The fancy rat
Intelligent, clean, terribly endearing
The fancy rat is one of the most intelligent and affectionate exotic pets. Very sociable, he recognises his owner, learns tricks and needs the company of his own species.
| Life expectancy | 2 to 3 years |
|---|---|
| Social life | Gregarious — at least two |
| Level required | Beginner |
| Legal framework | No permit required — find out more |
Its essential needs
- Living in a group: a rat on his own becomes deeply bored.
- A large, tall cage with platforms, ropes and hiding places.
- Daily time out of the cage and daily interaction.
- A balanced, low-fat diet.
Key health points
- Females very often develop mammary tumours. They are most often benign, but they grow fast: a lump the size of a pea removed early is far better than a well-established mass. Neutering females clearly reduces this risk.
- Many rats carry a bacterium (mycoplasma) that irritates their airways for life: repeated sneezing, wheezy breathing, breathlessness at the slightest effort. If you see red discharge around the nose or the eyes, do not panic: it is not blood but a normal pigment (porphyrin). It does, however, indicate stress or irritation, and deserves a check-up.
- The rat does not live long (2 to 3 years) and deteriorates quickly. At the slightest sign — laboured breathing, weight loss, a lump under the skin — see a vet without delay.
In Switzerland: no permit required No permit required, but keeping is subject to the TSchV requirements on living conditions: minimum space, social contact, and appropriate feeding and care. Legal framework in detail →
A word from the Au Furet practice ‘Bruxing’ (grinding the teeth) together with vibrating eyes is a sign of well-being in the rat.
Need a vet for this species? Few practices are trained in exotic pets. Find an exotic pet vet · Au Furet practice.
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