How Much Do Rats Cost Per Year?

Despite the misconceptions about rats, they are not expensive pets. In fact, the average pet rat costs less than a cat, rabbit, or dog. Many people think that rats eat whatever you leave out on the table, but in the wild, rats forage for their food. This makes them not as fussy as people might think.

Rats can also make great pets for kids. However, they must be handled carefully, and any child caring for them should be supervised. The first year’s expenses will likely include a cage, food, and toys. There are other recurring expenses that you’ll need to consider, too, such as a vet visit or a spay/neuter surgery.

A pet rat will cost between $100 and $150 for the first year. The costs are likely to rise if your rat gets sick, and you should save for these expenses. However, you can expect to spend about $400 on food, bedding, and general maintenance every year. However, it’s important to keep in mind that a pet rat can require more expensive medical care than a typical cat or dog.

The cost of food for a pet rat depends on the type of food it eats and how many rats you have. Feeding a single rat can cost between $5 and $15 per month. Purchasing food in bulk is a good idea to save money.