How long do pet rats live?

Pet rats usually live about two to three years. Here's what vet sources say, how rat years compare with human years, and how to help your rats stay healthy for as long as possible.

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How long do pet rats live?

The PDSA says rats tend to live between two and three years on average, and the Merck Veterinary Manual gives a usual lifespan of about 1.5 to 3 years. A short life is normal for rats — it doesn't mean their owner did something wrong.

How old is my rat in human years?

There is no exact conversion, because rats grow up much faster than people. A widely cited review of laboratory rats (Sengupta, 2013) describes rats becoming sexually mature at about six weeks and socially mature five to six months later, and estimates that in adulthood each day of a rat's life corresponds to roughly 35 human days — about three human years for every month.

Averaged over a whole life — three years for a rat against 80 for a person — one rat year is roughly 27 human years. Treat all of these as rough comparisons, not medical ages.

How can I help my rat live a long, healthy life?

Most of it is everyday care that the vet charities recommend:

• A complete rat food, weighed out daily so your rats don't become overweight (PDSA) — see what to feed pet rats.
• Company: rats are social and should live in pairs or small same-sex groups (RSPCA).
• A large, enriched cage with low-dust bedding — see how to set up a rat cage.
• A quick look at your rats every morning and evening, when they're normally active, and regular weighing (RSPCA).
• Regular vet check-ups, including a check that their teeth are growing correctly (RSPCA).

When should I see a vet?

Rats' lives are short, so it's worth acting early. The RSPCA lists signs such as weight loss, not eating, sneezing or wheezing, sleeping more than usual and a hunched posture as reasons to call your vet — see the full list in signs your rat is sick.