Are you torn between getting a pet rat or a rabbit? Each has its own unique qualities and care needs to keep in mind.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the various aspects of owning a pet rat or a rabbit, including their size, diet, cage requirements, grooming needs, exercise demands, and more.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a much better understanding of which of the two adorable companions suits you best.
Similarities Between Pet Rats and Rabbits
- Both require daily interaction with you and mental stimulation.
- Both rats and rabbits can be litter trained, and some enjoy doing tricks like spin in a circle, give paw, kisses, agility courses, and so on!
- Both species need regular out-of-cage time for exercise and exploration. They also both love to chew, so be prepared to spend some time making sure their free roam areas are free from wires, nice furniture, and other belongings you don’t want teeth marks on!
- Neither rats nor rabbits are typically loud pets, making them perfect for living situations where noise could be a problem.
- Vet care can be complex and potentially costly for both, as they are often considered “exotic” pets. Both pets sometimes end up needing ongoing medication or care.
Differences Between Pet Rats and Rabbits
| Pet Rats | Rabbits | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small: 9-11 inches long (excluding tail), weighing up to a pound but usually less | Medium to large, depending on the breed. Smaller rabbits may be 2-4lbs, while giant breeds can reach 10lb! |
| Diet | Omnivorous diet: Lab blocks and fresh foods. | Herbivorous: Hay, leafy greens, pellets. |
| Cage | Rats need a well-ventilated wire cage with multiple levels for climbing and decorating. Pet rats should always live indoors. | Rabbits need a large enclosure of at least 8 square feet. They also need extensive free roam space. They can live indoors or outdoors – or both! |
| Noise Level | Generally quiet – they make soft squeaks when playing with each other. | Mostly silent, can make a variety of different soft noises as well. |
| Lifespan | 2-3 years, with the absolutely maximum being 4 years (but this is rare) | 8-12 years, and some rabbits live even longer! |
| Smell | Can be noticeable if cage isn’t cleaned regularly. | Minimal, unless the cage isn’t cleaned. |
| Maintenance Required | Daily interaction, cage cleaning, mental stimulation. | Daily interaction, grooming, cage cleaning, exercise. |
| Grooming Needs | Rats will groom themselves without any assistance. If their nails bother you, you can trim them, but it’s not a requirement. | Rabbits need to be brushed weekly, and sometimes get matted fur that needs to be trimmed. You should also clean around their eyes, and trim their nails for them. |
| Temperament Towards People | Cautious at first, but form strong, friendly bonds with their owners. | Can also be shy at first, but form strong and close bonds with their people. |
| Exercise Needs | Require 1-2 hours each day for out-of-cage time to play and exercise. Much of their exercise needs can be met inside their cage if needed. | Need at least 3-5 hours a day of free roam time outside of their enclosure, with a large space to hop around and play. |
| Common Health Concerns | Respiratory infections, tumors, head tilts, obesity | Respiratory infections, overgrown teeth, digestive problems, hairballs |
| Vet Care Costs | Somewhat lower, because they have shorter lifespans. With that said, consider that you should keep multiple rats! | Vet care costs can definitely add up over the lifespan of the animal, especially given the common health concerns. |
| Cohabitation with Other Animals | Rats need to be kept with other rats. In general, it’s not a great idea to keep them around other pets. Rats are threatened by larger animals, and will hunt smaller ones. | Rabbits do enjoy the company of other rabbits. They may get along with dogs and cats, as long as your pets have the right personalities. |
| Destructiveness | Moderate; can chew wires and furniture if bored. | High; will chew anything, including electrical cords. |
You should get a pet rat if…
- You want a super compact, pocket pet! Rats are very small and portable, though they still need quite a large cage with lots of enrichment items.
- You have a smaller floor space. Rats prefer more vertical climbing space to horizontal floor space, so they may be the perfect pet for you if you live in an apartment or other small space.
- You’re willing to keep more than one. Companionship is a non-negotiable for rats and they should always be kept in pairs or groups with other rats. Keeping a rat alone greatly lowers its quality of life.
- You have limited time to let them free roam around your house. Rats only need an hour or two each day outside of their cage, compared to rabbits who need to spend a lot of their time free roaming. If you miss a day, rats can keep themselves entertained inside their cage with an exercise wheel and enough climbing toys, etc.
- You don’t mind the shorter lifespan of around 2-3 years. Rats may be great for you if you don’t want a pet with a super long term commitment. Rats are a great pet for kids who might get bored after a few years with a rabbit.
- You don’t want to deal with grooming. Rats have short fur and can clean themselves without any baths, nail trims, or extra help. The exception to this is hairless rats, who actually have additional skincare needs. Elderly rats also sometimes need help grooming, but sadly not many rats live long enough for that to be a consideration!
You should get a rabbit if…
- You want a pet you can keep outdoors. Domestic rats aren’t as hardy as their wild cousins and don’t do well outside with the temperature changes. Rabbits on the other hand can happily live in a back yard enclosure, as long as you give them shelter from bad or cold weather.
- You want a pet with a longer lifespan. Rabbits can live up to four times longer than pet rats. If saying goodbye really bothers you, rabbits might be the better pet for you.
- You want a pet that could get along with your dog or cat. As long as your animals don’t show a prey drive towards smaller animals, dogs, cats and rabbits can often get along with each other (with careful introductions.) Having rats around cats and dogs is a lot sketchier, because they’re so small and fragile.
- You want a larger, less delicate pet. Rabbits are definitely bigger and sturdier than pet rats, so it may be more difficult for them to get injured, dropped or stepped on.
- You’re prepared to deal with potential ongoing health problems. Dental problems are especially common in pet rabbits, and require dedicated ongoing care and maintenance. Health problems like overgrown teeth and GI stasis can become life threatening for rabbits if you don’t catch them quickly enough.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between getting a pet rat or a rabbit depends on your specific preferences and circumstances. Consider your lifestyle, space availability, and desired level of interaction to make the best decision for your needs.
If you’re looking for a smaller, lower maintenance pet with a shorter lifespan and you only have a limited amount of space, a pet rat might be the perfect choice for you. Rats are definitely less of a long term commitment than rabbits.
On the other hand, if you prefer a larger, longer-lived pet that can be kept outdoors, and you’re willing to invest more time in grooming and dental care, a rabbit could be the ideal furry friend.
Whether you decide to get pet rats or rabbits, you’re in for a lot of joy and companionship. They’re both very friendly, sociable and fun pets!
Which pet do you prefer? Have you kept both before? Let us know in the comments!
