Rats are very curious and intelligent animals, and a pet store will tell you a lot, but they are not as easy as they make it seem. Rats need large enclosures, a lot of interaction and attention to diet and health. There are quite a few things to know before owning rats, here are some of those things!
1. There is a lot of misinformation about them online
Unfortunately, in the rat world there is a ton of misinformation out there. This makes many victim to such bad information, and they too spread it unknowingly. It is important to do the necessary research, and ask experienced owners that can send you reputable sources. Dive deep!
2. Do not listen to pet stores
Pet store employees often pass out dangerous advice. Of course they do not mean to, they just don't know, but it is bad info nonetheless. There are some, you will know if they are reputable if they show you good online sources. Sadly, many times they will pass you a bad cage and poor food without a second thought.
3. They need companions
Rats are not solitary animals. Any breeder or individual sending out rats alone does not know what they are doing. They require companionship, humans are not enough, you need multiple rats. It is never 'I want a rat' it's 'I want rats!'.
4. They have short lifespans
Yes, it is true. On average, rats can live 1.5-3 years, age can depend on genetics (though sometimes it is just luck!), breeder rats will likely live longer than rats being bred at random. It can be hard, the loss can be a lot, but their love while they are here is incomparable.
5. They are not cheap pets
The rats themselves may not cost a lot of money, but a suitable cage will. Monthly costs, when feeding properly, will be a good amount. They need a balanced main feed as 80% of their diet, and fresh foods as 20%. You cannot feed them random cabinet foods or wet human meals as a main diet, this will lead to obesity.
6. They are susceptible to a number of illnesses and diseases
They might get sick often, it is good to have meds on hand after you can recognize the traditional URI, and having a first aid box is ideal. This is also why it is extremely important to have a rat savvy vet in your location, and ensure this before you get rats. A lot of first time owners make this mistake.
7. Vet bills are expensive
Rats are considered exotic pets, it is a good idea to have a vet fund aside, a savings account just for that, because things can get crazy. A credit card is a good idea, then you can pay hefty bills easily, and pay off as able. Be ready to see a huge number if you go to a vet for an emergency. I would recommend having a good $500 for vet funds, in case of an emergency, but the amount set aside can vary on your location. It's always a good idea to call around and ask flat fees for scheduled appointments and emergencies.
8. They need large cages
The cages employees show in store are poor, and not big enough. Rats need large cages, with large amounts of floorspace. Rats are fossorial, while height is an added bonus, floorspace is vital. Secondhand cages can be awesome, brand new can be expensive but if you can do, it go for it!
9. They are highly sensitive to smells
This includes perfumes, candles, air fresheners, wax melts, incense, scented detergent, scented bedding, all of it. They have a very frail respiratory system, these things can cause illnesses, it is not hard to get rats sick.
10. They require a lot of toys and enrichment
A bare cage is a boring cage, get tons of stuff and be ready to pack their cage full! I see so many cages with just ramps, and I understand sometimes it is on the box that way, but it is only displaying the product, not the proper way to enrich it and set it up. There are great facebook groups focused on rat cage set ups.