Understanding the Risks
Health and safety considerations for owners of pet rats.
Overview
Pet rats are intelligent, social animals that make wonderful companions, but responsible ownership requires an understanding of potential health and safety risks. While many people can safely care for pet rats with proper hygiene and handling, certain groups—including young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems—should avoid contact with them due to increased health risks.
General Hygiene and Safety Practices
Proper hygiene is essential when keeping pet rats to minimize the risk of disease transmission and maintain a clean, safe environment for both humans and animals. Even though pet rats are generally well-groomed and healthy when sourced from reputable breeders, they can still carry bacteria and allergens that may pose risks to humans. By following strict hygiene protocols, rat owners can greatly reduce the likelihood of infections and allergic reactions.
Handwashing and Personal Hygiene
One of the most important hygiene practices for rat owners is frequent and thorough handwashing. Always wash your hands with warm water and soap:
Before and after handling your pet rats.
After cleaning cages, bedding, food bowls, or toys.
Before eating, drinking, or preparing food to prevent cross-contamination.
After handling used bedding or feces, as they may contain harmful bacteria or parasites.
Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a temporary measure can help when soap and water are not available, but proper handwashing remains the best way to remove bacteria and allergens.
Cleaning and Disinfecting the Rat’s Environment
Maintaining a clean living space for pet rats is crucial for both their health and the health of their owners. A dirty cage can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and parasites, leading to respiratory issues or skin infections in both humans and animals.
Daily Maintenance: Remove soiled bedding, uneaten food, and waste to prevent bacterial growth and odors.
Weekly Deep Cleaning: Completely change the bedding, scrub the cage with warm soapy water, and disinfect surfaces with a pet-safe cleaner. Avoid bleach or strong chemicals that could harm the rats.
Food and Water Hygiene: Clean food and water dishes daily to prevent bacterial buildup and mold growth.
Ventilation: Keep cages in well-ventilated areas to reduce the accumulation of airborne allergens and ammonia from urine.
Avoid cleaning cages in kitchen sinks or areas where food is prepared, as this can lead to cross-contamination with bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter. Instead, use a designated sink or bathtub, and disinfect the area after cleaning.
Zoonotic Pathogens
Even healthy, well-cared-for pet rats can carry germs that may spread to humans. Some of the most concerning zoonotic diseases include:
Leptospirosis
A bacterial infection spread through contact with urine or contaminated water from infected animals, including rats. Symptoms range from mild flu-like illness to severe kidney and liver damage.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
A serious respiratory illness caused by exposure to urine, droppings, or saliva from infected rodents, particularly wild species like deer mice. While rare in pet rats, hantavirus can be life-threatening.
Rat-bite fever
A bacterial infection transmitted through bites, scratches, or contact with an infected rat’s saliva. Symptoms may include fever, chills, muscle pain, and joint swelling.
Tularemia
A bacterial infection that can spread through direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, or from bites by infected ticks or flies. It can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, and respiratory issues
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)
A viral infection associated with exposure to infected rodents, particularly mice and hamsters. It can cause flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, meningitis, posing a higher risk for pregnant individuals and immunocompromised people.
Salmonellosis
A bacterial infection caused by Salmonella, which can be carried by rats and spread through contaminated food, water, or contact with infected feces. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
Campylobacter infection
A bacterial illness that causes food poisoning-like symptoms, including diarrhea and stomach cramps. It can be transmitted from rodents through contaminated food, water, or surfaces.
Giardiasis
A parasitic infection caused by Giardia, which spreads through ingesting contaminated food, water, or contact with infected feces, leading to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and dehydration.
Toxoplasmosis
A disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which rodents can carry. While often mild, it can be dangerous for pregnant individuals, potentially leading to complications for the unborn baby.
Ringworm (Dermatophytosis):
A contagious fungal infection that can spread from rats to humans through direct contact. It causes itchy, red, ring-shaped rashes on the skin and requires antifungal treatment.
While the risk of contracting these illnesses from pet rats is relatively low with good hygiene practices, certain individuals—especially young children—are at a much higher risk.
Allergies to Rodents
In addition to infectious diseases, pet rats can also trigger allergic reactions, particularly in sensitive individuals. Rodent allergies are common, as rats produce allergens in their urine, dander, and saliva. These allergens can become airborne or settle on surfaces, leading to respiratory issues or skin irritation in susceptible people.
Symptoms of Rodent Allergies:
Sneezing, nasal congestion, or runny nose
Itchy, red, or watery eyes
Skin rashes or hives after handling rats
Wheezing, coughing, or asthma flare-ups
Difficulty breathing, especially in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions
Reducing Allergy Risks
Keep rats in a well-ventilated area away from bedrooms and play spaces.
Use high-quality HEPA air purifiers to reduce airborne allergens.
Clean cages frequently to minimize allergen buildup.
Wear long sleeve shirts during handling to avoid direct skin contact.
Wash hands and change clothes after handling rats to prevent the spread of allergens.
If a family member has known allergies, consider a pet that is less likely to trigger symptoms.
Gastrointestinal Risks and Food Safety
Rats can carry bacteria that may cause gastrointestinal illness, especially if proper hygiene is not followed. To minimize risks:
Wash hands before eating if you’ve recently handled rats.
Keep food and drinks away from rat enclosures to prevent contamination.
Sanitize surfaces where rats roam to avoid cross-contamination.
Tetanus and Other Vaccination Considerations
Since bacteria can enter the body through scratches or bites, ensuring that children and adults handling pet rats are up to date on their tetanus vaccinations is an important precaution. While rare, tetanus is a serious illness that can be prevented through proper immunization.
Why Young Children Should Avoid Pet Rats
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advises that children under five, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems should not have pet rodents, including rats. The primary concern is that young children’s developing immune systems are not equipped to fight off certain infections, making them more susceptible to serious illness.
Young children are especially vulnerable to developing allergies because their immune systems are still maturing. Prolonged exposure to rodent allergens at a young age may increase the likelihood of developing asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions. If a child exhibits signs of allergies after being around pet rats, it is important to consult a pediatrician or an allergist for proper diagnosis and management.
Additionally, young children frequently put their hands, toys, and other objects in their mouths after touching their environment, increasing their risk of ingesting harmful bacteria or viruses. Parents and caregivers should carefully consider these risks before bringing pet rats into a home with small children.
For more information on the CDC’s recommendations, visit:
Why Supervision Isn’t Enough
For families with older children, supervision and proper hygiene can help reduce risks, but for children under five, the safest choice is to avoid contact with pet rats entirely. If a child does interact with pet rats, strict safety measures should be followed:
Always supervise interactions to ensure safe and gentle handling.
Teach children not to touch their faces or put fingers, toys, or cage accessories in their mouths after handling rats.
Ensure proper handwashing after any contact with rats or their environment.
Keep rat enclosures out of reach to prevent unsupervised access.
Preventing Bites and Scratches
While pet rats are typically friendly, they may bite or scratch if startled, mishandled, or feeling unwell. Even minor injuries can introduce bacteria and lead to infection. To prevent incidents:
Handle rats gently and confidently to avoid triggering defensive reactions.
Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may startle them.
Never wake a sleeping rat abruptly, as they may nip if surprised.
Treat bites or scratches promptly by washing the area with soap and water and monitoring for signs of infection.
How to Properly Clean a Bite or Scratch
Although pet rats are generally gentle and unlikely to bite, accidental scratches and bites can occur, especially if a rat is startled, mishandled, or feeling unwell. Even minor wounds should be treated immediately to prevent infection, as bacteria from a rat’s mouth or claws can introduce harmful pathogens like Rat-Bite Fever or Tetanus into the bloodstream.
Steps to Clean a Rat Bite or Scratch:
Wash the Wound Immediately
Rinse the area thoroughly under warm running water for at least five minutes.
Use mild soap and gently scrub the wound to remove bacteria.
Disinfect the Area
Apply an antiseptic solution such as hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or diluted chlorhexidine.
Avoid using alcohol on deep wounds, as it can delay healing and cause irritation.
Control Bleeding (If Necessary)
If the bite or scratch is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean, sterile gauze pad until the bleeding stops.
For deep bites, hold firm pressure for a few minutes to slow blood flow and prevent excessive loss.
Apply an Antibiotic Ointment
Use over-the-counter antibiotic creams like Neosporin to help prevent bacterial infections.
Cover the Wound
For larger or open wounds, apply a sterile bandage or adhesive dressing.
Keep the wound covered if it is likely to come into contact with dirt or bacteria.
Monitor for Infection
Check the wound over the next few days for signs of infection, such as:
Increased redness, swelling, or warmth around the area.
Pus, drainage, or foul odor from the wound.
Persistent pain or fever, which may indicate a systemic infection.
Seek Medical Attention If Needed
If the bite is deep, becomes infected, or shows signs of swelling, fever, or red streaks spreading from the wound, consult a doctor immediately.
If you haven’t had a tetanus booster in the last five years, you may need a tetanus shot.
If symptoms of Rat-Bite Fever (fever, rash, joint pain) appear, seek medical care promptly, as this bacterial infection requires antibiotics.
By practicing proper hygiene and wound care, rat owners can ensure a safer and healthier environment for both themselves and their pets. If a family includes young children, additional precautions should be taken, such as keeping rats out of reach and closely supervising all interactions.