If you want to get a pet rat for the first time in your life, then you need to know how to provide it with everything it needs.
One of the basic things you should know about rats is that they always have to chew something to stay healthy.
Let's find out, why.
Their teeth don't stop growing
Rats have continuously growing incisor teeth, much like other rodents.
Unlike humans and some other animals whose teeth stop growing once they reach a certain length, rats' teeth grow throughout their entire lives.
This is known as "open-rooted" dentition.
Chewing is a natural and necessary behavior for rats to keep their teeth at a healthy and manageable length.
If their teeth grow too long, it can lead to various health issues, including these.
Overgrown teeth
If not worn down through chewing, the incisor teeth can become too long, making it difficult for the rat to eat and groom properly.
Malocclusion
Misaligned teeth (malocclusion) can develop when the upper and lower incisors don't meet correctly due to uneven wear.
This can lead to painful mouth sores, problems eating, and overall discomfort for the rat.
Infections
If the teeth cause injuries to the gums or other oral tissues due to overgrowth, it can lead to infections.
By chewing on a variety of objects, rats help naturally wear down their teeth and keep them at an appropriate length.
It's an instinctual behavior, and they will naturally seek out suitable materials to gnaw on.
