Eva's Natal Rat Page (Praomys natalensis)

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The Natal Rat

Praomys natalensis A rather new pet in Sweden is the small Natal Rat (Praomys natalensis). This ratty species has lots of different names, because it has changed its scientific name several times since it was first discovered in 1834. It has been called Rattus natalensis - and even Mus natalensis a very long time ago - but now it can be found under the name of Praomys natalensis. It was recently called Mastomys natalensis. Praomys natalensis is the most recent (=correct) name. Even though this species is called "rat", is it just as closely related to our pet mice as to our pet rats.

The natal rat is very pretty with its big eyes and erect ears and small mouselike hands. I suspect they will become rather common as pets soon, especially since they already come in several colour varieties. Since they are more interrested in climbing than in digging it is fun to build playthings for them to climb on. As soon as they get something to climb up on they will, even if they are tame (at least mine does!) and they have very good balance so they are very nice to watch.

Praomys natalensis is small, maybe twice as big as a mouse, odourfree!, and the behaviour is like the behaviour of the common rat - Rattus norwegicus (in captivity). The appearance is more like a mouse. These rats can be housebroken and are very friendly and social. Males can be kept together as with the common rat (R. n.). In fact this new rat is supposed to be a lot less territorial than the common pet rat, so therefore they are easier to introduce to new individuals.

In the wild several families can be found in the same burrow, and strangers are accepted. Praomys (Mastomys) natalensis is the most common rat in Africa and a pest that digs into houses, eating everything, just like rats and mice on other continents.

Praomys natalensis has been used in the laboratories for years, used in studies of several different human deseases. In the wild this rat species is a natural reservior for the Lassa feber (zoonotic desease) so among others this disease is studied in the laboratory.

Keeping Praomys natalensis as pets:

These rats lives for 2 - 3 years medium, i.e. they can get older than this.
They smell less than mice (since it is not a mouse!) but they also smell less than the common pet rat (Rattus norvegicus)!
They need a rather big cage, at least 60 cm (24") long, preferably an aquarium or a big bird cage.
They like to climb, and have really good balance, better than common pet rats.
This rat species is omnivorous, but really likes vegetables.
This rat should never ever be kept alone!

More to read about Praomys natalensis

Two booklets about Praomys natalensis (in Swedish).
More information about the booklets (in Swedish):
Dina första Natalpälsråttor.pdf.
Skötselråd för Nataler.pdf.