My pet rat is hairless, so I would think if he has mites they would be really easy to see. His claws are really sharp, so I think he's just nicking the skin when he tries to clean himself. I've also haven't noticed him obsessively scratching. One scratchy area is next to his neck and looks like it is bothering him a little. The rest are just surface scratches. I already gave him a bath, not really sure why it just seemed like a good idea. I also haven't altered his bedding material. I'm going to put some neosporin on the scratches to help them heal.
Anyway, I can't get the little rat to calm down long enough to trim in claws. I was needing to trim them anyway because scratches (from dogs, cats, rats whatever they may be) give me a small allergic reaction around the scratch. When I try to hold his little paw still he just squirms around and I'm afraid I'll cut him.
Also, he likes to stand on my shoulders and lick me...why?
2006-07-23 03:21:00 · 5 answers · asked by laetusatheos 6 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Trimming their nails is difficult. I had a pet rat and it took 2 of us to do this. My husband or son had to hold her and her little foot and i used baby clippers and did the best i could w/o cutting too short. You can take u'r rat to an exotic vet clinic and see if they can do the trimming or recommend something to calm him/her so u can trim its nails. I don't know if u know, but don't bathe u'r rat too much. It will strip oils from their skin and they need this. When u'r baby is on u'r shoulder licking u, it's because he's grooming u. That's how they show affection. Sounds like u have a wonderful little friend. Take Care.
2006-07-23 03:36:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to be firm.
For the front ones hold the foot between your fingers so the rat is in your hands, not dangling by his foot. Use nail clippers or dog clippers and trim the nails down, but not as far as where the nail changes colour inside, basicly just take the tip off.
The back ones are a bit harder, you have to hold the rat so that his head is under your (left) arm, then hold the foot with your left hand, you'll have to be very firm, but be careful not to hurt them, then trim as with the front ones.
It's hard to describe though.
As for the shoulder standing and licking, they lick for salt and stand on your shoulders so they can be close to the head of the one they love. It's a nice thing, so be happy.
2006-07-23 03:58:22 · answer #2 · answered by hellahulla 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely buy her a scratching post - depending on the size of your home, perhaps several. Typically, they will instinctively use these b/c the surface is much better for them. However, if you keep her claws trimmed, you will probably find she "claws" alot less. This tends to be their way of managing their own claw length. Also - make sure what you're seeing is "clawing" and not kneading. In clawing they are actually doing a full dig in and pull up motion. In kneading, they are just "flexing" normally with their paws mostly staying on the surface or just lifting slightly between flexes. Kneading is normal too and just a sign of pleasure, contentment, etc and will not damage your stuff if the claws are properly trimmed.
2016-03-27 03:56:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try wraping him in a towel and holding him in your lap instead of clipping the nails try fileing them down i find it easyer to just file off the sharp tip of the nail.
2006-07-23 16:44:49 · answer #4 · answered by mistyeyed12 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reeeeeeely tiny clippers.
2006-07-23 03:24:35 · answer #5 · answered by Ricky J. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋