Domestic rats are highly intelligent, social animals whose welfare needs are often underestimated. Good care requires understanding their cognitive complexity and social requirements.
Rat welfare is frequently compromised by small cages, solitary housing, and inadequate understanding of their social complexity. Solitary rats develop depression-like states, show reduced exploration, and have impaired immune function. Their intelligence means boredom is a genuine welfare problem. Well-cared-for rats in appropriate social groups with environmental enrichment and regular human interaction show positive welfare indicators including play, curiosity, and active foraging behaviour.