Rat

Specific needs

• A social life (at least in a pair)
• Interaction and stimulation
• A tall, well-ventilated cage

Feeding

• A balanced, rat-specific diet
• Small amounts of fresh food as extras
• Avoid too much fat and sugar

Habitat & environment

• A multi-level cage with low-dust bedding
• Good ventilation (they’re prone to respiratory problems)
• Hiding places and hammocks

Prevention

• Keep an eye on breathing and skin
• A clean cage
• A veterinary check if any sign appears

Vaccination

There is no routine vaccination for rats. Prevention relies on a healthy environment and observation.

When to see a vet?

• See the vet promptly if breathing is laboured
• Have any lump checked: early treatment helps

At the AuFuret practice

• Exotic pet medicine and surgery
• Imaging and laboratory

Dr Danielle Frei Perrin regularly appears as a veterinary expert on Swiss public broadcasting (RTS) and in leading French-speaking Swiss media.