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Rats and Other Animals

© Karen Yang

Rats do occasionally get along with other animals, but beware -- what is true for one animal interaction won't hold true for another. Some rats don't even get along with each other, so they may not get along with different animals, either. When you try to encourage animal bonds across different species, don't be surprised if it doesn't work. There are some animals that rats just won't get along with and some animals you shouldn't even try introducing to your rats.

Before you think about introducing your rat to another pet

Think about whether the other animal's social system is similar to rats'. Most interactions between animals of different species fail due to bad communication. If your rat runs playfully away from the other animal, will that animal see your rat as prey and chase it down? Hunting animals like cats and hound or terrier-type dogs are a big risk here. If your rat runs up to sniff the other animal, will that animal see it as a threat and become dangerously defensive? Larger birds, cats and smaller breeds of dog will have a problem with this.

Supervise their interactions carefully

You MUST be on hand for all of their interactions. Don't let yourself become distracted by anything and leave them alone for "just a minute". A minute is all it takes for tragedies to happen. Be ready to rescue either animal, and don't punish them for any aggression. After all, this was your idea in the first place, and they really can't help their instinctive natures!

Carefully watch how they interact with each other. Cats (and rats) are smart enough to ignore something they think they'll get in trouble for eating while you're watching them. Ignoring is not bliss - just an interaction that hasn't happened yet! Is your dog too large and hyper and in danger of stepping on your rat? Rats are tough, but not tough enough to stand up to a large dog's weight. Your rabbit may seem calm and quiet, but will she get angry if your male rat tries to get overly amorous and give him a good kicking? Rabbits can pack quite a punch with those big hind feet!

When in doubt, give up

Trust your instincts. If you sense tension or feel it's not working, then it's not worth it to keep trying to get them to be friends. It's much easier to give up and keep them separate than it is to pry one out of the jaws of the other at a later date!

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