Domestic rats are highly social, intelligent animals whose welfare needs are frequently underestimated, resulting in avoidable suffering from loneliness, inadequate enrichment and untreated health problems.
Domestic rats are among the most cognitively complex small pets, capable of empathy, problem solving and developing strong bonds with human companions. Their welfare needs are correspondingly complex and poorly served by small barren cages and solitary housing. Social isolation causes measurable distress in rats, manifesting as abnormal repetitive behaviour and depression-like states. Health problems including respiratory disease and tumours progress rapidly in rats and require proactive veterinary attention. Understanding rats as intelligent social animals rather than low-maintenance pets is essential to providing genuinely good welfare.