ratty friends

Question
I bought a pair of rats a few years ago, and have been enjoyed keeping them since. However, one of them has had a long battle with cancer and I've decided to have her put down, as she is really only suffering these days.

I want to get a companion for my remaining rat, but I would like to branch out with a new species. I have a huge cage that could comfortably fit just about anything requiring a cage, but I'm not sure if introducing another kind of animal to my rat is a bad idea.

Answer
Hello Jamie,

I am sorry to hear about your rat.  It's very sad when you have had a pet for years just to watch them suffer from cancer.  You are making the right decision.

As far as putting your other rat with another animal species, I wouldn't recommend it.  I don't know any other type of animals that rats get along with besides other rats.  I know rats kill mice so they are out of the question.  Hamsters...I am not 100% sure about.  Anything bigger like a guinea pig, chinchilla or ferret can kill your rat and they are just not compatible animals.

If you wanted to have a different type of animal, go for it but I wouldn't recommend putting them in the same cage, just for your rats sake.

I wish you luck.

Amber