Rat
Rescue :: Rat
Articles
Rat Articles
We provide a range of small animal articles. We have written
on the basis of our experience. In terms of illness or disease
of a small animal please consult your vet. The information provided
here is not to be used as a substititute for a vet consultation.
Latest Articles
NEW!! Guide toRespiratory Disease in Rats
Written by a vet and for vets, the Guide discusses various causes
of the disease as well as suggests proven treatments.
Over the last ten years’ one of the most common questions
we, as a high profile pet rat rescue, get asked about is the
treatment of respiratory disease in rats. This Guide is a combination
of our experience and our vet’s expertise.
To date there has been very little information available about
respiratory disease, so we felt the need to share our vet’s
knowledge in order to help reduce the amount of unnecessary
deaths and suffering caused by this sadly very common illness.
Please
click here to read and to download your copy
Safe And Healthy Bedding
For Rodents
Since we humans have domesticated animals, we owe them
a debt of responsibility
Signs of illness in Rats
Most people are aware that red staining around a rat’s
eyes or nose (which, although it looks like blood, isn’t)
are a sign of stress and / or illness.
Humanely dealing with
wild rats
As Winter gets underway, wild mice and rats enter houses more
often to escape the cold and rats are also seen in increasing
frequency in peoples gardens.
Rodents and Rabbits in
Research
Why focus on these animals? Well, worldwide trends have shown
that they are the most abused in the name of science.
Short Notes on Reproduction
in Rattus norvegicus
Rats are known for their prolific breeding. Young rats are normally
weaned by their mothers when they are 21 days old. However,
they usually remain in the family group for a short while later
until they are fully independent and are able to cope socially
in the environment on their own...
Ratty Health Tips
Read our short feature on Ratty Health Tips....
Freak Accidents
Following a near fatal freak accident with our sweet permanent
ratty rescue Becky, we decided to produce a short article as
to what you need to look out for when keeping small furries
– not just ratties.
Detrimental Effects of
Early Maternal Separation on Rat Pups and Their Mothers
Biologically, rats are classified in the class Mammalia. They
are mammals. This class of animals has more than 15,000 species,
of which human beings are one. One may define mammals as being
tetrapod vertebrates which means that they are four-limbed animals
with backbones
Rats as Pets - 5 Myths
Busted
History has depicted them as filthy creatures that brought about
the Black Plague of the Middle Ages. Hollywood has shown them
as vicious killers ready to attack humans at the slightest provocation...
Having trouble getting drugs
into your Ratties?
If you have a rat who needs to have medicine, it can be a nightmare
trying to get them to eat the crushed up tablet disguised in
food or if it is a liquid medication, to syringe it down them
Iota's Malocclusion
Little Iota came to us with severe malocclusion aged just 9
weeks old, which we think it is congenital as her face has a
very slight twist to one side.
I want to run a Rat
Rescue
So, you think that you fancy running an animal rescue? You think
that it is all about sitting around playing with cute animals..?
Then think again…
Living with a ship rat
Ship rats or black rats (Rattus rattus) are a separate species
from brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) which are what lab rats
and our domesticated rats are...
How vitamins can help
control respiratory disease in rats
Respiratory disease is sadly very common in rats and can be
fatal.
Becky's Malocclusion
Becky was 7 weeks old when she came to us from a local vet.
Her owner brought her in because she thought Becky was dying.
The Top Three Pet Rat
Training Mistakes
It can be very rewarding to train your pet rats to do tricks
and learn obstacle courses.
Pet Rat Care: The Top
10 Mistakes of New Rat Owners
Being a dedicated rat owner can be very rewarding. All it takes
is a little research and a lot of preparation.
The Pox Virus
The Pox Virus is a very rare and nasty viral disease. Here ratty
lover Kaz shares her amazing story of living with her pet rats
who have the virus.
The Story of Smartie
the Rat
This is the story of Smartie – a black and white hooded female
who I was so lucky to rescue.
Introducing rats to one
another
As rats are sociable animals, no matter how much attention you
give them, they will be happier if they have a (same sex) friend
or two living with them.
Fatal food allergies
in rats
Running a rat rescue we come across many different illnesses
– however, Rosie was a first.
Use this technique and
your rat will trust you
Is your rattie an adopted rat? Were they either a mistreated
lab rat, or picked up from the Rat Shelter? Is your rat an older
rat who have been traumatized and are terrified of people?
Operations & Post
Operative Care
If you have a rat that needs an operation, try to discuss the
surgery with your vet beforehand. Some vets may not have had
much experience with small mammals, and may have only had a
few hours of 'exotics' training...
Anti Lump Mix for Rats
It is always best to have mammary tumours removed by an experienced
veterinary surgeon - but on rare occasion, you may be told by
your vet that the tumour is inoperable for one reason or another.
The Rescue Rat
There are many rat books on the market and most of them very
good and informative. I have used at lot of their ideas and
benefited from the advice in the health sections over the years...
RUBY’S STORY – the story
of a rescue rat
Many people who offer a home to a rescue rat are experienced
rat owners - and for good reason too. Sadly, many of the rats
that come into a Rat Rescue will be mentally and emotionally
scarred by their past
The coming of the fancy
rat
Have you ever wondered how rat keeping came about? Rat lover
Kerry May tells us how these wonderful furries became part of
our life…
Biting rats – what to
do
We get a lot of phone calls and emails from people saying the
same thing: My rat tends to bite and now I'm frightened to handle
her..what should I do?
How to hear your Rats
speak
Did you know that your rat makes an amazing array of sounds
that range in interpretation from “Well hi there, how are you
doing?” (usually a male-female conversation) to “Mum/Dad, any
chance of some food please?”.
Rats Get Heatstroke Too
It’s well known that dogs should not be left in cars on hot
days as they can die from the heat, but it’s less well known
that rats are very prone to heat stroke.
Paws for Thought
Some years ago there was a TV commercial where a white cat advertises
a brand of cat food by dipping his paw into the tin, scooping
out chunks and eating them off his paw.
How to Handle Aggressive
Rats
This is the true story of Kevin, a rat who came to CavyRescue
as his owner - who we shall call Mrs X - found him "vicious"
and "nasty". It is an example of how love, attention
and patience can make such a difference to a pet.
Degenerative
Rat Disease
Results of questionnaires concerning degenerative rat disease
by Sally Clark
Exercise Wheels
for Rats
It may seem like a joke, but wire exercise wheels for small
animals really are dangerous!
Rat Respiratory
Guide
Respiratory disease is a horrible disease, and one of the most
common causes of death in pet rats.
Rat Cages
Making a home for your rat is a relatively simple task. His
toys and bedding are inexpensive and easy to replace.
