Caring for “Pocket Pets”: Rats, Degus, Guinea Pigs — Hygiene, Habitats & Diet

Introduction: Big Personality, Small Package

Not every animal lover has the space—or the lifestyle—for a dog or cat. For many, pocket pets offer the perfect balance of companionship, intelligence, and manageability. These small mammals—like rats, degus, and guinea pigs—may fit in your hands, but they require just as much care, commitment, and love as their larger counterparts.

These species are known for their social behavior, unique communication styles, and remarkable ability to bond with humans. But with their compact size comes specialized care. From habitat setup and daily hygiene routines to dietary needs and mental stimulation, pocket pets need more than just a cage and pellets.

In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of caring for rats, degus, and guinea pigs—three of the most popular and rewarding small mammal pets.

Understanding Pocket Pets

Pocket pets are typically small mammals that can be housed indoors, often in cages or enclosures, and are popular for their small size, minimal odor (when properly cared for), and playful personalities. The term is informal—it doesn’t mean they literally fit in your pocket (though some might try!).

Among the most intelligent and interactive of the group are:

Rats – Highly intelligent and affectionate, often misunderstood
Degus – Curious, diurnal rodents native to Chile with social tendencies
Guinea pigs – Gentle, vocal, and deeply bonded to their companions

Each has distinct needs and behaviors, so let’s explore how to care for them properly.

Rat Care: Smart, Social & Incredibly Clean

General Overview

Lifespan: 2–3 years
Size: 9–11 inches (excluding tail)
Temperament: Friendly, trainable, social in pairs or groups

Ideal Habitat

Multi-level cages with horizontal bars for climbing
Minimum size for 2 rats: 24” x 36” x 24” (but bigger is better)
Provide hammocks, tunnels, ladders, and cardboard boxes
Wire spacing should be <1/2 inch to prevent escapes

Cleaning Routine:

Spot clean daily (remove waste, replace wet bedding)
Deep clean once weekly with pet-safe disinfectant
Wash hammocks and cloth items regularly to avoid ammonia buildup

Best Bedding: Paper-based, dust-free bedding like Carefresh or fleece liners (never cedar or pine)

Diet Essentials

High-quality rat lab blocks or pellets as a base
Fresh fruits and vegetables (e.g., broccoli, apple, carrots—avoid citrus and sugary treats)
Occasional cooked grains, eggs, or pasta for protein variety
Fresh water always available via a sipper bottle

Avoid: Junk food, chocolate, raw beans, onions, sugary cereals

Enrichment & Social Needs

Rats are highly intelligent—they need daily playtime outside the cage
Learn tricks, play fetch, navigate mazes
Must be kept in same-sex pairs or groups to avoid loneliness and depression
Use puzzle toys, ropes, and treat-dispensing items

Degu Care: Daytime Dynamos with Big Brains

General Overview

Lifespan: 5–9 years
Size: 9–12 inches (including tail)
Temperament: Alert, energetic, extremely social

Ideal Habitat

Large cage with multiple levels (at least 24” x 36” x 24” for 2–4 degus)
Solid flooring (wire hurts their feet)
Deep area for digging and burrowing
Exercise wheel (minimum 11″ diameter)
Chewable wood toys and hideouts

Cleaning Routine:

Spot clean daily
Deep clean 1–2 times per week
Degus love dust baths—provide a ceramic dish with chinchilla sand 2–3 times a week

Best Bedding: Aspen, paper bedding, or hemp—deep enough for digging

Diet Essentials

Hay-based diet with fresh Timothy hay available 24/7
Species-specific degu pellets (low sugar, high fiber)
Limited fresh veggies (e.g., dandelion greens, cucumber, carrot tops)
Avoid fruits—degus are prone to diabetes
Fresh water in a sipper bottle

Avoid: Corn, sugar, fruit, and foods high in starch

Enrichment & Social Needs

Must live in groups or pairs—degus become depressed when isolated
Chew toys, foraging puzzles, climbing branches
Prefer consistent daytime interaction—they’re diurnal, unlike most rodents
Handle gently and regularly for social bonding

Guinea Pig Care: Gentle Companions with Loud Voices

General Overview

Lifespan: 5–7 years
Size: 8–12 inches
Temperament: Gentle, expressive, vocal

Ideal Habitat

Minimum cage size for 2 pigs: 7.5 square feet (e.g., 30” x 50”)—more is better
No wire bottoms—flat, solid flooring only
Provide hideouts, tunnels, ramps (no vertical climbing)
Clean water bottle and ceramic food dish

Cleaning Routine:

Spot clean daily (remove droppings and soiled bedding)
Replace bedding fully and disinfect cage weekly
Use a pet-safe cleaner and wash all accessories

Best Bedding: Paper bedding, fleece liners, or wood shavings (avoid cedar)

Diet Essentials

Unlimited hay (Timothy, orchard grass) is essential for digestion and dental health
Fortified guinea pig pellets with added vitamin C (they can’t synthesize it)
Daily servings of fresh vegetables: bell peppers, kale, cilantro, romaine
Occasional fruits as treats (apple slices, strawberries)

Avoid: Iceberg lettuce, onions, potatoes, cereals, seeds

Enrichment & Social Needs

Must be kept in pairs or herds—guinea pigs are herd animals
Offer cardboard tunnels, paper bags, hay piles to explore
Soft interactions: gentle handling, lap time, brushing
Recognize their vocal language:
- “Wheeking” = excitement
- “Purring” = contentment (or irritation if low-pitched)
- “Chutting” and “chirping” = communication with cage-mates

Common Health Issues to Watch For

Rats

Respiratory infections
Tumors (especially in females)
Parasites or skin issues

Degus

Diabetes
Dental overgrowth
Tail injuries (from rough handling)

Guinea Pigs

Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy)
Mites or fungal infections
Urinary issues or stones
Dental misalignment

Signs of illness: Weight loss, lethargy, labored breathing, crusty eyes/nose, loss of appetite, strange vocalizations. Seek exotic vet care immediately.

Tips for First-Time Pocket Pet Owners

Research before choosing your species—some are more hands-on than others
Ensure you have access to an exotic pet veterinarian nearby
Invest in a proper-sized enclosure from the start—small cages are a common mistake
Create a routine for feeding, cleaning, and social time
Never keep pocket pets alone—companionship is essential for rats, degus, and guinea pigs

Creating a Happy Habitat: Essentials Checklist

✓ Proper cage size
✓ Safe, non-toxic bedding
✓ Clean water daily
✓ Balanced diet (hay, pellets, fresh veggies)
✓ Toys, tunnels, chew materials
✓ Companionship (never house alone)
✓ Routine vet checks
✓ Time outside the cage (supervised play area)
✓ Enrichment rotation to avoid boredom

Final Thoughts: Little Pets, Big Responsibility

Caring for pocket pets like rats, degus, and guinea pigs is a uniquely joyful experience—filled with bonding, learning, and love. Despite their size, these animals require time, attention, and thoughtful care to live their best lives. But in return, they offer intelligence, affection, and a deep connection that surprises many first-time owners.

Whether it’s the clever tricks of a rat, the chirpy chatter of a guinea pig, or the sunlit antics of a degu, one thing is certain: when treated with love and respect, pocket pets prove that the smallest creatures often leave the biggest mark on our hearts.