Rats are naturally very clean animals. Like cats, they clean themselves and rarely need to be washed. Rats should not be bathed very often because it can dry out their skin and cause irritation.

When giving a rat a bath, you want to avoid getting their head and ears wet. Use a gentle small animal shampoo. A lot of rats do not like water and will try to claw up your arms to get out of it, be prepared.

If the rats tail needs to be cleaned, use a soft bristled tooth brush and gently brush downwards towards the tip of the tail. I find it easier to get the tail clean when it is submerged in water while brushing. It may take a little while to get it clean, take a couple breaks so the rat can explore.

Throughout the whole bathing experience, talk to your rat in a soothing voice and assure them that they’re going to get treats afterwards!

First, you want to get the area clean and ready. Fill your sink or tub with warm water–remember, rats body temperatures are higher than humans, so the water will need to be warmer than what we’d use.
Have a towel or two ready. Lay one out next to the sink for your rat to climb onto when the bath is done. Use the other to dry them off.

Second, get the rat and let them explore the counter or tub for a couple minutes. I like to use the tub, and only fill it about 1.5 inches with water, and leave a little room at the back of the tub without any so the rats can ease themselves into the water when they’re ready.

Third, and this is the step you want to do quickly… get the rat wet up to the neck and, using a very small amount of shampoo, lather them up. Make sure you get deep down to the skin. Rinse them off quickly and let them get out.

Dry them off and give them lots of treats. Remember, soothing words and lots of loving tickles and back rubs. They may be mad that you put them through that, but it won’t last.

In the winter, you may want to use a hair dryer on the lowest setting to help dry them. Make sure they are nice and warm when you put them back in their cage.