How Long Do Rats Live?

Week 1-2: Pinkies

Extremely vulnerable and dependent on mother. Eyes and ears closed, completely hairless. By week 2, eyes open, ears unfold, fur develops. 100% rely on mother for survival.

Week 3-4: Pups/Kits

Adolescents start moving and venturing out. Critical period for learning to forage, hide from predators, and socialize. Without skills, may be picked off by predators.

Week 5-9: Adults

Completely independent, leave mother, seek own meals. Rats are pack animals that nest together with dominant male as pack leader.

Week 6-12: Sexual Maturity

Males ready to reproduce weeks 6-10, females weeks 8-12. Females strive to mate with dominant male for strongest offspring.

Roof Rats

• Sexual maturity: 1.5 - 2 months
• Litter size: 4-8 pups
• Litters per year: 4-6
• Can get pregnant again in less than 48 hours

Norway Rats

• Sexual maturity: 3 months
• Litter size: 8-12 pups
• Litters per year: 4-7
• Can get pregnant again within 2-day window

Wild Rats

Open to predation, starvation, diseases, and elements. Average lifespan: about 1 year.

Domesticated Rats

Given what they need to survive, no predator worries. Live 2-3 times longer than wild rats.

Brown/Norway Rats

Average 2 years. Live in burrows and sewers away from predators.

Black/Roof Rats

Average 1 year. Live in trees and roofs, exposed to predatory birds and cats.

Without Food

Most rats survive roughly a week without food. Before starving, they become desperate and consume just about anything. Rats also store food like squirrels for times of need.

Without Water

Rats are small enough that water needs are not difficult to maintain. They get most water from food they eat, so they do not need to drink as much.

Respiratory Problems

Cause disease and infection in young rats with weak immune systems. Constant exposure to filth and contaminants leads to early death.

Heart Disease

Extremely common cause of death. Likely genetic defect that weakens the heart. Spreads quickly through interbreeding within packs.

Cancer

Regular occurrence in rats. Multiple types affecting different body parts.

Parasites

Protozoa, tapeworms, and pinworms infect rats. Causes malnourishment, bleeding, and death.

Anti-coagulants

Warfarin and Fumarin. Slow-acting, works over a couple days.

Bromethalin

Neurotoxin attacking liver and brain. Takes a couple hours to kill.

Vitamin-based

Causes overdose of Vitamins A, D, E, K. Takes about a day to kill.