How to Wash a Rat

Some pet rats love water and thoroughly enjoy bath time. Others are not so keen, but, in general, rats rarely make a huge fuss about the experience. If you want to show your rats, wash them a couple of days beforehand to get their fur looking its best. You may also need to bathe ill or elderly rats that are unable to clean themselves. If you give occasional baths starting when your rats are young, they should not become too stressed out by the process. Washing a mature rat that has never been washed before takes a bit of patience. The rat might become scared and struggle. However, it is very rare for pet rats to bite out of fear.

Things You'll Need

  • Dishpan
  • Plastic jug
  • Small animal shampoo
  • Towel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Add an inch of tepid water to the dishpan or a similar bowl, and fill up the jug with more warm water.

    • 2

      Place your rat in the bowl. Hold or support the underside of the rat with your non-dominant hand while adding more water to the bowl with your other. Add enough water to come just past the rat's stomach. Let the rat place its front paws on the side of the dishpan if it wants to, otherwise support with your hand.

    • 3

      Dampen the rat's back by scooping up water with your free hand.

    • 4

      Rub a small amount of small rodent shampoo into the rat's belly, sides and back, avoiding the head. Work into a lather.

    • 5

      Rinse the shampoo out thoroughly using the jug. You may need to remove the rat from the bowl, dispose of the water, and add more. Submerging the rat up to its neck makes the rinsing process quicker, although some rats may struggle.

    • 6

      Take the rat out of the bowl and pat its fur dry with the towel. Keep the rat in a warm room until its fur is completely dry before returning to the cage.

    • 7

      Give your rat a treat and some affection after the bath, especially if it didn't enjoy the experience.