Caring for Your Older Rat
Life Span
Most rats will live anywhere between 3-4 years although I have had the occasional pet rat that lived for 5 years with extra care. But because they have such short life spans you need to keep in mind when they get to be 2 years old they are middle aged and might slow down. At age 3 they are getting to be senior citizens and may need some extra care and more TLC. I've found that older rats like to be around their humans a lot more and just cuddle, they really like to be next to you or just sit in your lap and nap.
Adjustments to the Cage
As your rat gets older you may have to make a few adjustments to their cage so they can more easily get to things like their food dish and water bottle. Covering any slippery surfaces with fleece and taking out any upper levels when they start having a hard time walking around will make it easier for your aging rat and will minimize any falls they could have on a second shelf or stairs. Providing extra ground level beds and places to hide out will make it more comfortable for your rat.
When to talk to a Veterinarian
As with any older animal, there may be health reasons that they need to be taken to a vet's office. If they seem to be in pain, cannot walk on their own, stop eating or drinking or grooming themselves, it may be time to take your elderly rat to the vet's office and see what the vet can do to help your pet have a happy few more days or make the choice to humanely euthanize them.
What Illnesses to Look For
Rats can have certain illnesses just like humans can. Some to be on the look out for are Tumors, mites, upper respiratory infection and broken bones.
Tumors can usually be felt on your rat and as soon as you spot one you should make an appointment with your vet. They can sometimes be taken out if caught early and your rat may live a long healthy life, but rats can get very sick very quickly, so waiting is not a good idea.
If you hear or see your rat sneezing a lot, having trouble breathing or making wheezing noises while breathing that is a good sign that your rat may have an upper respiratory infection which if caught early can usually be cleared up with anti-biotics.
Mites can sometimes get on your pets and there are sprays and baths that you can buy in most pet stores or you can take your rats to a vet and get something from them, but make sure if you spot small bugs on your rat that you do something or else they may loose all their hair from all the scratching they will do because of the mites.
Broken bones can result from falls, even short falls from upper shelves in their cage. If your rat looks like its having a hard time walking or is squeaking when you pick him up, you should take him to a Vet's office right away because he could be in pain.
As a rat owner you will face these choices as well others that may be very hard to make at the time, but I can tell you whole heart-idly that they are well worth it and you will not find a more loving animal to have as a pet.
Sources:
http://www.rmca.org/Articles/nurse.htm
Published by Mary Kirkland
Mary is originally from Redondo Beach, California and now lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband and daughter. Mary has had extensive experience with small animal care as well as rescuing and re-homing.... View profile
- Coronavirus, Upper Respiratory Infection & the Impact on the Nervous SystemChildren suffering with ADEM are commonly misdiagnosed as suffering from symptoms of multiple sclerosis. This is an overview of the impact coronavirus has on the damage to the nervous system in children
Caring for an Aging RatThis article gives some pointers on how to care for an aging rat, and briefly describes some of the illness that afflict elderly rats.
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections or URTI in Cats, the Symptoms and Tre...Upper respiratory tract infections can be very common in cats. Causes can be due to certain viruses as FHV or FCV and a feline Chlamydia bacteria. This very contagious condition...- Respiratory Infection in Cats: Use of AntibioticsIf your cat lives with chronic upper respiratory infections, you may want to ask your veterinarian about the use of unique antibiotics and other prescription drugs for felines.
- Facts About Upper Respiratory Infections in AdultsKnowing the facts about upper respiratory infections in adults may not stop your pain. However, it can give you comfort in understanding and knowing when your condition may be becoming more serious.
- Pet Rat Food and Treats
- First Aid for Your Pet Rat
- How to Tame Your Pet Rat
- Pet Rat Cages and Toys: First in the Tips for the New Pet Rat Owner Series
- Upper Respiratory Infection in Cats
- Upper Respiratory Infection & the Risk of Hemoptysis in Children
- Feline Upper Respiratory Infection
- How to change your pet rats environment when they get older.
- What illnesses to look for in older rats.
- What changes to the cage will help an older rat.
2 Comments
Post a CommentThank you, Vincent.
It's good to have a variety of pet articles, and yours on rats are good. Although I don't have rats, but a ferret (use to have 3), this piece on elderly pets is welcome.