Rats display remarkable cognitive abilities including empathy, laughter and metacognition, making the case for significantly improved welfare standards in laboratory settings.
Rats are among the most cognitively sophisticated animals routinely used in large numbers in research. Their empathy, social bonds, communication and metacognitive abilities indicate an inner life far richer than is commonly assumed. Yet laboratory rats are typically housed in small, barren cages, often in isolation despite being naturally social animals. The evidence base for improved housing — larger, more complex environments with social companions — shows improved welfare without compromising research validity. Implementing these improvements requires changes to established protocols and initial investment, but the welfare case is clear.