Are Rats Smart?

Rats may frighten certain individuals and may not be the cutest critter around, but they are quite intelligent animals. They make excellent pets if you take good care of them. Rats are incredibly intelligent creatures with strong memories and a natural curiosity.

They can understand complex concepts, and once they learn a new skill, they are not likely to forget it. Knowing precisely how smart a rat is allows you to respect them for what they are, keep them secure, and give them the proper amount of mental stimulation. 

The stereotype of rats as having only a bare tail and creepy eyes is untrue. There’s much more to them than that. Here’s what makes these rodents stand out and proves just how smart they can be!

You Can Train a Rat

Rats raised in homes as domestic pets are friendly, playful animals. A pet rat may pick up numerous behaviors, including responding to its own name, just like a dog can. A rat with a passionate owner can be trained to stand on two feet, fetch, leap through hoops, respond to commands, and even walk across a tightrope. 

Rats can also be trained to perform tricks, navigate mazes, and problem-solve. Rats are easy to train as pets, and they respond well to rewards based on food. There are even numerous videos online that show how to train a rat.

Are Rats Smart: They’re Very Friendly

Rats are incredibly social animals, often connecting with one another by emitting inaudible high-frequency noises. It is essential to have several rats present because of this. Rats make dedicated pets because they can recognize members of their own species and easily build bonds with their human owners.

These critters kept as pets love to be petted, but they will sometimes also enjoy being lightly massaged, having their ears scratched, or being tickled. Moreover, rats have been observed to “groom” their owners in exchange for attention.

Rats Are Extremely Clean

Tamed rats do not like to get dirty, so they constantly clean themselves. They are obsessively clean, much like our feline friends, and if a rat gets something caught in its hair, it will strive to get it out as soon as possible. Rats enjoy grooming each other. Therefore, they will gather in pairs to engage in a group hygiene activity.

Rodents seldom need to be washed because they are superb self-cleaners. Only elderly, ill, or obese rats, who frequently have a hard time cleaning themselves due to arthritis, are typically required to be bathed.

Are Rats Smart: Rats Are Empathetic

Scientists have discovered through several investigations that rats care about the welfare of their fellow rodents. These little creatures have demonstrated a willingness to forgo food during tests in favor of assisting a fellow rat who is in need. 

They are extremely sensitive to other rats’ discomfort. They will react if they believe their family is in need in an effort to help.

How to House a Rat – The Smart Way! 

Did you know the way you house a rat can affect their intelligence?

Of course, your cunning pet rat needs a place to live that will maintain its security and provide mental activity. Some people decide to build their own cages, while others decide to purchase them from retail locations.

Wire cages can be used to house rodents kept as pets, and the majority like them to have horizontal slats so they can climb the edges. The rat can ascend to higher levels of the cage or shelves. However, the bottom of the cage shouldn’t have wire flooring because it can hurt the rats’ feet.

It will also be necessary to supply soft bedding and nesting supplies that rats can tear and use to build their nest boxes. Most certainly, your rat will snooze in the nesting container. You can use a shoebox for this or buy pre-made rat nest boxes from pet shops. Some owners choose to make or purchase pre-made cloth rat tents.

Rats also like a lot of different toys and gadgets. Hammocks, hideaways, paper towel rolls, chew toys, enclosed exercise wheels, and ropes are all things your pet rat will like and use. Give your pet rat a wide range of options frequently to prevent your rat from getting bored with the objects. Be brave and create toys as well. These activities will keep the brain as well as the body active in your furry friend.

Are Rats Smart: Final Thoughts

Rats are undoubtedly among the most intelligent animals on the earth, as you can see. Given their capacity for decision-making, empathy, and learning, it makes sense that so many animal lovers are choosing them as cherished pets. 

Go ahead and get a pet rat if you’re considering doing so. You’ll devote much effort to raising and caring for these adorable rodents. Remember that your cuddly rat will always respect the connection once it has been established, and you’ll have a friend for life.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Gallinago_media/Shutterstock.com