Sometimes, rats need a little help to stay clean, especially when they get dirty or start to smell. In such cases, a proper bath can be a great solution to keep your space fresh.

Part 1

Step 1. Ensure your rat is comfortable being in water.

Step 1

Step 2. Close the bathroom door and fill the sink with warm water halfway.

Step 2

Step 3. Place a towel next to the sink for your rat to jump onto and dry off.

Step 3

Have a towel ready for drying after the bath to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Step 4. Hold your rat in one hand and use the other to grab a dog shampoo, preferably oatmeal-based, due to its gentleness and moisturizing properties.

Step 4

Avoid using flea shampoos on your rat.

Step 5. Gently place your rat in the sink to wet its fur.

Step 5

Make sure that water doesn't get into the ears or eyes of your pet. The process may not be enjoyable for your rat, so speak to it soothingly.

Step 6. Remove your rat from the water and place it on the towel.

Step 6

Apply shampoo to the fur, being careful not to overdo it and to avoid getting it on the face.

Step 7. Dip your rat back into the sink to thoroughly rinse off the shampoo, taking care not to get water on its face.

Step 7

Step 8. Continue the process as needed.

Step 8

Step 9. Allow your rat to jump out of the sink and shake off.

Step 9

Step 10. Dry your rat with a towel.

Step 10

  • Bathing is not a mandatory procedure but is beneficial before shows or when an unpleasant odor arises.
  • Choose a small animal shampoo with natural oils if you need to bathe your rat more than once a month. Bathing may be required more frequently, especially if your pet has been ill or is older. However, be aware that too frequent bathing can strip your rat of its natural oils and cause dry skin. Use baby shampoo or a specialized pet shampoo, as regular shampoos for humans can cause skin issues for your pets.