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Caring for rats and mice requires specialised knowledge. At The Unusual Pet Vets, our experienced veterinary teams provide dedicated rodent care across Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. We understand the unique health, behavioural and husbandry needs of pocket pets, and we tailor our advice to help them thrive.
From preventative health checks to nutritional guidance and medical treatment, our rat and mouse vets support you in creating the right home environment. With the correct diet, enrichment and routine veterinary care, your rodents can live longer, healthier lives with expert support whenever you need it.
To the casual eye these two classes of rodent look particularly alike. So what is the difference between rats and mice? Here are a few:
Any experienced rat or mouse vet will give you the same advice: do not house rats and mice together. They are different species with different behaviours, and they are not natural companions. Keeping them in the same enclosure often leads to stress, fighting, serious injury, or worse. For their safety and wellbeing, they should always be housed separately.
Rats and mice are generally straightforward pets to care for. They require relatively little space, enjoy social interaction with their own species, and are highly intelligent. With appropriate nutrition, enrichment and routine veterinary care, both can live happy, healthy lives.
One aspect of rodent care that should never be overlooked is enclosure security. Rats and mice are exceptional escape artists. A mouse can squeeze through a gap as small as 6mm, and a rat can fit through openings of around 12mm. Their enclosure must be well-constructed, secure and appropriately sized to prevent escapes and injuries. A properly designed habitat is one of the most important foundations of good rat and mouse care.
Mary a gorgeous little rat presented to our Jindalee team for a second opinion due to a fast-growing mass inside her abdomen.
Radiographs were taken by the initial clinics but were inconclusive. We performed an ultrasound that identified a fluid-filled mass that was suspected to be part of her reproductive tract.
Mary was admitted for surgery and the mass was successfully removed. It weighed in at a total of 53 grams, which equalled 20% of her body weight! While Mary was under anaesthetic, she was also desexed at the same time to prevent future reproductive issues.
Mary recovered extremely well from her procedure and was reported to be back to her normal, happy self just 24 hours after the surgery. She was such a little trooper!
Yes. Rats and mice benefit from regular health checks, even if they appear well. These visits allow early detection of common issues such as respiratory disease, tumours, dental problems and weight loss, which often progress quickly if missed.
Rats and mice are prone to respiratory infections, tumours, skin conditions, dental overgrowth, abscesses and age-related disease. Because of their small size and fast metabolism, even mild illness can worsen rapidly without treatment.
Signs of illness may include sneezing, noisy breathing, discharge from the nose or eyes, reduced appetite, weight loss, lethargy, hunched posture, hair loss or changes in behaviour. Any noticeable change from normal should be checked by a vet.
Yes. Respiratory disease is one of the most common and serious issues in rats and mice. Early signs can be subtle but infections can progress quickly, so prompt veterinary assessment and treatment are important.
Unfortunately, yes. Tumours are common, particularly in older rats. Some tumours grow quickly but may be manageable if identified early. A vet can assess lumps and discuss monitoring, medical management or surgical options where appropriate.
Yes, when performed by vets experienced with small mammals. Anaesthesia in rats and mice requires careful dosing, monitoring and warming. Clinics experienced in rodent care are best equipped to manage procedures safely.
A balanced commercial rodent pellet should form the base of the diet, supplemented with fresh vegetables and appropriate treats. Seed-heavy mixes can lead to nutritional imbalances. Your vet can advise on diet adjustments for age, weight and health conditions.
Yes. External parasites such as mites and lice are common and can cause itching, hair loss and skin infections. Parasite treatments should always be species-appropriate, as some products used for other pets are unsafe for rodents.
Rats typically live 2–3 years, while mice often live 1–2 years. Because their lifespan is short, age-related illness can develop quickly. Regular vet visits help maintain comfort and quality of life as they age.
Yes. When quality of life declines, vets can provide pain relief, supportive care and compassionate guidance. End-of-life decisions are just as important for small pets, and our clinics aim to make this process as gentle as possible for both pet and owner.