Small Town Ratties

When people think about pet hygiene, they often picture baths, scrubbing and strong cleaners. But when it comes to pet rats, too much cleaning can actually be just as harmful as not cleaning enough .    Rats are clean animals by nature. They groom themselves constantly, they prefer tidy sleeping spaces and they don’t need baths like dogs do. What they do  need is a thoughtfully cleaned environment that supports their respiratory health without disrupting their natural scent s

Common Beginner Mistakes with Pet Rats (And How to Avoid Them) 🐀 I f you’re new to pet rats, let me start by saying this: mistakes happen . Rats are not as straightforward as many people expect and most of us didn’t have a single comprehensive, ethical resource when we first started. This is exactly why Small Town Ratties exists. I’ve made mistakes. Big ones. Expensive ones. Some that taught me lessons the hard way. But each of those mistakes taught me very valuable lessons.

# 🐀 Where to Adopt Your Future Rats: Picking Out Your Pocket Puppies & The First 7 Days Bringing home pet rats is an emotional journey. It’s a mix of excitement, nervousness, and maybe just a little overwhelming (in the best way). Before you dive into cuddles, free roam zoomies, and tiny whisker kisses, there are some important things to know. This includes where to find rats to adopt, how to choose the right ones for you , and what the first few days together should look l

If there is one rule every current and future rat owner needs to understand, remember, and follow, it is this: never keep just one rat . Rats are incredibly social creatures. In the wild, they live in large family groups called a mischief . This social structure is not optional; it is hardwired into who they are. When we bring rats into our homes, we take on the responsibility of meeting their social needs. This means providing them with companionship from their own kind, not

So you’ve decided pet rats are for you, now what?   Well, one of the most important steps in responsible rat ownership is setting up the right habitat before  your rats ever come home because a rat’s cage is not just a place they sleep at night; it is their playground, dining room, nap zone, jungle gym, bedroom, bathroom and safe space all rolled into one. This means choosing the right cage and setting it up correctly plays a HUGE role in their health, happiness, and overall

Are or have you been thinking about getting a pet rat? Well you’ve come to the right place! With almost a decade of experience owning and caring for pet rats, I have a wealth of knowledge that I am ready to pass on. In this guide you will learn everything you need to know before bringing one home, including care needs, costs, lifespan, and whether pet rats are right for you. Pet rats are one of the most misunderstood companion animals, yet those of us who welcome them into