How Do Rats Lose Weight As They Age?

Rats have a rapid metabolism and process calories quickly. Because of this, it’s important to keep a regular check on your rat’s weight. You can do this with a small scale. If you notice your rat is losing weight quickly, it may be ill. If this happens, you should contact your vet to find out why.

Rats’ metabolism changes as they age, and this process has many effects. Age-related changes in weight are just one example. Rats may become thinner or fatter, or they may lose all their body weight. The former may signal a problem, such as respiratory or kidney failure. The latter may increase the risk of developing cancer.

When a rat starts to lose weight, it’s important to provide a nutritious wet meal regularly. This meal will provide the nutrients your rat needs and will be digested more quickly. This food can also be mixed with supplements, which can help your rat lose weight.

Older rats often have dry, itchy skin. This can be due to a lack of oil in their diet or an allergy to certain proteins. Regular baths and non-greasy nappy-rash cream can help. Some rats also have overgrown claws. These claws can snag VetBed pads or curl over and penetrate them. Old rats may also have misaligned teeth.