Rat

Rats have a maximum lifespan of only about 3 years, so owners should expect a relatively short life and watch for age-related decline.

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Vision is naturally poor in brown rats, so don't be alarmed if your rat seems to rely more on smell and hearing than sight.

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Vigorous teeth-grinding (bruxing) accompanied by bulging eyes (boggling) can occur - while often normal, owners should learn to tell happy bruxing from stressed bruxing.

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Rats are social animals that live in groups, so a lone rat may show signs of stress or poor wellbeing - watch for unusual behavior.

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Brown rats are omnivores but have food preferences and aversions - ensuring a balanced diet is important for their health.

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The article notes brown rats can be vectors for several human diseases, so basic hygiene when handling pet rats is worth being aware of.

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Brown rats are nocturnal by nature, so owners should expect their pet to be most active during evening and night hours.

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Rats are highly social and live in groups in the wild, so a lone pet rat may be prone to stress without companionship.

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Rats have a maximum lifespan of only about 3 years, so owners should expect a relatively short time with their pet.

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Vision is naturally poor in rats, so don't be alarmed if your rat relies more on smell and hearing than sight.

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Bruxing (teeth-grinding) is normal and often signals happiness, but it can also occur in stressful situations like vet visits.

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Boggling - rapid bulging and retracting of the eyes - can accompany vigorous bruxing and is linked to jaw muscle movement.

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Rats are omnivores with broad appetites, so owners should be mindful of what foods are offered, as diet preferences vary.

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Rats are social and live in hierarchical groups, so they are generally comfortable around others but one may be dominant.

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Brown rats are nocturnal, so expect them to be most active and alert during evening and night hours.

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They are good climbers and swimmers, so secure any handling area to prevent escapes via poles or water features.

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They commonly groom each other and sleep together, suggesting they enjoy close contact and are sociable by nature.

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Groups engage in play fighting with jumping, chasing and tumbling - this is normal behaviour, not aggression.

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Rats have very sensitive hearing and a highly developed sense of smell, so avoid loud noises and strong scents near them.

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Teeth-grinding (bruxing) usually signals happiness but can also be self-comforting in stressful situations - note the context.

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Chirping or squeaking sounds can indicate positive emotions and playfulness, while abrupt high squeaks may signal pain or distress.

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Brown rats are nocturnal, so expect them to be most active and lively during evening and night hours.

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They are good climbers and diggers, so secure handling and enclosures are important to prevent escapes.

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Rats commonly groom each other and sleep together, showing they are social animals that enjoy company.

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Groups of rats play-fight through jumping, chasing and tumbling - this is normal behaviour, not aggression.

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They emit a chirping sound during play or when tickled, interpreted as a sign of positive, rewarding experience.

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Teeth-grinding (bruxing) usually signals happiness but can also be a self-comforting response to stress.

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Rats have acute hearing and a highly developed sense of smell, so avoid loud noises and strong scents around them.

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Their vision is poor, so approach them calmly and let them use their nose to recognise you before handling.

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Rats can carry Salmonella bacteria - wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling rats or cleaning their cage to stay safe.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Rat bites or scratches can transmit rat-bite fever - seek medical advice after any bite or scratch, and handle rats gently to reduce this risk.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Rats may carry leptospirosis bacteria in their urine - wear gloves when cleaning cages and avoid contact between rat urine and any open cuts or wounds.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Rats can carry lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) - pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems should take extra care with hand hygiene around rats.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Rat droppings and bedding can harbour harmful germs - clean cages regularly using gloves and wash hands well afterwards to keep your home hygienic.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Rats can carry Salmonella bacteria - wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling your rat or cleaning its cage.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Rat urine can contain Leptospira bacteria - clean cages regularly and avoid contact with rat urine, especially if you have cuts or scrapes.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Rats may carry lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) - pregnant people and immunocompromised individuals should take extra care with hand hygiene around rats.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Rat bites or scratches can cause rat-bite fever - clean any wound promptly with soap and water and seek medical advice if you develop fever or rash after a bite.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Rats can carry mites or ringworm fungus that may spread to people - if your rat shows skin problems, wash hands after handling and consult a vet.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Always wash hands after handling rats, their food, bedding, or cage items - this single habit prevents the vast majority of potential germ transmission.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Brown rats can 'laugh' - they emit ultrasonic chirps when tickled or playing, and actually seek out more tickling after bonding with the tickler.

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Some brown rat colonies along Italy's Po River have learned to dive for mollusks, a skill passed on through social learning within the group.

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Under ideal conditions, a brown rat population can explode from just 2 individuals to around 15,000 in a single year.

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New York City rat populations in different neighbourhoods have slowly evolved distinct genomic profiles over time, adapting to their local urban environment.

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Brown rats can see ultraviolet light thanks to UV receptors in their blue-range vision - something humans simply cannot do.

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A female brown rat can become pregnant immediately after giving birth, nursing one litter while already carrying the next.

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Rat pups use ultrasonic calls to guide their mother's movements, but by 14 days old they deliberately reduce these sounds around male rats as a defensive measure.

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Rats on the island of Norderoog in the North Sea have been observed stalking and killing sparrows and ducks.

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