How to Care for a Dwarf Rat

Dwarf rats are about 1/3 the size of regular rats but they are similar in personality and behaviour. If you choose to have a dwarf rat as a pet, you must be ready to keep this curious and active animal entertained with toys and affection. Be sure to give your dwarf rat a large and comfortable cage to live in and provide it with adequate nutrition. By providing this kind of care you will be able to raise a happy and healthy pet!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Housing Dwarf Rats

1
Choose a metal cage that measures 2 feet (0.61 m) in each direction. While dwarf rats are smaller than average size rats, they are just as active and need room to roam around. Choose a cage that is at least 2 feet (0.61 m) wide, tall, and high. It is best to choose a cage made of sturdy metal with a solid base.^{[1]XResearch source}
- A cage designed for hamsters will be too small for dwarf rats as they are far more active.
- A larger cage will make it easier for rats to separate their bathroom area from other activities, keeping the cage cleaner.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceThe Humane Society of the United StatesNational organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfareGo to source}
- Choose a cage with multiple levels, if possible, as rats love to climb.
- Do not use a plastic cage, which rats can easily chew through.
- Avoid housing your dwarf rats in a large aquarium with a mesh lid, which will not provide adequate ventilation.
2
Line the cage with wood flakes or paper-based cat litter. The best way to keep your dwarf rat's cage clean is by spreading a shredded, absorbent material on the bottom. Spot clean this lining as needed by removing soiled parts, and replace all of the material weekly. Avoid using newspaper, which is less absorbent and harder to spot clean.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Purchase wood flakes or paper cat litter from a pet store.
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3
Fill the cage with soft nesting material and things to hide in. Dwarf rats love to nest and will use any variety of soft materials to sleep in. Place tissues, paper towels, hay, or ripped up pieces of cloth in the cage for your rat to burrow into. It will also love wooden boxes, empty food containers, wicker baskets, or cardboard tubes to hide away in.
- Clean or replace these items weekly, or earlier if they are soiled, to prevent the growth of bacteria.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Feeding Your Dwarf Rats

Rats are omnivores and have unique nutritional needs from other small animals. Purchase a pelleted food that is made for rats from your local pet store or online. Foods that are formulated for other creatures will not have the right balance of essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.^{[4]XResearch source}
2
Feed your dwarf rat twice a day, at dusk and dawn. Place a small bowl of food in the cage twice daily to keep your dwarf rat satiated. It is best to do this at dawn and dusk, when rats prefer to feed. Leave the food there for about half an hour, then remove and clean the bowl.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Discard any uneaten food and adjust the portion size until all the food is gone after feeding times.
- All rats have a natural foraging behaviour and will likely carry food away to another corner of their cage to eat it.
3
Provide clean drinking water through a bottle to prevent contamination. Avoid placing a water bowl in your dwarf rat's cage as it can become contaminated easily. Instead, buy a water bottle to attach to the side of the cage. Check the bottle twice a day and refill it as needed.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Make sure that there are no blockages in the water bottle preventing water from flowing out.
- Dwarf rats need a continuous source of water so they don’t get dehydrated.
4
Add variety to their food occasionally with small amounts of healthy foods. Rats like variety from time to time, but they should always be provided with some of their regular pellet food at the same time. Swap out a small portion of their pellet food and replace it with an equal amount of treat food. This could include fruits, vegetables, cooked egg, grains, and seeds.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Adding these foods in addition to a full portion of regular pellet food could lead to obesity in your dwarf rat.
- Aim to do this no more than 1 or 2 times a week.
5
Avoid feeding harmful foods to your dwarf rat. Certain human foods can be very harmful to rats and should not be fed to them. Write a list of these foods and place it on your rat's cage or in a visible place where all members of your household will see it as a reminder. This list should include:^{[8]XResearch source}
- Citrus fruits
- Onion
- Walnuts
- Rhubarb
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Chocolate
- Foods that are high in sugar or fat (there are not toxic to dwarf rats but can cause obesity if eaten frequently)
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Keeping Your Dwarf Rat Happy

1
Hold and play with your dwarf rat for at least a half hour each day. Dwarf rats are social and affectionate creatures that benefit from human contact. Pick up your rat and pet it everyday, and allow it to have short period of supervised activity outside of its cage. This will provide your rat with needed exercise and entertainment.
- Keep your rat away from other animals, and away from dangerous items like electrical wires.
- Never pick your dwarf rat up by its tail as they are very sensitive.
- Always monitor children while they play with dwarf rats.
2
Get another dwarf rat of the same sex for your pet to play with. Your dwarf rat will thrive if it has at least 1 friend to keep it company. Look for a second dwarf rat or buy 2 to begin with to ensure that you have happy pets. Be sure to purchase a dwarf rat of the same sex to prevent the pair from reproducing. ^{[9]XResearch source}
- Having 2 or more rats will ensure that they have company while they are alert during the night.
3
Provide your dwarf rat with toys to keep it busy. Dwarf rats are intelligent animals that love chewing, climbing, and playing. Purchase toys specially made for rats from your local pet store or online. Look for smaller toys since most of these items will be designed with regular-sized rats in mind. These could include:^{[10]XResearch source}
- Wooden chew toys
- Climbing ropes
- Durable plastic or leather tunnels
- Wooden suspension bridges and ladders
4
Monitor your dwarf rat for signs of illness, pain, or stress. Make sure that your dwarf rat stays happy and healthy by looking out for signs of mental or physical distress. While dwarf rats have a decreased occurrence of tumors and generally live longer than average-sized rats, they can still get mites, allergies, or other ailments.^{[11]XResearch source}Contact your vet if you see signs of:^{[12]XResearch source}
- Redness around the nose and eyes
- Bald patches
- Skin irritations
- Obesity
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Tips

Place the cage on an elevated surface to reduce your dwarf rat's anxiety and keep it away from any possible predators who might have access to it on the floor. ^{[13]XTrustworthy SourceThe Humane Society of the United StatesNational organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfareGo to source}
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Search for a veterinarian in your area who specializes in small animals if you suspect your dwarf rat might be sick.
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Keep your rat's cage away from heating vents or other sources or direct heat, as they are prone to heat stroke.
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