Rat care – hygiene, nails, fur & pest products

Choosing Rat Care – Quick Selection Guide

First, determine where your "benefits" lie: daily hygiene (marking & odors), nails & coat , or pests/environment . From there, you can make targeted choices – and avoid unnecessary use of products.

1) For a fresh cage and fewer odors

• Spot clean (remove wet spots immediately) and clean thoroughly every week.
• Combine with practical cage items such as Rat toilets and Rat pee mats .
• For accessories (wood/ceramic/plastic) urine/odor removers are ideal, such as CSI Urine Spray or BIO Urine Buster .

2) For nails & “handy rat hands”

• Choose a good pair of nail scissors and cut only the tip (calmly, in good light).
• Tip: combine with enrichment so that rats can move and climb, for example platforms and ladders .

3) For pests & environment

• If suspected: work hygienically (wash textiles, clean cage) and, if necessary, also treat the environment with suitable products.
• Also see Rat Health for supplements and support.

Practical tip: choose a fixed routine (spot cleaning + weekly schedule) rather than trying to do everything at once. This gives the best and most consistent results.

Cleaning routine – keeping your home fresh (and rat-proof)

Rats are active and mark. That's normal. This approach will keep it manageable:

✔ Daily: Spot-clean wet corners/areas, shake out textiles, check drinking and feeding areas.
✔ Weekly: clean fixed places (platforms, corners, toilets) and replace where necessary.
✔ Periodically: thoroughly clean the cage & accessories with a suitable cleaner, such as Powerful Cage Cleaner .
✔ Work smart with toilets and pee pads on favorite routes and corners.

Pests & Environment – Control, Prevention and Clean Working

Do you see itching, scratching, or "bugs"? Keep it practical: clean, wash textiles, and use a suitable product for the environment/pests where necessary. In this category you'll find:

• Beaphar Mite Blocker Combi (environment/approach according to label)
• Beaphar Dimethicare Environmental Spray
• Anti-Pest Spray
• Control tools (useful for quick checking)

✔ Advice: If you have any doubts or if symptoms persist, it's wise to consult a rodent specialist veterinarian . Always follow the product instructions.

Checklist – Rat care that is “right”

✔ Spot-clean routine (small daily actions, regular weekly cleaning)
✔ Practical hygiene aids: toilets + urinal mats
✔ Urine/odor remover for marking spots (accessories stay fresh longer)
✔ Check nails (especially with less climbing/older rats)
✔ Wash textiles (hammocks, cushions) regularly and allow to dry completely.
✔ Sufficient furnishings & comfort: nesting material/cushions and quiet sleeping places

Safety

Always use care and cleaning products according to the instructions . Rinse cleaned accessories thoroughly (where applicable) and let everything dry completely before returning it to the cage. Avoid harsh chemicals and strong odors in the enclosure. Take extra care with sprays: ensure ventilation and keep rats away until the product has taken effect/dried. Questions about what's best for your situation? Feel free to contact us via our service page .

FAQ – rat care

Do rats stink?
Rats can mark, which can sometimes leave a smell. Spot cleaning, toilets/urine mats, and a good cleaning routine will keep the enclosure much fresher.

Can I wash my rat?
Bathing is usually unnecessary and can be stressful. For minor accidents, wipes or dry shampoo are often more practical. For skin problems, veterinary advice is recommended.

How often should I clean the cage?
Daily spot cleaning and weekly regular cleaning work best for most groups. Adjust the frequency based on the group, bedding, and "marker areas."

Should I cut rats' nails?
Sometimes, especially when nails get too long. Just trim the tip and work slowly. Good nail scissors and plenty of climbing/claw use will help.

What do I do about pests?
Keep the enclosure extra clean, wash textiles, and, if necessary, also treat the environment with suitable products. Follow the label and, if in doubt, consult a veterinarian.