, but new owners may not fully grasp all the dangers that lurk around their home for their rattie kids, and just how much damage they can inflict on it, or how unhygienic it can be. I never once got my pet deposit back when I allowed my rats free-ranged in apartments.<\/p>\n

Before making the decision to release your rats on the floor, get prepared and read my article Free-Ranging Pet Rats: What Every Owner Needs To Know<\/a>.<\/p>\n

9. Not Making Adjustments For Senior Rats<\/h3>\n
\"two
The needs of senior rats differ, so making adjustments for them enhances their lives. Brandi Saxton<\/a> of It’s A Rat’s World<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sometimes we miss the changes that happen as our rats age and then don\u2019t adjust accordingly. But recognizing that older rats have different needs is absolutely vital to providing them with the best care and minimizing any suffering.<\/p>\n

If you miss signs of mobility issues and don\u2019t make modifications to their cage ramps, food dishes, water bottles, and hammocks, then there\u2019s a serious risk for injury or starvation. Starvation can also happen if you miss a change in their appetite and they\u2019ve stopped feeding themselves.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, you need to be on a symptom watch to get ahead of any illnesses your seniors will inevitably develop. Antibiotics and pain meds from a vet can go a long way in extending their life and improving the quality of it.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a lot to know so, please check out my article Senior Rats: What To Expect And How To Care For Them<\/a> to prepare you for this stage of assisted living.<\/p>\n

10. Not Being Fully Committed<\/h3>\n
\"rats
Spending time with your rats is a joy for both you and them. Brandi Saxton<\/a> of It’s A Rat’s World<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Are you spending enough quality time with your rats every day? Not once a month, not once a week, but every day? Or are your rats just existing in your home without actually being a part of your family?<\/p>\n

The act of bringing home pet rats means you\u2019ve made a commitment to them, one that should not be taken lightly. Whether you got them for yourself or for your kids, it is now your (unpaid) job to stay on top of their physical and mental well-being.<\/p>\n

Make daily routines for meals, playtime, and quality time with you, and then stick to them the best you can. Rats are great at learning the routines you set up and will notice when they are changed. I swear my rats had an inner clock and knew exactly when breakfast and dinner were to arrive, because they were always already eagerly waiting for me at the cage door with their little noses smashed through the bars. They also made more commotion to get my attention whenever I was taking too long to come bring them out to the couch with me for our nightly snuggles.<\/p>\n

Being a good rat owner means consciously prioritizing your rats\u2019 needs every single day. But your reward will be the deep bonds that are formed through those efforts.<\/p>\n

Quick note: I have also written two other articles with similar themes: How To Be The Best Rat Mom Or Rat Dad<\/a> and Pet Rat Care Do\u2019s And Don\u2019ts<\/a>. Each one has extra bits of information that the others don\u2019t have, so they are all worth a read.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Pet rats bring joy to people’s lives, and avoiding these rat care mistakes help you give them the best life possible.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":4660,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[36,39,42],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4645","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rat","category-rat-food","category-rat-housing"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/mammals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4645","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/mammals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/mammals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/mammals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/mammals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4645"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/mammals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4645\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4675,"href":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/mammals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4645\/revisions\/4675"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/mammals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4660"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/mammals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4645"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/mammals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4645"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/mammals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4645"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}