How Hot Can Rats Get?
WouterRats cannot tolerate temperature levels over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Rats can experience distress as soon as they reach this point, and if it persists for an hour, they may experience lethargy and heavy breathing. Rats may even suffer from convulsions, which can be fatal.
Rats have a narrow temperature range, and if it rises above this, they could suffer from heat stroke or dehydration. Fortunately, the signs of heat stress are quite easy to spot. Rats suffering from heat stress will lose interest in food and drink more than usual. In addition, they may also pant or drool.
Rats may also seek cooler conditions outside. During the summer, rats may retreat to their outdoor nests in swamps or sewers. The warm air outside may be uncomfortable for them, but their fur coats can help keep them cool. Rats may spend their day outdoors, then return to their homes at night.
Rats can cool themselves by dipping themselves in water. However, you need to be careful not to submerge their head and ears in the water. This can result in choking or even death. For this reason, always keep water handy. If the temperature is excessive, you can use an ice pack to cool the rat. However, this method is not always recommended. The water in the ice pack could potentially cause mold.
Rats are sensitive to heat and cold, and the ideal temperature for your pet is 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. Rats that are kept in such a temperature range are happier, healthier and live longer. Another effective way to cool your rats is to put ice cubes in a shallow dish. This will allow them to dip their tails in ice-cold water. For additional fun, you could place an ice cube somewhere in their cage that is not readily accessible.
