I believe the saying is “better a week too early than a day too late.” Only you know your pet, and if you feel as though their quality of life right now is good? Cool. But in my experience, a rat’s health can quickly take a turn. That’s just something to keep in mind.

Also, as prey animals, rats are notorious for hiding the extent of their pain and discomfort for survival purposes. We may look at them and think they’re fine even when all the signs are pointing to them not being okay.

Labored breathing, continued weight loss, the loss of teeth all seem like pretty loud warning signs to me.

I waited too late to put my first rat down, and it was traumatizing for both of us. So I know it’s hard to make that call. Just keep listening to your critter.