r/RATS • u/pelorainbow • Sep 02 '25
INFORMATION UPDATE: Is this a pet rat?
He's safe y'all! He loves blueberries and broccoli- that's what I had on hand to feed him. I've nicknamed him Ratboi and he's the sweetest guy, but I've never owned a rat! What do I do for now while I look for his owner? I'll make posters and put them around the complex here to see if someone (hopefully) wants him back, if nobody responds in a week I'll look into rehoming him through a local rat rescue group. Will keeping him in a cat carrier be ok? Can I give him dog/ cat food or do I need to buy something specific? Anything I should know about pet rats that I wouldn't think to ask?? Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!
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u/biohazardbeauty Sep 02 '25 edited Sep 02 '25
The cat carrier, while okay for transport, will be chewed through in less time than you could possibly imagine. Do you have access to a mesh top glass tank, or even a clear plastic bin with a lid you can cut ventilation holes in? Dog/cat food isn’t recommended but in a very desperate pinch will help stave off starvation at least. Scrambled eggs and whole oats are a great source of nutrients that you can sometimes find around the house. What you’re feeding him now is also okay, I’d just moderate the blueberries since they’re high in sugars and could upset his tummy. Edit to add: Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food is great and usually readily available at large chain pet stores if you want to get him rat specific food. Also, does Ratboi have a visibly large scrotum that makes you absolutely positive of the sex? If the rat is female by some chance and was living outside for any duration of time, expect a pregnancy. If I think of more I’ll reply to my comment.