Contrary to popular belief, pet rats are not pets that you can keep in a cage and forget about. They are very intelligent, active, funny and very nice creatures. They need a lot of things to keep them busy when you’re not around. They enjoy playing with toys with you and alone. It is also very important to have more than one rat, so they can keep each other company during the day.
So here’s your tattered shopping list. First we have the basics:
- Large cage for rats. Make sure the gaps aren’t too wide, or your rat may decide to go for a walk.
- water bottle
- Food bowl and snack bowl (so you can separate the sweet from the savory)
- Bedding (I use old newspapers and shredded paper from work).
- Rat Food – A basic cereal/block that you can then add delicious snacks to to spice things up.
But here are some more exciting things for your rat:
- Rat Hammock: Rats love to snuggle up in a bright, fluffy hammock. You can make one, or buy one.
- Igloo: Rats need to have a place to hide when the world gets too much. Put some comfortable bedding inside to make a little sanctuary for the raggedy.
- Kong Toy: Just use the ferret Kong toy. Fill it up with some delicious rat food and it’s a great way to keep your rat entertained when you’re out and about.
- Rat Litter Tray – Yes, rats can be potty trained, and quite easily. You can get a small corner tray to put in the corner of the cage, or just use a shoe box. Put some rat poop on the tray and place it there. You will soon receive the message. It will make cleaning much easier.
- Chew Toys: Rats love to chew and it is very good for their teeth. You can buy fruit-flavored wooden chew toys that rats love.
- Delicious Food: Rats love all kinds of food. You can try various fruits, as well as pasta and cooked rice and even eggs.
- Rat Training: You can add variety to your rat’s day by training it for 10 minutes a day. You can teach your rat to come when you call, clap your hands, and even turn around. All it takes is kindness and patience.
- Rat Harness and Leash – An interesting idea if your rat wants to see the outside world.
- Love. Yes, that’s the main thing. Give your rat lots of love and he will be a very happy rat.
