Signs of a Happy Pet Rat: How to Determine if Your Rat is Content

Rats can make great pets. Their intelligence makes them great company, while they enjoy human company. However, you will need to devote some time daily for interaction between you and your rat; otherwise they could become anxious or even bite when trying to take them outside. Let’s dive deeper into what makes rats happy and how we can tell when they’re feeling well.

Signs of Happiness An engaged and friendly rat is indicative of their well-being; here we have listed 11 signs that indicate your pet is stress-free and enjoying life.

1.Chattering
Rats may not be loud, but they do vocalize their emotions by chattering and producing high-frequency noises that cannot be properly heard by humans. Over time, you will pick up on their sounds; and as your bond with your pet deepens, their little rodent may even start chattering more often!

After some time, you will likely begin to hear that some of the noises your rat makes are clearly directed at you. They might squeak or vocalize at you while looking up and are likely more inclined to do this when waiting for food or being out of their cage.

Rats can produce cheerful little chirrups when stroked and given attention.

2.Licking

Rats can be like dogs in some ways; specifically, they lick to express emotion or communicate with their humans.

As such, your rat may lick you for various reasons; most often it may be that they think you smell like food or are trying to fix or cure you. Licking is also an important means of becoming familiar with their scent, creating bonds between both parties. As scent recognition strengthens relationships between you and them.

No matter the reasons, licking one’s owner by a rat should never be seen as negative and should therefore not be discouraged.

3.Grooming
Rats have the natural instinct to groom themselves as part of self-grooming behavior when they feel relaxed or contented – they would likely only groom themselves while lying still or lying prone. Anxious rats might try grooming themselves without success due to being in an awkward prone position and losing interest quickly.

If your rat sits on you while grooming, this is a telltale sign they feel safe around you and that they perceive you not only as nonthreatening but perhaps even protective; in such an instance, they could attempt to groom you as part of their pack!