I have two female pet rats, sisters. One called Tickles, has a very large tumour under her arm that is inoperable but she seems to have a good appetite and is alert and happy...however, her sister Nelly is very sick and has a lump and quite bad arthritis. We have made an appointment next week to put Nelly to sleep but I know that when it's time to put her down that Tickles won't cope at all when she leaves, as she got very depressed when we seperated them after Nelly had an operation for another tumour. Tickles wouldn't eat and would sit in the cage with her eyes closed all day. Should I leave Tickles to keep on living and risk her getting severly depressed or take them both to the vet and put them both to sleep at the same time?
2007-07-31 23:45:23 · 4 answers · asked by ♪ Rachel ♫ 6 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I think maybe put Nelly to sleep, and see how Tickles is. If she's healthy apart from the lump, could you maybe introduce her to a new friend? There's a lot of rats in rescue centres and such, from babies upwards, so you could get 1 about the same age as tickles. But if that's not an option, maybe see how tickles is. If she won't play and all in a week or so, then it's probably best to have her put to sleep.
Sorry about your rats, hope you can work something out for tickles, so good luck!
2007-08-01 00:03:47 · answer #1 · answered by ratlover_littlemonster 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could ask the vet if Tickles would accept a 'new' companion rat. If the answer is yes then I would advise you contacting a local Animal Rescue Shelter. You'd find one in the telephone book. I'm sure there will be another Rat in a shelter somewhere looking for a new friend and a new home. You'd be doing Tickles a good turn and another rat who needs love.
I'm sorry about your dilemma. It's never easy saying goodbye to a loved pet. All I can say is, always remind yourself that your rat was loved and wanted.
2007-08-01 07:10:56 · answer #2 · answered by rachaelknits 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Poor you :o(
I've had lots of rats over the years and when we decided to sell up and move we let the numbers dwindle, eventually to one, and I did fret over whether he'd be ok on his own.
He was fine after a few days by himself, he just needed more time with a human than he used to.
As you know, rats crave company, so you'll have to become her best friend when her sister has gone to the great stickle treat in the sky. Make sure she has extra warm fluffy bedding to snuggle up in and toys to stop her getting bored when you're not home to play with her. Is she shoulder trained? It's probably a bit late for that now but rats are so bright she might pick it up, just bung her on your shoulder and go about your business. They love to see the world from the safety of your shoulder. Not so good if you're ticklish though, ratty whiskers in the ear can make some people double up with laughter, then she'd fall off!
As for Tickles' tumour, have you tried echinacea? Ask you vet if it'll do her any harm first but I know lots of rat fanciers that swear by it for all manner of ratty problems, especially tumours.
It won't cure it but it might ease the symptoms etc.
Good luck.
xx
2007-08-01 07:17:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Better sad than dead! Everybody is sad when a relative dies, that doesn't mean they have to die too!
2007-08-01 07:12:08 · answer #4 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋