I had 2 rats and one of them died. Is there a way I can keep my other rat from getting lonely?

Question

Hi,

I had 2 male rats, they were brothers, and one of them died. He died in my arms 50 minutes ago.
My other rat has no companion (other than me) now and we unfortunately can't afford to get him another rat companion. So I was just wondering, Is there a way I can keep my other rat from getting lonely/depressed? He's 26 months old, by the way.

Thanks

Answer 1

Hi. So sorry for your loss. Its very sad when we lose one of our rattie friends. I agree with the last poster that at his age, I don't think getting him another cage mate is a good idea. The truth is, he's an old boy himself now, and if you do end up getting another rat, you could well end up with another single boy on your hands after your current boy passes away. He will miss his cage mate but in all honesty, I would handle him all the time yourself now, giving him lots of love and as much company as you possibly can. He will be ok with just you, his loving owner for company for however long he has left. Give him lots of cuddles and attention and whenever you see him pottering around, bring him out to you and let him know he's not totally on his own.



Yes, ideally, another rat would be great, but if he is territorial it could cause him more stress than being by himself and that wouldn't be good for him. Plus, you said you couldn't afford another rattie. Yes, you could get another for relatively little money but when your boy's time comes to pass, the new one will be left on his own - a never ending circle really. And if you cannot afford another rattie, then the new one could bring all sorts of problems with him, vets fees etc. Not very practical at all.



Just be with him as much as you can. Show him lots of love, play with him as much as possible and let him live out the rest of his life with you for however long that is. He will be ok, and so will you. I promise. Lots of love to you.

Answer 2

Getting another rat is actually probably a bad Idea. Rats can be very territorial and if they are introduced to new cage mates they can attack or injure or kill the other rat. I have two female rats and one was 12 months old and one was 6 months old and they attacked each other every time they were near each other. so they have to have separate cages now. What you should do is play with your rat for at least an hour a day if possible. At this point he sounds like he's getting older and probably just needs you. Many rats are purchased single and have no cage mate. Those types of rats become very human friendly. Your little guy probably would prefer to have his brother back but since you cant do that you really gotta let him know you are there to keep him company.

Answer 3

It's funny when people say they can't afford another rat, (not being rude or anything :P ) since rats go for, what. $20-$30 at pet stores, and breeders often sell them for as low as $5. If you don't plan on getting any other rats after this one dies, then your best bet is to keep him company all the time, especially since he was used to having another rat companion. You can always look for a rat rescue who may have some older rats to sell, quite often give away for free, to give him a companion. He's old, but he could have a while to live still, so it'd be sad if he couldn't get any friends.

Answer 4

I see others suggesting getting another rat which is a good idea but sometimes it won't go well. Almost a year ago I went to the pet store to buy two winter whites. Finding out they were vicious the store employee showed me to rats. Dumbo rats. I held one that was so sweet, I got one. But without knowing I was supposed to have two I got her. I've tried adding another rat but.... let's just say it didn't go to well. So she's a loner. Get her lots of toys, ropes, climbing branches, play balls, chew toys, hideaway houses, wheels, burrowing material. Of course nothing can replace the company of another rat but this might help. Play with him a lot too. Do games with him, teach him tricks. There are so many things you can do to keep him busy. Though he will miss his buddy, this is the best you can do. I hope it goes well (: Good luck to you and me both.

Answer 5

Rats can go as low as $5, and even free....! Just go on craigslist and look around, I'm sure you'll eventually find one. No matter how much time you spend with him, your not a rat. He needs a rat companion. Sorry for your loss.

Answer 6

aw, sorry to hear that.

i do suggest you get another rat so that your rat can live in happiness for the rest of his life.

but, if you cant, just play with him all the time!