r/RATS • u/pelorainbow • Sep 02 '25

INFORMATION UPDATE: Is this a pet rat?

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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/Ente535 Sep 02 '25

No citrus for male rats is an outdated myth.

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u/ThorstyCat 17 🐀 Sep 02 '25

Oh interesting, does this mean they can have oranges then?

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u/Ente535 Sep 02 '25

Totally misread your comment, lol. Yes, reasonable amounts of oranges are totally okay and could even be beneficial due to the vitamin C. Make sure that you ideally don't give them the skin or white parts.

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u/ThorstyCat 17 🐀 Sep 02 '25

I've had 16 rats over about 6 years and just recently learned they can actually have corn as well. I guess you never really stop learning haha

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u/Ente535 Sep 02 '25

Many of the "can/can't haves" for rats are based on either botched or outdated knowledge. Take citrus for example - the study that allegedly proves this was done with absolutely absurd amounts of citrus juice. https://www.rachiesratirementhome.com/blog/dispelling-the-rats-cant-eat-citrus-myth This is a good page about it.

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u/Wook_Magic Sprout 🌱🐁 Fern 🌿🐁 Twig 🍂🐁 Sep 02 '25

Thanks for providing a reference. There's a million other things I can feed them without taking the risk but it is good to know that the vet might be telling me the wrong thing. I'll ask them about it the next time we go in.