Are Rats Social Animals? What All You Need to Know

Not everyone likes rats. They have a bad rap that dates back all the way to the time of the Black Plague. The fact that they rummage around in trash also doesn’t paint them in a pretty light. However, they can make great pets, because rats are social animals.

If you want to know more about rats, and how these cute little social animals work, then you need to keep reading below. Making sure your pet rat has the care and companionship they need.

Rats Aren’t Just Social Animals, They Need Companionship

Rats are very social animals. Though you may not always see them interacting, they spend a lot of time talking to each other and bonding. Rats use high-frequency sounds to communicate with each other. These sounds are often far higher pitch than humans can hear, so people don’t always realize that they are communicating.

A social animal is a great one to have as a pet. Because they enjoy the company of others, they bond well with humans. By picking a social animal, you get a companion. However, it’s not all great.

Rats have long been social creatures. Even as some rats became domesticated, and given the name “fancy rats,” they have never lost their need for connection. Even generations later, fancy rats need the same level of socialization as wild rats.

Unless you’re going to spend hours with your pet every day, they will end up getting lonely. This is especially true for rats. Not only do these little rodents get depressed without a rat, but they miss out on having another animal to talk to and groom.

They are also considerably more stressed out when they are on their own, as they don’t have anyone to reduce their anxiety. You, as an owner, can try, but you won’t be able to communicate and engage in the same social behaviors as they do.

It’s true that your rat won’t die without you. However, they won’t be able to live their best life. To make sure you’re properly taking care of your pet rat, you need at least one other rat for them to bond with if not more.

Your Pet Rats Still Need Space

Though rats like to socialize, they’re a lot like people. Every once in a while, they need a space with themselves to relax and be alone for a moment. It’s recommended that you want at least around three feet of space in every direction for two rats. A bigger cage is better, if you can get it.

Overall Best

Prevue Pet Products Rat Cage

• Dusty rose wrought iron bars make this a durable and sturdy choice
• Features ramps for your pet rat to go from one level to the other
• Large door for quick access
• Two metal platforms for playing and relaxing
• Pull-out plastic platform for easy cleaning

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Something like this cage above is good for when you just have a couple of rats. It gives them plenty of space and allows them to get some enrichment and exercise.

This gives your rats the space to move around and get exercise without growing bored while also giving them the chance to get away from their partner when they need a minute.

Rats Need Other Rats

Just because a rat is a rodent doesn’t mean they get along with all other rodents. You can’t pair a rat with a guinea pig or mouse and expect them to get the socialization they need. Rats have to have rats to do well.

They also interact well with people. However, unless you’re willing to learn about rat bonding practices and cuddle with your rat throughout the night (that’s not recommended as it’s dangerous for you and the rat), then they still need another rat partner.

Generally, it’s considered best to have somewhere between two and four rats at a time. This ensures that your pet doesn’t get lonely and you don’t get too overwhelmed trying to provide care for all of your pets.

Socialization Means They Bond with You Too

Don’t worry, two rats bonding together aren’t going to take away from them bonding with you. In fact, it’s thought that happily bonded rats are more likely to connect with their human as well. They are more willing to trust their human and it tends to take less time for the rats to be social and willing to snuggle with you.

Since rats are such social animals, they enjoy spending time with their humans too. If you take the time to train them properly, they will enjoy being handled.

While they don’t interact quite the same way with people as they do with other rats, it’s still quite apparent that they are bonding. A rat that feels comfortable with their owner will snuggle, climb around, and even ask for the occasional head scratch.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Olga Evtushkova