Pet rats are becoming increasingly popular – and with good reason. Despite their reputation for being vermin, rats, or “fancy rats”, as they are sometimes called, are great pets. They are friendly and affectionate and easy to train.
Rats are small and it is reasonable to assume that the cost of owning one as a pet will also be low. Although caring for a pet Rat is easy, there are costs. Adoption costs include adequate housing, food, and bedding.
You may be surprised to learn that rats can be quite expensive depending on the number you keep. It can be overwhelming to consider all the details before you bring home your first pet rats. This article will discuss everything you need to have a pet rat and all costs.
The one-time cost of bringing home a new pet rat
Although the initial cost of purchasing a rat may not be high, it is worth considering that your pet will be happier if he or she lives with other rats. It is best to have at least one rat per household. However, the more rats the better! You will need to buy a cage, bedding, and feeding bowls as well as accessories. Although these extras are expensive, you will only need them once.
No cost
Many pet lovers love the idea of owning a pet rat. But it is not always as easy as they expected. Perhaps the responsibility is too much, the rats have had babies and need to move on, or the cat has noticed the new food in the house. Owners are always looking for homes for their pet’s rats, and many are willing to give them away. Visit your local SPCA, or visit a pet adoption site.
Adopting a pet Rat from a Shelter is a great option because they are likely to be in good health.
Breeder
- $10-$20
The price of a pet rat depends on its breeder. It is usually around $20. Rats are social animals, so it’s a good idea to buy at least one pair. It’s an affordable initial investment. Many breeders will offer a discount if you purchase more than one. You may be able to get them for as low as $10. It is a good idea to visit the breeder to make sure that the parents live in a healthy and clean environment.
Stock
- $100-$300
The number of rats you want to bring home will determine the total cost of supplies. We’ll assume that you have two rats. There is no difference in the cost of having one or two.
Check out this list of pet rat care supplies and their costs
| Cage | $80 – $100 |
| Rat carrier | $20 – $50 |
| Food bowls | $10 – $15 |
| Water bottle | $8 -$20 |
| Food | $10 – $30 |
| Bedding | $0 – $20 |
| Toys | $20 |
| Running wheel | $5 – $20 |
| Closed House | $5 – $10 |
| Hammock (optional). | $5 |
| Salt licks (optional) | $5 – $10 |
| Treats | $10 |
Annual Expenses
- $300-$400 per annum
There aren’t any other major expenses once you have covered the cost of your pet rat’s toys and cage. Your main annual expense will depend on how many rats your pet has, but it will include food, treats, as well as bedding. To avoid unpleasant odors and an unhealthy environment, bedding must be changed regularly.
Health Care
- $100-$150/year
Although rats are generally healthy, they can develop tumors. Although most of these tumors can be treated with minimal effort, some are still serious. These tumors are more common in females because they are more prone to mammary cancers. However, males can also get them.
Although $100-150 per year may seem like a small amount, it is for one rat and you will likely have many. Rats have a limited lifespan, which means that you might need to bring them to the vet to get them put down. Then you can purchase another rat and so on. These are the main reasons why keeping pets rats is not as cost-effective as people think.
Although rats and small rodents don’t require vaccinations, a checkup at the vet will set you back around $30.
Treatments for Parasites
- $0-$50/year
External parasites are usually not a concern if your rat’s enclosure is clean and well-maintained. External parasites can still enter your rat’s cage from new rats, commercial bedding, and any equipment or toys that have been in contact with an infected animal.
The most common parasite found in rats is the mite. They cause itching and scabbing. You may have a mite infestation if your rats are prone to itching and have excessive scabs.
Emergencies
- $0-$150/year
As we mentioned, mammary cancers are common in female rats. Depending on the severity of the tumor, surgery can be costly. Also, male rats can get abscesses that sometimes require medical attention. Rats of the same sex might also get hurt or fight. This procedure usually costs between $50 and $100. For any emergency that might arise, it’s a good idea to keep $150 in reserve.
Insurance
- $150-$250/year
Although insurance is great for pet rats, not all insurers will provide coverage. They will not cover them, which can be as high as $15-$20 per month. It is best to save money for yourself.
Food
- $60-$120 annually
Your pet rat’s annual food costs can vary greatly and depend on many factors such as the amount of food they eat and how many pets they have. A single rat will cost you around $5 per month for the cheaper food and $15 for the more expensive. You will save significantly on food costs if you buy bulk, especially if your rats are multiple.
Environment Maintenance
- $120-$200 per annum
Pet rats’ bedding is the most expensive item to maintain. Natural paper bedding is ideal as it is non-toxic, unscented, and does not contain any dyes. The bedding is highly absorbent, so it only needs to be washed once a week. Shredded paper can be a cost-effective option, but make sure it’s not a blank piece of paper. Newspapers are a no-no because of the ink. If you have more than one or two rats, pellet bedding can be a great option but can become very expensive.
Aspen bedding is popular, but it can be messy and not as absorbent as other options. You will need to replace your bedding every 5-7 days depending on which type you choose.
The Annual Cost of Own a Rat
- $400-$500 per annum
The cost of owning a pet Rat can quickly rise to $500 per annum if you choose to purchase pet insurance, high-quality food, and bedding, as well as regular health checks. These costs will rise if there are any medical emergencies. We recommend that you save money for any serious medical problems. On average, food, lodging, and general maintenance will cost you around $400 per annum.
How to Own a Rat on a Budget
There are some ways to reduce the cost of pet rats for those who have a tight budget. First, limit your pet rats to 2 or 3. Make sure they don’t fight or breed. Second, only purchase males and females. Adoption is a better option than buying rats from breeders and may even allow you to obtain some pet rats free of charge.
You can reduce your initial investment by purchasing second-hand equipment. Many potential owners decide that rat ownership is not right for them. Second-hand equipment can be easily found on Facebook or eBay. Insurance is not necessary, so it’s a good idea to save some money for emergencies.
You don’t have to buy specialized bedding if you only have a few rats. You can get bedding made from shredded paper without dyes or inks for a fraction of the cost of commercial ones. However, you will need to change it more frequently than with commercial bedding.
Conclusion
Although pet rat ownership is not as costly as that of other pets such as dogs and cats it can add up quickly. The appearance of a pet rat as a cheap pet is quickly dispelled when you add in cages, food, toys, wheels, medical expenses, and other costs.
For a cage, food, and accessories, expect to spend around $200-$300 at first. Then, you will need to pay $10-20 per rat. Depending on the year, your annual expenses will vary, but you can expect to spend between $400-$500. Keep in mind that although the initial cost of owning a pet rat may be high, it will likely cost less once you have invested more money.
Rats are relatively inexpensive and easy to care for. These rats make wonderful pets and are easy to tame. You’ll soon become attached to them!
How much does a pet rat cost on average?
You should budget approximately $200-$300 for a cage, bedding, food, and accessories, plus $10-$20 for the purchase of a rat. Annual expenditures might vary greatly, but you should anticipate spending between $400 and $500 each year.
Is it difficult to keep a rat?
Rats are extremely low-maintenance pets. They are highly comfortable in their own habitat and may go for extended periods of time without being seen. Pet rats may be a suitable alternative for you if you are the sort of owner that is gone for lengthy portions of the day.
Do rats urinate everywhere?
To advertise their sexual availability, adult male and female rats deposit drips of urine all over the place. Pee includes a wealth of information about the rat who produced it! It’s similar to a personal resumé. It reveals a rat’s species, sex, age, social position, reproductive status, and individual to another rat.
Do pet rats require baths?
Rats are very clean animals that seldom need to be bathed, and if they do become dirty, a sponge wash or simple wipe-down is typically all that is required.
Can you form a friendship with a rat?
Allow your pet rat a day or two to acclimate to its new surroundings after you bring it home. You can begin hand-taming the rat after it has settled in. Start by giving a reward once a day for a few days. This allows the rat to link you with food, which is beneficial to the bonding process.
Do pet rats stink?
Inadequate care and cleanliness are the most common causes of stinky rats. The odor is generally ammonia from their urine, which may be rather unpleasant if left for lengthy periods of time.
What size cage do I require for two rats?
The recommended minimum cage size for two rats is 72cm x 36cm x 44cm, although the larger the better is always advised to provide for enrichment utilizing toys/accessories, as well as plenty of areas to exercise and climb.
Is it possible to toilet-train rats?
Begin by placing temporary litter boxes in all four corners of your rat’s cage. Yes, every nook and cranny. Your rats will naturally relieve themselves in a corner. And because there’s a box in every corner, they’ll always get it right.
Do rats recall you?
It is the first time that scientists have discovered direct reciprocity in the animal realm. According to a new study, rats can recall acts of kindness performed by other rats and reward them accordingly.
Can you keep one rat as a pet?
Rats are very sociable creatures. While a solitary pet rat may frequently live a healthy life and would not crave for another rodent, research has shown that rats with a companion or two are happier creatures.