What Does It Mean When Rats Squeak?

Rats are very vocal and often will let you know if something is wrong or if they are happy. They may also squeak when they are petted or picked up, and this can tell you a lot about their feelings. You may also notice them squeaking when they are afraid or stressed out.

When a rat squeaks, it is generally accompanied by vibrations in the chest cavity. This can be a sign that it has a respiratory infection. This condition is sometimes mild and can be treated with antibiotics. However, you should only administer antibiotics to your rat when it is symptomatic of a respiratory problem.

Rats can also make other noises when they are scared. Some of these noises can be mistaken for play sounds, but figuring out which one is coming from your rat will help you understand why they are in distress. Often, long squeaks indicate fear or submissiveness, and they can occur during stressful situations and encounters with other rats.

Another sign that a rat is afraid is when it is scratched or bitten. The rat may also flinch or tilt its head. A rat may also squeak if he is escaping from his cage or feels threatened. A rat may also squeal to warn other rats in the cage that something is wrong.