My now 10yr old has wanted a rat / mouse for at least 18 months but we have two cats ?

[Howlongtillbedtime]

Surely this is a bad idea ?

I knoiw the general rule is pets are a stupid idea for Christmas but he would be so delighted . The plan would be to have it in his room and he would clean and care four it ( I am absolutely aware that I would end up being grateful for any assistance )

All tips hints or don't be a dick comments appreciated !

My car never bothered our rats.
I'd recommend getting at least 2 they like their company. If you get mice don't get male ones because they smell vile!

Are the cats hunters and do they go in his room? I have had many rats in the past but now have two cats and really dont think I could have rats in the same house. The cats would go mad at the smell of them (they are big hunters) and the poor ratties would probably find living with the scent of cats rather stressful to (though maybe I am over stressing on that score).

Rats are awesome pets for kids though

If you do go for it get at least two male rats (boy rats are the cuddliest, loveliest things ever). Rats are miserable on their own.

Thank you . Thankfully we dont get a lot of presents from them but one of them I would worry about more than the other . Would def get two to keep each other company .

Must admit I preferred the idea of mice more than cats . No idea why .

I keep my hamster in a different room from my cats at night just incase but when they are in the same room they know they'll get told off if they try anything!
Rats are a lot more rewarding and intelligent than any other small furries but you'd need them in a pair if you're buying them from a pet store, they should only be kept on their own if there's a reason (or aggressive to others or have a tendency of being bullied). They're easier to handle and less bite-y too

I wouldn't get them for Christmas id get him maybe a cage and some toys and he can set that up on Christmas Day and then go and choose the rats together.

Also my cats are terrible hunters we get mice, birds, rats, frogs all the time; but they know the hamster is off limits. Still wouldn't trust them alone with her though.

Do rats smell ? How often would we need to clean them out ?

The only pet shop I know in our area is pets at home and I thought they were a bit rubbish ?

Rats are wonderful pets. Don't know about the cats issue but rats are very clean and make really attentive, clever pets.

I miss my rats

Ideally get rescue rats or rats from a breeder not a pet shop. Pets at home is no worse than any other pet shop for rats.

Spot clean daily (Take out wet patches of bedding and any large poops) and a full clean once or twice a week. They need a paper based bedding (nothing dusty like wood shavings or carefresh, paper pellet cat litter is ideal) which is naturally low odour.

Thank you , I have been searching for breeders and rescue places but I like the idea of getting the cage etc and letting him be part of the choosing .

Off to google cages and accessories

Definitely need at least two rats (though with animals that can't be kept alone, I usually find it's easier to keep at least 3 - otherwise if one dies prematurely, you've got a bit of a dilemma as to what you want to do with the remaining singleton).

General rule with cages is the bigger the better! A great many rodent cages sold are not big enough for the species that they're advertised for. For rats, 2 cubic feet per rat seems to be the recommended minimum size.

You could also give him some extra Christmas money to choose some of their toys so that he gets some input on that too, and has to work to a budget ;)

Definitely either go to a rescue or find a decent breeder, it's well worth it. This article is really worth reading if you're tempted by pet shop rats. In fact most of the articles on that site are really worth reading, particularly the ones about cages and furnishing them appropriately.

The National Fancy Rat Society is the best starting point for finding a breeder.

Rats are absolutely fabulous little things and make wonderful pets. I've had over thirty since I got my first pair and they've all been such characters.

It is doable to have rats and cats, weve had both for years with no issues.
My current cat is missing half an ear after a skirmish with my rats. She used to try and lay on top of their cage to sleep and they took exception to that, She hasn't learned her lesson though, shes pretty thick for a cat