How Much Does Rats Cost?
WouterWhen you decide to get a rat as a pet, it can be a bit tricky to figure out how much it will cost. There are a few different ways to purchase a rat. You can buy a baby rat from a pet store, but a grown one is the best choice. Rats are social creatures and make great pets. You can even get a pair for a low price, especially if you’re just a beginner.
Rats don’t require much food, but they do like treats, such as Yogis and mealworms. These treats are relatively inexpensive, but they last a long time. They also need space to roam around, so you can provide them with a free run area. A cardboard box will work well for this.
Another consideration is the health of your rat. Rats can become ill or suffer from freak accidents, so it’s important to maintain an emergency vet fund for their care. It’s recommended to keep around $200 in this fund for each rat, and replenish it as necessary. Rats should be kept in a ventilated cage, as tanks can be dangerous for them.
Although the cost of owning a pet rat can be as low as $20, it’s still important to keep an eye out for a few things. For example, female rats can develop mammary tumors and abscesses, while male rats can fight. Getting a rat neutered will prevent this. Depending on the breed, the cost of the neutering process can be as much as $150.
