How Hot Can Rats Tolerate?
WouterRats can tolerate hot temperatures, but there are some ways you can make the heat more comfortable for your pet. You can place wet towels over their cages and add ice cubes to the drinking water. Also, keep the water in their cages topped up regularly. If you don’t have an air conditioner, consider having a neighbor turn the air conditioner on for them in the morning or evening. Alternatively, you can take your rat to a friend’s home.
The optimal temperature for rats is about sixty degrees Fahrenheit. Rats need to dissipate heat through their skin, so excessive heat can cause heat stroke or a heart attack. Extreme heat can also cause dehydration, which is dangerous for your rat’s health. When your rat is suffering from heat stress, look for signs such as lethargy, lack of appetite, and panting. If the temperature rises significantly, call your vet.
During summer, rats tend to avoid the interior of houses, especially the attic. Rats do not like hot temperatures and will leave the attic during the day to get fresh air. Even if your rats are housed in the attic, you should make sure that they can access fresh air.
Rats are highly sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. The ideal temperature for a rat’s habitat is between sixty and eighty degrees Fahrenheit. Even if it’s not climate-controlled, your pet rat may get cold at night, so make sure they have soft bedding. You should also keep the cage away from hot sunlight and drafts, but near a window with natural light.
