Caring for Your Rat

Rats make very entertaining pets, but to keep them fit and content it is essential to select the correct rat bedding/litter, accommodation and food. A healthy rat has a lifespan of two to three years and choosing the right litter for rats is vital to the comfort and well-being of your new pet. This article will look at the best bedding for rats, what to feed your rodent and finding the right cage.

Rat Bedding  - click here to buy our universal pet bedding online!

The Best Bedding for Rats - Choosing a Safe Rat Bedding
The best bedding for rats is one which, above all, will not harm your rat. When it comes to choosing rat bedding it is important to keep in mind that some products on the market sold as litter for rats is actually hazardous to small animals. Sawdust for example, which is traditionally used as litter, has fine particles which can irritate your rat and cause respiratory problems.

Clay based litter, which is used for cats, is also hazardous as it is far too dusty for rats who have small lungs and tiny nasal passages. This type of litter also clumps and is dangerous when swallowed as it can cause blockages which can potentially kill your pet. Wood based litters, such as pine or cedar, contains natural oils which can mask odours, but is actually toxic to your pet should never be used as litter for rats.

The best bedding for rats is a natural, non-toxic product such as SmartBedz which is made from pulverised straw pellets. It has had the dust extracted so the resulting product is completely safe for your pet to use.

The Best Litter for Rats - Keeping Your Pet Cage Odour Free
Rats cannot be toilet trained, so the right litter for rats is one that can effectively curb odour. This will benefit you and your rat. As rats use their nose to detect food, they dislike strong odours, which can be disagreeable to your pet as it interrupts their sense of smell.

As well as being the best bedding for rats from a safety point of view, SmartBedz is also a highly effective litter for rats from an odour control point of view. SmartBedz quickly soaks up wetness and prevents oxidisation, the main cause of odour. As a natural product, it does not include additional scents or any other material which can be unpleasant for your pet.

Cleaning Out Your Rat’s Cage
A cage that is clean and dry is central to your rat’s health and well-being, so it is essential that you keep any rat bedding and litter free of solids and excess moisture. However, a regular thorough clean can be disruptive to your pet. SmartBedz can offer a perfect solution as the pellets are highly absorbent and swell when they come into contact with liquid.

This means you can spot clean SmartBedz rat bedding which causes the least upset for your pet. All you have to do is to scoop out the enlarged pellets and replace them with dry ones. You can then give the cage a much more thorough clean on a less frequent basis, which causes much less of a disturbance and ultimately means a happier pet.

Spot cleaning saves money in the long-run and it means a bag of SmartBedz can go far.

Disposing of SmartBedz Litter for Rats
As SmartBedz is a natural, organic product, it can easily be flushed down the loo or disposed of in your garden to be used as compost.

Keeping Your Rat Healthy
Rats are very sociable and intelligent creatures and it is important to give them plenty of love and attention to keep them vibrant and happy.

As they enjoy company, they are best kept as a pair as they will enjoy a longer and more fulfilling life. They like playing, pretend fighting and cuddling up to sleep together and are far more exciting to watch as a pair than individually.

Your rats generally won’t show signs of illness, often until the very late stages so it is best to check your rat regularly for signs of health abnormalities. If your rat has symptoms that cause concern, then take a trip to the vet who will advise you on how to treat your pet.

See your vet if your rat has breathing problems, a dishevelled coat, discharge from the eyes or mouth, any injuries or open wounds, loses interest in food or attention or has other problems that may cause concern.
Obesity is common in rats as, like people, they prefer treats and fatty food over healthy food. See below on how to give your rat a nutritious diet.

What is the Best Food for My Rats?
As rats, like us, are omnivores, which means they can eat a varied died with lots of different foods. They can eat whole grains, wholemeal bread, brown rice, vegetables, fruit, meat scraps and dog food (including dry dog food).

A balanced diet is important for your rat and a grain mixture can be given as part of this. They will choose the best bits to eat first, so to avoid this, give them a small amount at a time and leave the bowl in the cage until most of it has gone. This will ensure that they get the right nutrients and not just eat their favourite pieces.

Extruded pellets can make a complete diet for your pet, but it is boring for your rat if it is their only form of food. To make it interesting for them to eat, mix these with grains and give them fruit, vegetables and meat as a treat. It is important to feed your rat small amounts of animal protein to keep them fit and healthy.   

Foods to avoid are citrus fruits as these are too acidic. Avoid giving your rat too much fruit and vegetables as this can affect their stomachs. Never give your rat a fizzy drink as it could ultimately be fatal for your rat.
Rats will enjoy commercially available treats, but give these only occasionally and in small amounts. Just a few a week is fine and it is better to give them to your rat only after they have eaten their healthy food.

To keep your rat hydrated, make sure they are given clean, fresh water daily. 

What is the Best Cage for My Rat?
Rats need lots of exercise, so choose the biggest cage you can. A wire cage is best and aquariums should be avoided as they have solid sides and rats like to climb.

Make sure you provide your rodent with lots of toys as rats are intelligent creatures and like an environment which will entertain them. Get creative, as there are all sorts of household objects that will interest them such as big glass jars to play around in. Rat hammocks and some commercially available toys can be fixed to the bars. Place these high up in the cage, so your rat will have to climb to reach them. 

A cage with a wire floor and tray beneath can cause a condition called bumblefoot, which is a painful infection of the feet. Instead choose a wire cage with a solid floor with plenty of litter or bedding to absorb urine and stop odours. A natural form of bedding which is dust free, such as SmartBedz is perfect for your rat to fun around in and non-toxic too.

Make sure you give your rat lots of care. Handle them frequently so they get used to you and enjoy your company. They are great fun as pets and can even be trained to do certain tricks, such as jumping through a hoop, opening a gift or riding on your shoulder. Keep them away from the light and in a draft free area and make sure they have lots of bedding for comfort.

Rat Bedding - click here to buy our universal pet bedding online!