How to Make a Rat Nicer

Baby rats tend to be nice and gentle pets from day one. However, this may not be the case when you bring an adult rat into your household. Some adult rats have been abused by humans or hurt by their cage mates. They may react by fighting with other rats, biting people or withdrawing. If these rats are treated with kindness, many can learn to trust and to be nice to humans and other rats.

  1. Rats Together

    • Rats enjoy having a friend to play with.

      Rats are social animals, and being alone may cause single rats to have behavioral problems, such as hiding, becoming neurotic and introverted, or exhibiting insecurity, fear-aggression and self-mutilation. Rats adopted together are typically happier and more secure. They have a friend they can play, cuddle, groom and sleep with, and they have a caring and loving owner. Because rats are wakeful and active at night, they need a companion to spend time with while their people are sleeping. Angela Horn explains, "Two rats are often more affectionate than one, because they compete for your attention."

    Holding Rats

    • Some rats need time to adjust to being held.

      If a rat resists being held, acts scared of people or does not want to come out of his cage, this does not mean your rat won't be a good pet, but that he has not been properly socialized. According to rat expert and author Debbie Ducommon, "Rats handled from birth will be extremely trusting of humans and form strong bonds with people," but some rats are naturally fearful. Rats who are unfriendly and too fearful to be held may not seem nice, but their actions often stem from negative past experiences from which they learned to protect themselves.

    Establishing Trust

    • Rats appreciate cage-free time and being with people.

      Let your new rat get settled by putting him in a cage in a quiet area for a couple of days. Talk to your rat whenever possible, so he recognizes your voice, while rattling a container of his food just before feeding time. Eventually your rat will associate your voice with food. Rats who bite must be handled carefully. Try carrying your rat around and gently touching him. After a few days, have your rat on your lap while watching television or reading. Give treats as your rat explores you and your chair. Your calmness will help your rat feel calm and allow a trusting bond to form between the two of you.

    Food

    • Use food as a reward for positive behavior.

      You can help a rat learn to trust you by using food. Reward rats for good behavior by offering them soft foods on a spoon so they can't steal treats and hide them. You can use food to tempt your rat to leave the cage and climb onto your hand, arm or shoulder. Give him a small taste for each positive behavior, encouraging him to come farther out. As your rat learns to expect good treats while being with you, he will become more eager to come out. Over time, your rat will want to be picked up so you can pet and hold him.

    Neutering

    • When some male rats reach adulthood, they display behaviors associated with high levels of testosterone. Some bully the rats they live with and act aggressively toward humans. A nice, gentle rat may attempt to look bigger by fluffing up his fur or hissing at people who try to pick him up. A good way to reduce this unpleasant behavior is to neuter the rat. According to North Star Rescue, "Male rats who are neutered are less likely to display aggressive behavior towards other rats, and are less likely to initiate a conflict." Within two months, your rat should be back to his friendly self, living peacefully with his companions.