Also called Pet rat, Domestic rat, Domesticated brown rat
Recognised breedDeep profile
From Worldwide. A domestic form of the brown rat, a species that first came from northern China and nearby regions. The pet and show rat as we know it took shape in 19th century England, where rat-catchers kept and bred unusually coloured rats.12
Short and smooth as standard; also rex, velveteen, satin, harley, bristle and hairless coats, plus dumbo-eared and tailless (Manx) body types
A long, athletic body with a fairly deep chest and arched loin, big bright eyes, wide-set rounded ears and a tail that is thick at the base and narrows to a fine tip, about as long as the body. The standard coat is short and glossy, a bit coarser in males and softer in females. Rex rats have curly fur and even curly whiskers, satins have an extra sheen, and dumbo rats carry large round ears set low on the sides of the head.461
Fancy rats are friendly, inquisitive animals that tend to form strong bonds with their owners and will often come looking for them when allowed to roam. They are bigger and steadier in the hand than most small rodents, which makes them easier to hold, and they pick up training quickly thanks to a good memory and sharp focus. Show standards ask for rats that are calm and easy to handle.156
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Busy, active animals that are most lively around dusk and at night. They need daily time out of the cage in a safe, supervised space, plus climbing, exploring, foraging games and training sessions to keep body and mind occupied.578
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Rats groom themselves and each other, so little hands-on grooming is needed. Spot-clean the cage often, change bedding regularly, check water bottles twice a day and handle the rats gently every day so they stay used to people.85
Home where they are happiest
A cage that is as large as possible, with several levels, platforms, ladders, ropes, hammocks, tunnels and shelters to climb and hide in. Use dust-free bedding such as non-aspen wood chips, cellulose chips or shredded paper. Keep the room around 19-23 C, away from bright light and heat, since rats sleep much of the day.73
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete rat pellet or nugget as the base (not food made for rabbits, guinea pigs or hamsters), topped up with small amounts of vegetables, fruit, cooked egg, grains and seeds counted as part of the daily ration. Fatty and sugary foods are for training treats only. Fresh water from bottles at all times, and scattering food encourages natural foraging.8
Company who they like around
Highly social and should never live alone. Keep them in same-sex pairs or small groups, or as a neutered mixed pair, and give them plenty of daily contact with their people.51
The story where it all began
In 18th and 19th century Europe, rat-catchers trapped wild brown rats, many of them sold for the cruel sport of rat-baiting. Some catchers began keeping the unusually coloured ones instead. Jack Black, who called himself rat-catcher to Queen Victoria, tamed the prettier rats, dressed them up with ribbons and sold them as pets, and he and London publican Jimmy Shaw are credited with starting many of today's colour varieties. The rat fancy became official on 24 October 1901, when Mary Douglas won Best in Show with a black and white hooded rat at a National Mouse Club show in Aylesbury. The National Mouse and Rat Club ran rat classes from 1912, but interest faded after Douglas died in 1921. The hobby came back in 1976 with the founding of the National Fancy Rat Society in England, and the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association followed in 1983. Breeders have since added new varieties, including dwarf rats, which came from laboratory Sprague-Dawley lines in the 1970s.1910
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The very first rat to win a show was a black and white hooded rat owned by Mary Douglas, who took Best in Show at Aylesbury in 1901.1
Dumbo rats are named after the Disney elephant because of their big, round ears set low on the sides of the head.1
4
Rats make happy high-pitched chirps when tickled, a sound researchers have compared to laughter.2
5
The RSPCA notes the oldest recorded rat lived to around seven years old, well past the usual two to three.5
6
Manx rats have no tail and are named after the tailless Manx cat.1
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Because Australia does not allow foreign rodents to be imported, dumbo and hairless rats are not found there.1
Recognised by the official bits
National Fancy Rat Society (UK)
British society founded in 1976 to promote rats as pets and show animals; welcomes both breeders and pet keepers.9
American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (AFRMA)
Non-profit founded in 1983 in Southern California. Its standard recognises seven varieties (Standard, Rex, Tailless, Hairless, Satin, Dumbo, Bristle Coat) and about 40 colours grouped in six sections: Self, AOC, AOCP, Silvered, Marked and Odd-eye.4
National Mouse and Rat Club (historic, UK)
Organised the rat fancy formally from 1912 until around 1929-1931.1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Fancy Rat. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Spot cleanevery day
Full cleanevery week
Play timeAt least an hour out of the cageevery day
Nails checkevery 3 weeks
Vet check-upevery year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Hamster and Gerbil Fresh Veggie and Herb Mix
A simple, safe daily supplement that provides essential vitamins, hydration and enrichment for hamsters and gerbils.
You need
1 small piece of carrot (about the size of a pea)
1 small piece of broccoli (about the size of a pea)
1 small piece of cucumber (about the size of a pea)
1 small piece of apple (without seeds, about the size of a pea)
1 small leaf of basil or parsley
How
Wash all fresh ingredients thoroughly.
Cut the carrot, broccoli, cucumber and apple into pieces no larger than a pea.
Tear the herb leaf into tiny pieces.
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.
Offer a total of 1.5 to 4.5 teaspoons of this mix per day, depending on the size of your pet.
How much: 1.5 to 4.5 teaspoons per day for hamsters and gerbils
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Fancy Rat?
Feed your rat daily with a complete rat pellet or nugget as the base, plus small amounts of vegetables, fruit, and other treats counted as part of the daily ration. Always provide fresh water from bottles. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.8Pet Wiki plan
What should a Fancy Rat eat, and which foods are dangerous?
The main diet should be a complete rat pellet or nugget, not food for rabbits, guinea pigs, or hamsters. Add small portions of vegetables, fruit, cooked egg, grains, and seeds. Dangerous foods include chocolate, caffeine, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and raw meat or eggs. Always avoid these.811
Should I bathe a Fancy Rat?
Rats groom themselves and each other, so bathing is rarely needed. Only bathe if your vet advises it for a specific reason. Spot-clean the cage daily and handle your rat gently to keep it clean and used to you.85Pet Wiki plan
Does a Fancy Rat need brushing?
No, rats groom themselves and each other, so brushing is not necessary. Just handle them daily to keep them tame and check for any skin issues.85
How do I look after a Fancy Rat's nails and teeth?
Check nails every three weeks and trim if needed, but ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance. Teeth wear down naturally with chewing, so provide safe wooden toys and hard food. Never cut teeth yourself.8Pet Wiki plan
How much space and exercise does a Fancy Rat need?
Provide the largest cage possible with multiple levels, platforms, hammocks, and tunnels. Rats need daily time out of the cage in a safe, supervised space for at least an hour, plus climbing and foraging activities.75Pet Wiki plan
Should a Fancy Rat live alone or with friends?
Rats are highly social and should never live alone. Keep them in same-sex pairs or small groups, or as a neutered mixed pair, and give them plenty of daily contact with you.51
How long does a Fancy Rat live?
Fancy rats typically live between 1.5 and 3 years. With good care, a healthy diet, and regular vet check-ups, they can enjoy a full, happy life.531
Is a Fancy Rat a good pet for children?
Yes, they are friendly and inquisitive, and they form strong bonds with owners. They are bigger and steadier in the hand than many small rodents, making them easier for children to hold with supervision. Always teach gentle handling.156
How do I hold a Fancy Rat?
Gently scoop the rat with both hands, supporting its body and hindquarters. They are calm and easy to handle when used to people. Handle them daily so they stay tame and comfortable.156
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Fancy Mouse
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