Although domestic rats belong to the same species as wild rats, they should not be viewed in the same way.  Domestic rats are clean, intelligent and sociable animals and can make lovely pets.

Male rats are called bucks and females are does. Baby rats are called kittens. A rat lives for an average of about two and a half years. Similar to guinea pigs, in that they need company of their own kind, it is unfair to keep one rat on its own. Rats will breed frequently, starting from as young as 5 or 6 weeks old and they will produce litters of eight or more offspring. Females can fall pregnant again within 24 hours of giving birth!  So, if you do not want to be overrun with baby rats, then consider having rats of the same sex only.  It is very important that you buy from a reputable pet shop where staff are able to sex the animals correctly.

Do bear in mind, that rats need at least an hour’s exercise outside of their cage every day so make sure you have the time to do this.  They also need daily social interaction and like to be handled so it is important that everyone in the family is keen to have rats around the home.