They have always been in the same cage together. Also, should I take in her a box she can't see out of so she isn't frightened by the changing scenery, or would she actually enjoy looking around? I don't want her to be traumatized after the whole thing.
2007-11-07 13:17:37 · 8 answers · asked by Ravenclaw Alumni 2 in Pets ➔ Rodents
It is always best to take all of the rats living in the same cage to the vet at the same time, whether you have two rats or many more. It'll only cost you the fee of one vet visit and the vet might just take the time to look over all of the rats in this one appointment.
You will never know how your rat will react at the vet until you do it for the first time. Some rats are very comfortable and curious, while others will be terrified and run to you for comfort. Cagemates coming along for the ride will comfort the rat that has the appointment.
Another good reason to take along cagemates is that the vet has a healthy rat to use as a comparison if the rat you are taking in is sick.
There is no reason to believe that the rat that is going along for the ride will be traumatized. Rats don't know what situation they are in if they are just allowed to explore the new territory. It's the rat that is going to be poked and prodded that might be traumatized.
spazrats
"my life has gone to the Rats"
2007-11-07 17:08:31 · answer #1 · answered by spazrats 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Whenever one of our rats needs a vet, we bring along a cage-mate, but after seeing Spazrat's response I think I'll try to bring long everybody that's the same sex as the patient.
We have a small pet carrier for vet visits & other short trips. Also, I bring a baggie of treats including veggies (for the water content). Most of our rats travel well, so often I'll open the carrier to give scritches while my SO does the driving. Once we're @ the vet's I usually let the little ones out to climb on my shoulder.
If your rats are well-socialized & used to different ppl, there shouldn't be too much trauma. Probably the scariest vet experience any of ours had was tooth-trimming but this was only a temporary upset.
2007-11-08 01:24:42 · answer #2 · answered by Catkin 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Most definitely do bring her sister along!
I think they would like to be able to look around.
If you have time, get them both used to the travel cage before you take them anywhere. Set the cage up as nicely as you can -- at the very least they need a box to 'hide' in, some bedding and a water bottle. You might also want to include a food dish and maybe even a hammock, if you can. Once it is set up, let them play in it. Don't lock them in, just let them explore it and have fun. Then start taking them on short drives that always end up back at home with lots of treats. It won't take long before your rats are completely comfortable in their travel cage and so they won't be nervous, no matter where you take them!
2007-11-08 01:10:58 · answer #3 · answered by luvrats 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
When ever my rats went to the vet I always brought their cage mate along with them. She may be more comfortable in a travel cage that can be covered with a blanket(instead of the box). Putting them in a box may make her feel trapped and even more nervous, a travel cage would be more familiar(since she is used to being in a cage.
My rats never seemed to be nervous at the vet. I used to think they liked the change. They always looked around the waiting room, smelled at the air, etc. I don't think there will be too much to worry about.
2007-11-07 22:40:18 · answer #4 · answered by Prodigy556 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
I think that she might like to look around. I know my rats are really curious. She might not necessarily come out of the box, but I think she would be less scared if she has the option.
Just make sure that there is a spot for her to hide if she does get scared.
I don't think it will matter if her sister comes as long as she has a place to hide if she gets scared. She knows your scent so that should help calm her down. Bring along a piece of wood or a treat that they have already started to chew on. This might help on the car ride.
good luck!
2007-11-07 21:28:06 · answer #5 · answered by tigerfire2002 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I took all 2 of my rats and they didn't have the results in but 1 died and when I went to the vet to watch surgerys he said that they han pnoumnoa. The other one all better, and the only reason why she got sick is becuse I didn't quarinte the one that died so the new one is on quarinting right now.
2007-11-08 07:28:19 · answer #6 · answered by Home Schooled Rat And Dog Freak 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should bring her cage mate. They will both be more comfortable but if they are apart for too long, they may fight and not recognize each other. So bring both of them, some vets even give a discount if you bring both at the same time.
2007-11-07 23:44:31 · answer #7 · answered by Kate M 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well,
Take her in a box, and you can bring her sister, so shed nbe
more comfortable on where she is. I used to have a hamster and thats what i did and everything worked fine =]
2007-11-07 21:54:52 · answer #8 · answered by Esther L 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋