As you've probably gathered by now, rats don't need much help with their grooming – a healthy active rat can be left to get on with looking after their own coat and body. The same goes for teeth and ears – most of the time we don't need to intervene.
Rats are naturally very clean and spend a lot of time grooming themselves. Some rats may need their tails cleaned occasionally. This should be done gently with mild animal shampoo or by wiping using unscented baby wipes.
Unlike guinea pigs, barbering in rats and mice does not affect the skin. The skin will appear normal, without any signs of irritation, inflammation, or cuts. The only sign is hair loss, with the animals chewing the hair so close to the skin that it appears clean-shaven.
Technically, clipping your pet rat's nails is not necessary unless they are hindering its movement; if your rat's nails are getting stuck as they romp around their cage or causing cuts and scabs on their skin during normal grooming, trimming their nails is a must.
Rats can be lifted by their tails but great caution must be exercised in doing so. The skin of a rat's tail can easily tear, so it is best to grasp only the base of the tail. Furthermore, suspending the entire weight a rat by its tail is, no doubt, painful for the rat. Therefore, this practice should be only momentary.
Grooming: Rats are very clean and rarely need baths, but can be spot cleaned with a damp washcloth or unscented baby wipes, if needed. grabbing anything that's poked in—even fingers. Gradually make your rat come out further and further to get the treat.
*Discourage your pet from licking your face.
Pets can harbor many bacterial organisms in their mouth that may NOT be problematic to them but can be to elderly or immunocompromised people.
Do not attempt to grasp rats at the nape of the neck. Unlike mice and hamsters, rats object strongly to being restrained by the scruff. Rats can inflict painful bites with their incisors. Hamsters bite readily and painfully.
Do not kiss, nuzzle, or hold rats close to your face. This can startle your rats and also increase your chances of being bitten. Bites can spread germs and can make you sick. You don't have to touch pet rats to get sick from their germs.
Quivering/Vibrating
This behaviour is literally the rats feeling something too intensely for them to express. It can be a sign of nerves, but can also be a sign of intense excitement or apprehension. To try and judge what exactly your rat is feeling so intensely you have to look at it's overall body language.
If your rat nibbles or licks you, he or she might be showing you affection by grooming you. Rats also have an excellent sense of smell, so your rat might nibble or lick your hand or smell you after you eat or prepare food.
Tail wagging may involve the whole tail or as little as the tail tip. The function of tail wagging is unknown in rats, but it appears to be associated with excitement and tension. For example, rats may writhe their tails during aggressive encounters with each other, or when facing a predator.
Dogs have “puppy eyes,” but rats are just as gifted at looking pitiful to get your attention. You've probably noticed your rats hovering at the cage door, staring at you with pleading eyes. Whether they are begging to be fed, let out to play, or looking for a snuggle, this is a sure sign they want your attention.
Pet rats enjoy being stroked by their owners and sometimes even enjoy a gentle massage, a scratch behind the ears, or a simple tickle. Rats have also been known to return the affection by "grooming" their owners.
Hands-Off Versus Needs To Know You
It takes time to learn the individual personalities and needs of each rat. Some rats dislike being touched or held at first, but then become all cuddles once they know you better.
Cat, dog, or human hair or urine sprinkled in a garden also appears to have no impact on rats. Beware of anyone claiming they have a secret weapon or chemical that will get rid of rats. There is none.
Sometimes rats like to feel things with their teeth. A good example of this would be if you stick your hand in their cage, and then they start to lightly nibble on your fingers. This behavior is just them exploring the new thing; they aren't trying to hurt you at all.
They just think of you as part of their pack. Learning Social Skills: Some young rats mouth fingers or skin as they learn social skills. Even if their teeth come in contact with your skin, it's doubtful they actually bite down. It's like a puppy or human baby tasting and testing things.
It's really important to keep your rats' cage clean and to remove soiled bedding. Dirty cages can cause breathing problems and lung infections in rats. Clean their cage thoroughly once a week, giving it a good scrub with a pet-safe cleaner. You can buy these at pet shops or on our online pet store.
Some rats enjoy playing in water, but never make them swim if they don't want to.