Small mammals have become popular companions for children because of their size, friendly dispositions and ease of care. With proper attention to their needs, small mammals can live full and happy lives in a minimum of space. These characteristics also make them good companions for adults who live in apartments and work long hours.

The cage should be made from wire or glass, not wood or plastic which will be easily chewed. A wire mesh cage or glass aquarium are the best types of caging. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Wire cages allow the animal space to climb, are well ventilated, and can be divided into different levels. Negative points are that they can be drafty, the bedding may leak out, and urine may corrode the metal. Glass aquariums effectively contain bedding and provide a draft-free environment. Aquariums do not allow the animal to climb, and do need more frequent cleaning than a wire cage as they experience a build up of condensation and ammonia from urine. An aquarium should be fitted with a snug-fitting screen to prevent the animal from escaping, something at which most small mammals are quite adept.

Since the small mammal will spend the vast majority of his life in the cage, it is important that it be as big as possible. It should provide room to eat, sleep, exercise and play. A square or rectangular shaped cage is better than a round one, as many of these animals enjoy sitting or sleeping in corners.

The cage should be placed in a draft-free area, out of direct sunlight. High pitched noises can be very distressing to small rodents, so place the cage with this in mind, away from TV remotes, squeaky door hinges, computers, ringing phones, etc. It should be cleaned at least once a week, more often if necessary. The cage can be washed in diluted bleach, then rinsed and dried thoroughly.

Soft wood shavings or hay are the best types of bedding with which to line your small mammal’s cage. Do not use cedar or hardwood chips as the oils they contain can be harmful to the animal. Shredded paper towel or tissue can be offered for nesting material. Do not use newspaper as the ink it contains can be poisonous. All small mammals should be supplied with a nest box, a hiding place to which the animal can retreat for privacy. A smooth edged coffee can or used oatmeal container makes a good nest box.

Toys should be supplied for both exercise and enjoyment. All small mammals, except rats, should have a metal (not plastic) exercise wheel. Most wheels are too small for rats and can injure their tails. All rodents enjoy objects to climb on and in, such as ladders, blocks, empty orange juice cans and paper towel tubes.

A good staple diet for most small mammals is a commercially prepared mix available at pet supply stores. For rats, mice, hamsters and gerbils this mix will contain a variety of seeds, grains and baked pellets. In addition, fresh foods should be offered daily. Small amounts of fruits and vegetables should be given, with leftovers removed before they spoil. Favorite items include apples and carrots. In addition, a mineral lick should be supplied. Fresh water should be available at all times, to which a vitamin supplement may be added. Items on which to chew are vital to small rodents, as their teeth grow continuously throughout life and can grow so long that they impair eating. Chew sticks, such as fruit tree twigs or branches, should be offered, and replaced as needed. Additional items that make good chew toys are pine cones, untreated wood blocks and whole walnuts. Dog biscuits are enjoyed by many rodents, especially rats, as they offer chewing enjoyment as well as something to eat.

Food should be offered in bowls that are heavy enough not to be easily knocked over and small enough to stop the animal from climbing in and leaving droppings. Dry food, such as seeds and grains which will not spoil, may be placed directly in the litter. When the litter is cleaned, however, uneaten food will need to be discarded.

With frequent, gentle handling your small mammal will come to enjoy being taken from his cage. Always use two hands when picking the animal up and support both ends of his body. When holding or carrying the animal, keep him close to your body so that he feels secure and does not try to jump. Until he is accustomed to being handled, always keep a grip on the base of the animal’s tail and handle him over the cage or while sitting. This will keep him from falling out of your hand, an act that can easily be fatal. Most small mammals are nocturnal, and sleep much of the day. It is best not to wake them during this time, but wait until evening before removing them from their cage.

Although all small mammals enjoy exercise time out of their cage, this is especially important for rats. Large and active, rats thrive on social contact as well as stimulating environment. If not provided with this on a daily basis, they become bored and even neurotic.

All small mammals are very susceptible to respiratory infections if left in a draft or exposed to very cold temperatures. This is why the placement of the cage is of great importance. Overall, small rodents are very hardy and thrive with consistent care and a good diet. It is important to know the signs to watch for that may indicate that your animal is sick These include: diarrhea, ruffled coat, weight loss, listlessness, loss of appetite, or discharge from the nose or eyes. If your animal shows any of these symptoms, a veterinarian should be contacted.

Most of the small rodents kept as companions are social animals. Rats, mice and gerbils enjoy living with others of their species. Same sex pairs, or opposite sex pairs in which the male is neutered, are the best combinations. Same sex pairs usually must be raised together from birth to prevent fighting. If these social animals do live alone, their human companions have an added obligation to supply them with the social interactions they need, through daily handling and time spent out of the cage. Hamsters, however, are not particularly social, and seem not to mind living alone.

Along with their popularity, small mammals have also acquired many of the problems that face other types of companion animals. Like their feline and canine counterparts, small rodents are often bought on impulse and as soon as their guardian tires of their “cuteness,” they are neglected or discarded. Their rapid reproductive capacity, combined with their human’s lack of forethought, has also made them chronic examples of the pet overpopulation problem. The vast majority of these animals do not find new homes.