How to Get Rats out of Hiding

Although many people search for the highest place to stand on when a rat scurries past their feet, other people welcome this little critter into their homes. Those who have gotten past the cringe factor have discovered that a domestic pet rat is clean, loyal and affectionate. Since pet rats are intelligent, they will often find ways to escape their cages. After you have discovered your rat is missing, you'll need to get it out of hiding so it doesn't get injured.

Things You'll Need

  • Food (cooked pasta, cooked liver, cooked beans, dog biscuits, brown rice or vegetables)
  • Treats
  • Dishes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check the bathroom and look for the missing rat. Once you determine that the rat isn̵7;t there, keep pets that can harm your rat in the bathroom.

    • 2

      Leave the cage open in case the rat gets hungry and wants to return home.

    • 3

      Call the rat by its name. Since rats form emotional attachments to their owners, your rat may come out when it hears the sound of your voice. Your voice will also soothe it, so it will be less afraid to come out of hiding.

    • 4

      Search the room where the cage is located, and then work your way from room to room throughout the house. Close off the rooms after moving furniture and checking small nooks and crannies.

    • 5

      Place dishes of your rat̵7;s favorite food or treat near the cage. Place small amounts ̵2; about a teaspoon ̵2; of food that rats like, such as cooked pasta, cooked liver, cooked beans, dog biscuits, brown rice or vegetables on dishes near potential hiding places. The scent of food will hopefully draw it out of its hiding place.

    • 6

      Place a small dish of water in easily visible areas in case your rat is thirsty from running around.

    • 7

      Move the cage to the potential hiding place. The rat may smell its home and come out of hiding.