How Many Years Do Rats Live?

Depending on the species and living conditions, rats can live as long as four years. Wild rats, on the other hand, usually only live for one or two years. Rats live in warm and dry environments and prefer to stay indoors during colder seasons. Their lifespan is also determined by their diet.

Rats reach sexual maturity around six weeks of age, but the exact age varies from individual to individual. Sexual maturity is closely linked to adolescence and progresses slowly into adulthood. Increased risk-taking and social behavior are signs of sexual maturity. Older rats may suffer from arthritis. They will begin to move their tail and hind legs less often and lose their body weight. The average lifespan of a female rat is 485 days.

The lifespan of a pet rat depends on the decisions made by its owner. Consequently, it is important to maintain its health and welfare. Keeping a pet rat in a good environment will maximize its lifespan. In contrast, wild rats are often at the bottom of the food chain and, as such, have shorter lifespans than their domesticated counterparts.

In captivity, rats may live for two to three years. However, their lifespan may be as long as eight years. They can be threatened by disease, hunters, and lack of food.