Our rat has cancer - what happens to her sister?

[Glittermud]

We've just found out that she has bowel cancer and that nothing can be done. Obviously the kids are devastated - the rats are their first pets and have been so sweet. But I've been told that if one rat dies then it's cruel to keep the other one on her own so she needs to be put down too. Surely not?!

What are the chances of her getting on with a new younger rat? The thought of having to kill a perfectly healthy animal feels really counter-intuitive.

Any experience or suggestions?

Oh
It is unfair to keep an animal alone when it's had company but to have it PTS? Strange advice.
How old are your rats?

Are there any local Rat Rescues who can find your rat a new cagemate? Maybe bond her?

There are lots of Rat People on MN (I'm not one BTW. I'm a guinea-pig mum ) but you could PM RattieofCatan (though her name changes a lot)

God no, don't pts her for being alone! If that was a vet who told you that please change vets. A lot of vets aren't experienced with rats and they end up giving not amazing advice, call around a few and ask about the vets experienceexperience.

Sorry to hear about your girl with cancer, if you don't mind me asking, is it a tumour? Rats can live with tumours for a long time depending on the location and what type of tumour it is so it might be worth getting a second opinion.
We were in the same position last year, one girl with a tumour that was slowly killing her and her companion. You can introduce rats to new rats, most of the time it's quite simple really. We got two baby girls and introduced them to the two girls we had, our ill girl died a few weeks later. Babies are easiest to introduce, especially those under 10 weeks. you'd be better getting another pair so you don't end up in the same situation and so that they can play together. you should be able to find a good breeder near you who has babies or will have them soon. I can't link but Google "NFRS breeders" and there should be a list, it's worth asking on goosemoose and ratforum as well. If you are in Sussex or near it my breeder is awesome and will have some in a few weeks, I have three from her and they are lovely and friendly.

Introducing is pretty simple, the carrier method works nicely for most and is quite easy to find online too.