Rat care tools and calculators
This page brings together every XpertsPet tool for rats: 29 in all, across 15 topics including age, behavior, breeding, cost, grooming and health. Pick a topic above to see its tools, or read on for a quick guide to what each group does and where to start.
Rats at a glance
With good care, rats typically live 2-3 years. Rats are omnivores, which shapes what you feed and how much. Most adults weigh around 250-600 g. They mature quickly, at around 3 months.
Rats are intensely social and must be kept in same-sex pairs or groups. They need a tall wire cage with solid levels, daily out-of-cage time, and constant novelty since they bore quickly.
The health problems vets see most often in rats include mycoplasma respiratory disease, mammary tumours in females, pituitary tumours and bumblefoot.
Gestation in rats runs about 21 to 23 days.
Rat quick facts
| Measure | Rat |
|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | 2–3 years |
| Adult weight | 0.6–1.3 lb (0.3–0.6 kg) |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Mature at | About 3 months |
| Pregnancy | 21–23 days |
| Litter size | 6–12 |
| Humidity | 40–60% |
Where to start
- Thinking about getting a rat? Start with the adoption tools to see what you are signing up for.
- Setting up a home? The housing calculators size the space and work out how much bedding or substrate you need.
- Unsure about feeding? The nutrition tools give a daily amount you can adjust as you go.
- Raising a young rat? Use the weight and growth tools to check it is on track.
- Caring for an older rat? The age tools show its life stage and what usually changes next.
Other small & companion mammals
If you keep more than one kind of animal, there are tools for dog, cat, rabbit and hamster. You can also browse every pet on XpertsPet.