Rats may often be seen as unwelcome pests, but these fascinating creatures have a surprisingly short lifespan. Typically, a rat lives for only one to two years, with wild rats surviving around a year and domesticated rats, also known as “fancy” rats, living up to two years when properly cared for.
This article will delve into intriguing details about rats, shedding light on the oldest rat on record and examining the distinctions between wild and pet rats. Additionally, valuable advice on caring for a pet rat will be provided, equipping potential owners with the essential knowledge to welcome their new family member.
Fun Facts About Rats
Did you know that rats have some fascinating qualities? For instance, they are exceptional swimmers and can even hold their breath underwater for up to three minutes! Some rat species can even float in water for days without sinking.
Rats are remarkably intelligent creatures known for navigating mazes with ease, performing complex tasks, and even displaying emotions. They are also agile climbers and jumpers, with the ability to leap up to 3 feet in the air and climb trees, walls, or poles.
You might be surprised to learn that rats can make a laughing sound. When they’re excited, playing rough, or being tickled, they emit a chirping noise that resembles laughter. However, this ultrasonic sound can sometimes be difficult for humans to hear.
Regarding hearing, rats have a far better range than humans. They can detect sounds from 200Hz to 90,000Hz, while we only have a range of 20Hz to 20,000Hz.
Believe it or not, rats regulate their body heat using blood vessels in their tail. When they feel hot, blood flows to their hairless tail, releasing excess heat. Conversely, when it gets cold, less blood flows to the tail, helping them stay warm.
Sadly, rats have relatively short lifespans, except for the oldest rat ever – can you imagine how old it was?
The Oldest Rat Ever
Rodney, a pet rat, holds the record for being the oldest rat ever, with a remarkable lifespan of seven years and four months. Born in January 1983, Rodney peacefully passed away in May 1990, spending his life in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with his owner, also named Rodney Mitchell.
It’s quite astonishing that Rodney lived over five times longer than an average rat. Most likely, his longevity can be attributed to his life as a pet rather than a wild rat. In the wild, a rat like Rodney would have faced numerous challenges, making it nearly impossible for him to live that long.
Beyond Rats: The Oldest Rodent
It’s fascinating to know that rats aren’t the oldest rodents in the world. The title actually belongs to the naked mole rats, with one incredible specimen living for a whopping 28 years, from 1973 to 2002. Another long-lived rodent species are porcupines, which tend to have longer lifespans due to their larger size. In fact, the most aged porcupine ever recorded lived up to 27 years!
The Lifespan of a Wild Rat
Wild rats typically live for about one year due to the challenging conditions they face. They are often hunted by various animals such as badgers, coyotes, snakes, and weasels. Additionally, rats can transmit diseases among themselves through bites, urine, feces, and nest sharing, which can shorten their lifespan considerably.
These creatures are nocturnal; they scavenge for food at night as it provides better cover from predators. Wild rats consume a diverse range of plant-based foods, including greens, berries, vegetables, and seeds. They may also eat certain animals like freshwater fish and mussels. Being opportunistic eaters, rats are not particularly fussy and will consume almost any available food, including garbage.
Interestingly, wild rats are attracted to some human foods. Researcher Martin Schein, founder of The Animal Behavior Society, found that these rodents have a particular liking for macaroni and cheese as well as scrambled eggs.
The most common wild rats in the United States are Norway rats. Other common species include roof rats and brown rats, which are often referred to as “common rats” or by other names like street rats and sewer rats. These rats are social animals that live in packs, and females can produce up to five litters per year. Each litter usually consists of around seven pups, but the number can be as high as 14.
The Lifespan of Pet Rats
Pet rats, specifically fancy rats, have been bred to be gentle and tame, making them ideal for being around humans. These domesticated rats enjoy a longer lifespan compared to their wild counterparts, mainly due to their safety from predators and health risks. On average, pet rats live for about two years, though some can surpass this age, living for over seven years, as with the case of Rodney, a famous fancy rat.
Pet rats are not known to spread more diseases than other house pets. However, the CDC recommends taking certain precautions when bringing a rat home as a pet. These include:
- Regularly washing hands after handling, feeding, or being near the rat
- Refraining from eating or drinking near the rat or its cage
- Keeping the rat away from your face to limit potential contact with germs
Providing suitable nesting material further contributes to a healthy environment for the pet rat, ensuring that both the humans and the rats in the household live comfortably together for many happy months or even years. By following these guidelines and maintaining a friendly interaction with your pet rat, their lifespan can be maximized, leading to a cherished companion for years to come.
Is a Rat the Right Pet for You?
Before deciding on having a rat as a pet, it’s crucial to take into account several factors. Rats usually sleep during the day, so you’ll need to find a quiet and peaceful spot for their cage in your home during daylight hours.
It’s vital to keep other pets away from your rat, as they can feel threatened by curious cats or dogs. Continuous stress might lead to long-lasting health issues for your little rodent friend.
One interesting fact about rats is that their teeth never stop growing. So, it’s essential to provide plenty of items for them to gnaw on in their cage, preventing their teeth from becoming too long. Remember, a loose rat will likely chew anything it finds, including power cords.
Rats enjoy digging and burrowing, so it’s a good idea to regularly replace the nesting material in their cages and ensure there’s an ample amount of it.
Lastly, when choosing a rat, select one from a trustworthy breeder. Spend some time researching to find the best options for your new pet.
By considering these factors, you can determine if a rat is the right pet for you and ensure you’re prepared to provide them with the care they need.