Rattus norvegicus domestica
Fancy Rat
Fancy rats are affectionate, clever and sociable — arguably the most rewarding small mammal to keep, with the sad limitation of a short lifespan.
MuridaeLifespan 2–3 yearsCare complexity 3/5Suitable for beginners
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Rattus norvegicus domestica
- Family
- Muridae
- Origin
- Domesticated from the brown rat in nineteenth-century Europe
- Lifespan
- 2–3 years
- Adult size
- 20–25 cm plus tail
- Weight
- 250–600 g
- Temperament
- Affectionate, intelligent and genuinely interactive
- Activity level
- High, mostly crepuscular
- Social needs
- Very high — always keep at least two of the same sex
- Intelligence
- Among the most trainable small mammals; learns tricks and names
- Noise
- Very quiet, with mostly ultrasonic vocalisation
Housing and environment
- Housing
- Multi-level wire cage, minimum 80 x 50 x 80 cm for a pair, with narrow bar spacing
- Space requirement
- Vertical climbing space with hammocks, ropes and platforms
- Temperature
- 18–24°C
- Humidity
- 40–70%; low humidity aggravates respiratory disease
- Exercise
- Daily free-roam time in a rat-proofed area plus climbing furniture
- Grooming
- Self-grooming; occasional help for older or bucks with greasy coats
Diet and feeding
Formulated rat blocks plus fresh vegetables and small amounts of protein
Behaviour and compatibility
Bruxing and boggling when content, hoarding, and grooming their humans
- With children
- Excellent supervised family pets for gentle older children
- With other animals
- Keep away from cats, dogs and ferrets
- Training difficulty
- Low — rats learn very fast
Health
- Mycoplasma respiratory disease
- Mammary tumours
- Pituitary tumours
- Bumblefoot
- Ear infections
Needs an exotics vet; respiratory signs need prompt treatment
Special care requirements
Avoid dusty or pine and cedar beddings, which worsen respiratory disease