Grooming

   All rats should be groomed. Don't worry! you don't need to buy rat shampoo or a special brush for them. A toothbrush will do (preferably NOT used) for a monthly brushing. Simply use your toothbrush to gently comb your rats fur. You should spend 5-10 minutes doing long gentle stokes.

   

     If your rat starts to smell or their fur has a grungy look to it you might want to give him/her a bath! You will need baby shampoo (or cat shampoo) and a cereal sized bowl. Do these steps to get your rats fur glossy; 

1. fill your bowl with water (don't make it an deeper than your rat!) 
2. get a dish towel ready next to the bowl (you may experience some splashing)
3. set your rat in the bowl DO NOT WET THE HEAD (if your rat freaks out scratch it behind its ears or do whatever you can to calm them down)
4. after a few seconds take him/her out and set him/her on the towel standing on his/her hind feet
5. rub some soap on your rat very gently
6. Wet your rat down again DO NOT WET THE HEAD
7. Dry thoroughly with a towel. If your rat remains wet he/she may get sick.

You should do this every couple months. If you found your rat seemed happy in the water you could have a rat that can swim! You can give your rat more time to sit in the water and if they seem happy, Fill your bathtub (Not above your rats head) and slowly add water as she/he learns! DO NOT PUT YOUR RAT IN A POOL. The chemicals can easily kill a rat in seconds.