When Do Rats Bite?
WouterRats can bite for several reasons, but most often they are out of fear. This fear can be due to a number of factors, including improper handling during the rat’s childhood or a breeding practice that did not adequately socialize the rat. When these factors are present, a rat will likely view humans as an unfriendly and scary species. In order to overcome this fear, it is important to spend quality time with the rat in a stress-free environment.
Rats bite humans and pets because of their large teeth, which allows them to deliver painful bites when threatened. In general, rats avoid humans, but if cornered, they will defend themselves by biting. The bite may also be hazardous, as some rat saliva contains bacteria such as leptospirosis and Hantavirus. In addition, rodent bites can lead to tetanus infections.
Regardless of the reason for the bite, it should not happen often. If the rat is in fear of your presence, move your hand slowly inside the cage and speak softly. Over time, this will help the rat learn that you are not a threat and that you are not causing any harm. If this behavior persists, you may want to isolate the rat until you can figure out the root of the problem.
Rat bites should be treated promptly. In some cases, they can result in infection and fever. It is advisable to visit a medical professional immediately, as the infection could lead to severe complications. Moreover, if a rat bite is followed by a fever and joint pain, it could develop leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can cause liver failure and kidney damage. Treatment for leptospirosis requires antibiotics to clear the infection.
