Caring for pet mice and rats

Mice and rats are popular pets due to their small size and minimal demands for space and attention. They are relatively easy to care for, clean and can become very tame with regular handling, care and respect. They make great first pets for children and whilst they can be timid at first, they can become happy and confident when offered lots of time to bond.

Mice and rats require the right environment, a complete and balanced diet and plenty of love and attention to ensure they are happy and healthy. If you are thinking of adding a mouse or rat to your family here are some important tips about being a responsible pet owner.

“The average size of a pet mouse is 13-18cm from head to tail with a weight of 30-60g. The average lifespan of a pet mouse is 2 years.”

“The average size of a pet rat is 23-30cm from head to tail with a weight of 350-650g. The average lifespan of a pet rat is 2-3 years”

Find a local vet

When you get a new pet, it’s important to find a local vet and book a health check. Our vets will not only check your pet mouse or rat’s general health but will also discuss a preventative healthcare routine including identifying common health problems early, nutrition and de-sexing. It is also a great time to ask about any questions you might have such as exercise, dental care and breeding if appropriate.

All pets require a minimum of one health check per year. Regular health checks are a great way to keep your mouse or rat in top shape. They also help your veterinarian to identify and treat any health concerns before they become serious.

Always be on the lookout for slight changes in appetite or habits as changes can be an indicator of a health condition. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health contact your local vet.

Suitable home

There are many cages available that are suitable for your pet mouse or rat. They are generally made from metal, durable plastic or glass. The cage must be well ventilated, however also escape proof. Mice and rats can squeeze through tight spaces so if you select a mesh cage, make sure the spaces are small enough that they cannot escape. Provide the largest enclosure possible to give your pet space to exercise and explore. Cages with multiple levels offer additional space that your pet will enjoy and benefit from.

Ideal cage location

Mice and rats are very flexible animals and can acclimatise well to normal indoor temperatures. It is however important to keep their enclosure out of reach from other animals and away from direct sunlight or draughts. Mice and rats like company, so their cage should be placed somewhere that your family regularly visits throughout the day, such as a living room, bedroom or hallway. Be sure the cage it isn’t a tripping hazard to keep your pet safe.

Enrichment devices

Make their cage interesting by providing space to run around, things to play with and areas to explore such as exercise wheels, tunnels, ramps, shelving, ladders and toys designed specifically for rodents. This will help keep them entertained.

Like all rodents, their teeth are constantly growing so it’s essential to give them chew toys to help entertain them and wear their teeth down. Great examples include wooden branches (remove any smaller protruding branches that may poke into their eyes), cardboard and egg cartons.

Privacy should be offered with boxes or housing filled with nesting material for hiding or resting. A hammock or hanging hideaway up off the ground is also a great idea.  

Bedding

The cage floor should be solid and lined with deep bedding and ample nesting material, approximately 4cm deep. This needs to be chemical and dust free. Types of bedding material suitable for mice and rats include aspen bedding, pelleted products or shredded ink free paper. Cedar or pine shavings are not recommended as these can cause respiratory and liver problems.

Social needs

Pet mice or rats can be housed singly or in groups of the same sex, males are best introduced when young. Occasionally an overly aggressive mouse or rat may have to be caged individually. Territorial issues can also develop in cages that are overcrowded or when there is insufficient food or water supplies. Provide multiple food and water sources for group cages.

Cleaning the cage

You will need to clean your pet mouse or rat’s cage regularly. A spot clean should be completed daily which includes removing wet spots, uneaten vegetables from the day before and cleaning and refilling their water. A more thorough clean should be completed 1-2 times per week. This includes replacing all the bedding and cleaning the entire cage with hot water or rat safe disinfectant. Make sure the cage is completely dry before adding the bedding and your pet back into the cage.

Diet and nutrition

Your pet mouse or rat must have access to fresh food and water at all times. Ceramic or durable plastic feeding bowls and ball tipped sipper water bottles are great choices. Sipper bottles help prevent water spillage and urine or faeces contamination.

To offer a complete and balanced diet your pet mouse or rat will need:

• High quality mouse or rat specific food pellets, which should make up the bulk of their diet.

• A small daily supply of fresh fruit and vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy, peas, celery, carrots, parsley, apples, bananas and pears. Introduce new foods one at a time and only offer small amounts to prevent stomach upsets.

• Mouse and rat specific treats can be fed sparingly, however should only be given as a supplement to their diet, not be the main part. They should make up no more than 10% of their overall diet. Treats are a great tool for training and social interaction with your pet.

• There are many foods that can be harmful to their health and cause digestive problems. DO NOT feed your pet mouse or rat chocolate, cabbage, corn, onions, peanuts, sweet sugary treats, alcohol or caffeine.

Your mouse or rat will need a constant supply of fresh, clean water. The water will need to be cleaned and changed daily.

Exercise and socialisation

Pet mice and rat’s thrive when given lots of love and attention and opportunities to exercise and play.

• Mice and rats exercise through play so offer a range of toys in their cage to keep them stimulated including exercise wheels, tunnels, ramps, shelving, ladders and other toys designed specifically for rodents. Rotate their toys regularly to keep them challenged and entertained.

• Frequent handling and attention is essential to your pets happiness. Enjoy spending time with them each day. Speak with them, play with them, cuddle them and pat them often.

• Mice and rats are smart creatures. Have some fun and teach them some cool tricks such as coming when called, shake, standing up, retrieving items and jumping through hoops.

• Let them loose by providing daily floor time in an enclosed space. When they are out of their cage, make sure they are secure and safe from other pets. Keep a watchful eye over them at all times as they love to chew, including electrical wires!

Normal behaviour

Mice and rats are nocturnal animals that tend to be more active at night. You may hear them playing around in the middle of the night. They are inquisitive and love to play and hide. They are easily startled by loud noises.

Mice and rats are naturally clean animals and do a great deal of self-grooming. They do not require bathing.  

Taming your pet

Establishing trust

Your pet mouse or rat will need to get used to its new family and may be timid at first until they settle in and establish your trust. Help them become familiar with your voice and smell by sitting next to their cage and talking to them. Once they are familiar with you, place your hand in their cage and try feeding them by hand or gently patting them.

Picking up your pet mouse or rat

When your mouse or rat has your trust and they are comfortable with your touch, pick them up using two cupped hands. Make sure they are not going to slip out. Never pick them up by their tail. Handle them carefully, securely and gently and spend time with them each day and they will become confident in your care and look forward to your company.