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Rat Adoption Checklist

  • Writer: Moomoo Rattery
    Moomoo Rattery
  • Feb 26, 2025
  • 4 min read

Updated: Mar 3

Use this checklist to ensure you are prepared for adoption, and a separate list at the bottom for the first 2 weeks caring for them. Many of these items are available on my Etsy “MoomooChews” or made to order, and can be picked up at adoption!


I have additional blogs on each topic for more detailed information.


As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. I have linked our favorite products in this blog to help you shop! If you're not ready to purchase any items, save this blog as the links in it are my affiliate links.


Essentials:

1) Food (lab blocks are best)

2) Two water sources, in case 1 fails

At least 1 is a bottle

3) Two cages, 1 cage for sure

Bar spaces 1/2 inch or smaller Base can hold at least 1 inch of bedding No wire floors/ramps/platforms

2 cubic ft per rat minimum

Good to have 1 emergency cage

The Prevue 528 has a taller version for climbers, dwarves, and females:

Largest Table top cage:

Critter Nations are great, but will need a new base to hold bedding

4) Hard plastic carrier for transport/introductions

Ensure spaces no bigger than 1/2 inch, top loads are best

5) Hides so they can feel safe

Cardboard boxes (beverage ones are perfect sized)

and/or Anti-pill fleece

and/or plastic

and/or wooden

6) Enrichment toys

At least one they can chew

Wooden items

At least one that encourages foraging

(Bird toys, dig box, cat treat dispenser)

At least one that encourages tunnels/digging

7) Bedding (make sure it’s dust-free)

Aspen

and/or kiln-dried pine

  • Flake Pine, Tractor Supply Company

and/or hemp

and/or properly maintained bioactive

*though this is hard to do, not recommended

**NOT: paper or fleece as main bedding

8) Two sleeping spaces per rat

Anti-pill fleece are the best fabric

Other fabrics are a choke hazard, must be replaced promptly if chewed

Have extras for wash day

Baskets

  • Dollar Tree

Hides

9) Climbing items Ramps covered in fleece or cardboard

Climbing Ropes

and/or Wooden

and/or pumice

and/or Scarf Hangers

and/or Plastic

10) Cleaning supplies

11) Treats

Best for bonding:

**ensure none have Timothy or alfalfa hay

12) Bonding items

and/or hoodies

and/or rat blanket

and/or old clothes to put in the cage for them to get used to your smell

13) Fresh fruit/veggies for daily nutrients

up to 20% of diet, organic is best

14) Water filtration system or spring water

**don’t use tap water

15) Research proper care

Our other blogs are a good start!

16) Research good rat sources

to minimize risk for aggression and health issues

17) Know of a local exotic vet and their hours

  • Ask us for a list of local vets!

18) Emergency vet fund, at least the cost of checkup + medication, $150


Optional but good to have:

  • Rat first aid kit

(antibiotics, 1ml syringes, saline wash, children’s Motrin, gauze, bleed stop, ace wrap, Pedialyte)

Females: at least 14 inches

Males: at least 16 inches


Optional, definitely not necessary:

Post Adoption Checklist:

First 1-2 Days:

•Leave them alone in a room with minimal interaction to get used to cage •Have food and water readily stocked

First 2 Weeks:

•Quarantine from your other rats if you have them in separate air space and cage to watch for illness before introductions

•Wash hands and/or clothes between caring for each group


Days 2+:

•Begin bonding process with treats and time outside cage if they’re ready

•Always wash hands before and after interacting with rats or cage

•Spot clean soiled items daily

•Replace water, disinfect water bottle daily

•Replace bedding weekly

•Wash hammocks 2-7X a week in vinegar and/or unscented detergent, hang dry or low heat with unscented dryer sheets/wool balls

•1-2X a month scrub bars, soak/scrub items in vinegar water and a couple drops of dawn or unscented soap if necessary


After 2 Weeks:

•Begin safe introductions with other rats

•Conduct weekly health-checks

•Aim to free-roam at least an hour daily


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