If you’re thinking about getting a rat as a pet you might be wondering how much they cost. Rats are relatively inexpensive to purchase but there are other costs to consider as well. Here’s a look at what you can expect to pay for a rat both upfront and over the course of its lifetime.
How Much Does a Rat Cost?
The cost of a rat will vary depending on a number of factors including where you purchase it the type of rat and whether it is a standard or fancy rat. In general you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $50 for a pet rat.
That said if you’re planning to show your rat or breed it you’ll need to purchase a fancier variety which can cost upwards of $100. And if you’re looking for a specific color or pattern you may have to pay even more.
There are also other costs to consider when owning a rat. These include:
cages
bedding
food
toys
veterinary care
While the upfront cost of a rat may not be very high you’ll need to budget for these additional expenses over the course of its lifetime.
Where to Buy a Rat
There are a few different places you can purchase a rat including:
pet stores
breeders
rescues
The type of rat you want and your budget will likely dictate where you buy your rat. For example if you’re looking for a specific color or pattern you’ll probably need to purchase your rat from a breeder. However if you’re on a budget or looking to adopt you may want to consider a rescue.
No matter where you buy your rat be sure to do your research ahead of time. This way you can be sure you’re getting a healthy animal.
What to Look for When Buying a Rat
When purchasing a rat there are a few things you’ll want to look for including:
Healthy coat: The rat’s coat should be clean and free of bald spots.
Clear eyes: The rat’s eyes should be clear and free of discharge.
Nose: The rat’s nose should be clean and free of crustiness.
Ears: The rat’s ears should be clean and free of wax buildup.
Teeth: The rat’s teeth should be free of tartar and plaque.
Body: The rat’s body should be free of bald spots sores or lumps.
If you’re buying a rat from a breeder or pet store you should be able to see the animal before purchasing it. If you’re adopting from a rescue the rat may not be available for viewings until after you’ve filled out an application.
In either case be sure to ask the breeder pet store employee or rescue worker plenty of questions about the rat. This way you can be sure you’re getting a healthy animal.
Rats as Pets
Rats can make great pets for the right person. They are intelligent and can be trained to do tricks. They are also relatively low maintenance as they don’t need to be exercised like dogs or cats.
That said rats are not the right pet for everyone. They are nocturnal so they may keep you up at night. They also have a tendency to bite so they’re not the best choice for households with small children.
Before getting a rat be sure to do your research to see if they’re the right pet for you.
How much does the average rat weigh?
Answer: The average rat weighs between ½ and 1 pound.
What is the life expectancy of a rat?
Answer: The life expectancy of a rat is usually 2-3 years although some may live up to 5 years.
How much do baby rats weigh?
Answer: Baby rats or kittens weigh about 3 ounces when they are born.
How often do rats reproduce?
Answer: female rats can have litters of anywhere between 4-12 kittens every 3-5 weeks.
How big is a rat’s litter?
Answer: A rat’s litter usually consists of 6-8 kittens but can be as large as 12.
How long does it take for a rat to reach sexual maturity?
Answer: Rats reach sexual maturity at around 6-8 weeks old.
What is the gestation period for a rat?
Answer: The gestation period for a rat is 21-23 days.
How many times can a rat reproduce in one year?
Answer: A rat can reproduce anywhere from 3-6 times in one year.
How many litters can a rat have in her lifetime?
Answer: A rat can have litters totaling anywhere from 20 to 80 kittens in her lifetime.
What do rats eat?
Answer: Rats are omnivorous and will eat almost anything but prefer cereal grains nuts and meat.
How much food do rats eat?
Answer: Rats eat about 15-20% of their body weight in food every day.
What is the Irish record for the largest rat caught?
Answer: The largest rat caught in Ireland weighed in at 4 pounds and was 19.
5 inches long.
What is the world record for the largest rat caught?
Answer: The largest rat caught in the world weighed in at 8.
8 pounds and was 28.
5 inches long.
How many rats are there in the world?
Answer: It is estimated that there are between 60 and 80 million rats in the world.
Do rats make good pets?
Answer: While some people do keep rats as pets they are not recommended as they can be aggressive and bite.
