Care sheet
Caring for hairless rats
Hairless and double rex rats need a little extra warmth and skin care. Here’s how to keep them comfy.
What's different about hairless rats
- Hairless and double rex rats have little or no fur, and often no eyelashes or curly whiskers.
- They're just as social and sweet as furred rats. They just need a few extra comforts.
- Everything on our standard rat care sheet still applies. This page covers the extras.
Keep them warm
- Keep the room at 70–80°F. They chill much faster than furred rats.
- Give plenty of fleece: snuggle sacks, hammocks, and a cozy hide they can burrow into.
- Keep the cage away from AC vents, fans, and drafty windows.
- Pairing a hairless rat with a furred buddy gives them a warm cuddle partner.
- They may eat a little more to stay warm, so keep the food bowl topped up.
Skin care
- Use soft bedding: fleece liners or soft paper. Skip rough shavings that can scratch.
- Keep them out of direct sunlight. Bare skin can burn.
- Check their skin weekly for scratches, scabs, or dry patches.
- Their nails can scratch bare skin. A wood or stone platform helps wear nails down.
- Don't put human lotions or oils on them. Ask a vet if skin looks dry or sore.
Eye care
- With few or no eyelashes, dust gets into their eyes more easily. Use dust-free bedding.
- Watch for red, cloudy, watery, or crusty eyes. Call a vet if it lasts more than a day.
When to call the vet
- Any of the warning signs on the standard care sheet.
- Skin wounds that look red, swollen, or aren't healing.
- Shivering or a rat that feels cold and won't eat. Warm them gently and call a vet.
Questions? We're here for the life of your rat.
Email us at coastalratterypets@gmail.com. If it ever doesn't work out, we'll take your rat back.
This sheet is general care guidance, not veterinary advice. For illness or injury, see a vet who treats rats.