Preparing your rat for the big day

Inspecting your rat

At least two weeks before the show inspect your rat carefully to make sure he has not developed any small lumps or obtained scratch or bite marks (scabs). You can do this by feeling all along you rat's body for any rough or lumpy areas on his skin. Give special attention to the neck and rump area. If small wounds are found treat them with an anticeptic ointment which will not stain his coat.

Nailclipping

A few days before the show carefully clip your rats nails. You can do this by sitting in a well lit area and placing the rat on your lap. Gently take hold of each of the rat's feet between your tumb and forefinger in turn and clip the nails with your other hand using a normal "human" nailclipper. Only clip the tip of the nail and make sure you dont cut into the quick of the nail as that will cause bleeding.

A normal nailclipper that is used to clip rats nails

This rat's nails are being clipped

Usually rats are not too fond of nailclipping and doing it for the first few times you will probably struggle to get the rat to sit still, but once a rat gets used to this procedure it is much easier. If you really cannot manage try to get a more experienced rat owner or a vet to help you (even if you have to ask someone on the morning of the show).

Bathing

The day before the show make some time to bath your rat to make sure his coat is free from stains and/or dandruff. Dont leave this task until the morning of the show, your rat will need time to dry and to groom himself to get the coat back into his normal position.

You will need the following things to bath your rat:

Three towels
A container to place your rat in
Shampoo
A hotwater bottle
Two bowls with luke warm water

Necessities for bathing a rat, from left to right - waterbottle, towels and a container

Before bathing your rat prepare the container to place him in once he is bathed. This can be a plastic container or bucket with solid sides (so that no drafts get onto your wet rat which can result in him catching a cold).

A suitable container with solid sides and a mesh lid

Fill the hotwaterbottle with 3/4 boiled and 1/4 cold tap water. Wrap the waterbottle in a towel and place it in the bottom of the container.

You can also place a second towel in the container for the rat to hide under when he dries.

Have a third towel handy to wrap your wet rat in after he is bathed.

Make up lukewarm water in a basin or bowl (which cannot be tipped too easily). Make sure there is no drafts in the room, close the door and the windows.

Test the water with your wrist or elbow (your skin is more sensitive to heat there than on your hands) like you would do when bathing a baby.

Gently place the rat in the water and carefully pour water onto his back and and wet his face and head with your hand.

Pour a little baby shampoo (or pet shampoo but not tick and flea shampoo) onto your hand.

Gently rub it into the rat's coat. Take care not to get any soap into your rat's eyes.

Carefully rub a little soap onto your rats head and face by using your fingers.

Your rat's tail can be washed with the help of a soft toothbrush or by gently rubbing embetween your fingers.

Place your rat in the second bowel with lukewarm water (also tested with your wrist or elbow) and rinse him by carefully pouring some water over him. His face can be rinsed by wiping it with a wet finger.

Remove the rat from the water and wrap him in a towel. Gently wipe of excess water off with the towel.

Place the rat in the container which you prepared and allow him to lick and wash himself until he is dry (this can take the rat up to 1 - 2 hours to do).

Only when the rat is fully dry can you move him into his clean cage.

Brushing your rat

On the morning of the show gently brush your rat with a soft piece of cloth to make sure he is neat and to get any cage litter out of his fur. You can even give your rat a quick brush before placing him into the show cage at the show.