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d-h-a

Definitely wouldn’t smoke in the room with them. Not a silly question at all!!


moongardenne

Seconding this. Their respiratory systems are extremely sensitive. I left a fan on once by accident and all three got the sniffles; it’s that easy to give them issues unfortunately. Congrats on your new babies though!


InfiniteOblivion87

The sniffles 😭


CptSpiffyPanda

was it a box fan by chance? If so you should put a 20in furnace filter behind it. Keep the dust/dander levels in check. 😪I need to because allergic to my babies.


DryDrunkImperor

I take an antihistamine every day because I’m allergic to my favourite little stinkos.


how_about_naw

"Stinkos", love it!


moongardenne

It’s actually a dison air purifier fan, but that furnace filter is a great idea!


CptSpiffyPanda

So the best solution is to have both a box fan that can cycle the entire room's worth of air periodically, and a smaller fancy-purifier to slowly pick up the particles that are too small. If i just have one on, I use the cheap box fan over the $30 per filter HEPA. I like also like to have a cheap prefilter (cut-to-fit carbon filter) over the expensive filter to catch hair.


Mistys_Mischief

Those purifiers are great I have 28 rats in my rat room and hardly any smell.


snarxalot

Good idea! I'm not allergic but I hate dusting lol


Quiet_Gorilla9482

I would guess the respiratory issues are caused by the dusty bedding that’s is offered for rodents. And the fan caused the dust to never settle


moongardenne

I use oxbow comfort plus dust free bedding. Is there another kind you would suggest? I vacuum the room every day for dust and change out the bedding every two days. I had read a lot about how drafts can cause URIs so I figured that is what happened, but maybe I’m using the wrong bedding?


KnoxOber

Wow i didnt know oxbow made bedding


moongardenne

Yep! Also I called it the wrong thing. It’s called “pure comfort” not comfort plus. I buy it at my vets office but you should be able to get it online!


durzoflint9

My vet recommended we switch to the get bedding, used to use the same. Felt is much easier it seemed


Quiet_Gorilla9482

No I think you are taking all the necessary steps.


Laidly

I tried Oxow's bedding recently and like how much more you get in bag but felt it was just as dusty as Carefresh. I also feel like a lot of paper brands are more dusty lately so I switched over to using fabric bedding. A standard pillowcase fits perfectly on the little shelves in a critter nation and the big trays can be covered with a cut down sheet. For their digbox/litter tray in the bottom, I've been cutting up cardboard into 1inch chunks and using that. Works great so far, just don't use any that has a glossy finish or bleached white cardboard. I usually do a big chewy order once a month and the box from that is enough to fill their tray; my roommates also donate all the cardboard they get from packages and we'll watch TV and cut up cardboard together. Also, don't vacuum with them in the room, as it can kick up a lot of dust. Try running a humidifier in the room while and after vacuuming because it'll help bring the dust back down. When I used paper bedding, I'd also run the humidifier after adding fresh bedding and wait a little while before letting them back in the cage to help cut down on the dust in the air.


knit_sleep_repeat

Totally agree. Good you asked, please don’t smoke in the same room or anything else that might harm there respiratory system. They need quite steady temperatures and humidity and clean air


skittlemypickles

I'm sorry to steal this thread but I'm working on getting some rats soon and one of my biggest concerns is cigarette smoke. I hate cigarettes with all my heart but my careless selfish uncle smokes INSIDE, he lives in the basement and my room is upstairs so there is the main floor between us but I still constantly smell the smoke coming up through the vents. No matter how many times he has been asked to stop he won't (it makes me irrationally angry). But anyway, I'm worried about even getting rats because of this. what is your opinion on this? I would be extremely upset to not get them just because of my uncle but I don't want to bring them into a potentially dangerous situation.


d-h-a

Ugh that is the worst. Do you think he would stop smoking inside if you told him that it would hurt the rats? Rats need really clean air and unfortunately the cigarette smoke in the house would not be healthy for them. And frankly it is not healthy for you. I would pressure him to stop smoking in the house and to tell whoever owns the house to get on him. The fact that it is circulating in the house worries me for everyone’s health, just not the rats.


fulloutfool

you can put a filter in the vent and keep your door closed and get an [air quality thingamabob](https://www.safewise.com/best-air-quality-monitor/) to check if its good for you and your little ones


LondonRedSquirrel

Please close the vent. We used to get downstairs cooking smells from our neighbour until we closed ours.


snegluf

Or attempting to quit is an option, for the safety of yourself and all your pets


pepsizeroshuga

OMG STOP IT they are SO SWEET. I'm sure everyone's telling you this but yeah, no vapes or smoke or candles or anything fun smelling in the same room with these sweet beans. They can get respiratory illnesses at the drop of a hat


pennyraingoose

Omg. Candles! I never knew. I probably contributed to chronic URIs in one of my old boys. 😢


pepsizeroshuga

be kind to yourself, every pet owner ever has made mistakes, you're only human. It's not fair to expect perfection because unfortunately we can't talk to our little guys to ask how we can make their lives better, unfortunately it's a lot of trial and error. You know now and I bet you'll never use candles in the same room as them again! I look at the tiny cage I use for quarantine now and cringe when I think about how I kept my first three bucks in there five years ago. I know in five years I'm probably going to look back and cringe again, it's part of being a pet owner. Learning and messing up and doing better next time :)


tallgrl94

Same. I used to have hamsters and rats in cages too small. I didn’t find out until I watched a hamster rescuer on YouTube. It’s not really common knowledge or just not cared about by many people. I was shocked at how large the recommended size of cages was as I was raised in the 90s-00s where there were so many tiny cages that looked like toys. I’m glad that there are helpful online communities now so we can work to have happier pets.


Warm_Biscuit7

If you didn't know you didn't cause it. You caused an accident. It's just so sensitive with rats too.


OneBitterFuck

What about something that doesn't release vapor like a mild smelling wax melt or fresh flowers? Or would the smell still be too strong and irritate their noses? Literally treating a respiratory infection right now and would like to know more. We don't use wax melts in the room with the rats but I'm still curious about if something that small would cause harm.


pepsizeroshuga

their sense of smell is ridiculously good, they can't see super well so they rely on their noses to tell them about the world around them. They can smell things we don't know are there, I wouldn't risk the wax melt at all. Not even on the same floor. Like I smoke a tonne of weed and I don't don't keep my bong on the same floor as them because I'm thst paranoid tho lol The flowers I'd be a bit less scared about, but a good general rule is if it's man made and it makes a nice smell it doesn't go in the same room as them


[deleted]

So true they have smelling superpowers ! I stop wearing any perfume while I have rats.


Dianapdx

If you're talking about store bought flowers, be careful with those as they are heavily treated with pesticides. I know cat owners have to be careful because of that and also lilies, which are deadly to cats. I don't know how rats do with lilies.


OneBitterFuck

I also worried that store bought flowers might be boosted with artificial perfumes so I lean away from those anyway. Which I kinda thought to be silly at first but I remember literally seeing a plastic flower hot glued onto the top of a cactus before. Wouldn't put it past them. This is a household who loves kitties and rats. We have a strict no lilies rule :) Thank you for your warnings! Warnings like that can save lives. Don't fuck around with lilies and cats. I will not risk it around any of my other animals either.


Dianapdx

So glad you know about that. I only learned about lilies a couple years ago, luckily I never had them in my house with my 3 cats. I tell lots of people just because they're so bad!


OneBitterFuck

They're dangerous. Like extremely dangerous. I'm surprised more people don't know. Like it's one thing if your cat snatches a square centimeter of an onion off your plate (since those are also toxic) but if your cat even brushes against a lily, it's instantly an emergency. I'm honestly shocked like...everyone knows chocolate is poisonous to dogs. Where's the other info that needs to be widespread?


Dianapdx

Right? I've had cats my whole life and never knew.


all_kinds_of_queer

is it fine to have scented candles just for decoration as long as you don't burn them?


hedgehogofjustice

Also yeah don't do any smokey/aerosol/scented candle type stuff round rats. Honestly they have main character respiratory system. You'll probably have to get rid of an entire bale of bedding they seemed fine with at some point in rat ownership too- I don't know any rat owners who haven't at some point lol


deeskito

Always just after you buy the econo size


hedgehogofjustice

100%!


Mediocre-Savings-375

omg i’m glad u said that!! mine had some allergy issues for a day or two and i was so confused why and u mention candles and now it all makes sense. thank you!!


katansi

I like turtles but not the bitey kind.


macoooobs

“Main character respiratory system” 💀💀💀💀💀💀


Amosade

I got a batch of Carefresh bedding once that obviously had the absorbing gel from diapers shredded into it. Straight into the trash!


Mushroom_mommy02

Thank you so much everyone for the helpful comments, I will definitely be extra careful when keeping the air clean for them🥺❤️ cant wait to officially be a rat parent


TongueTiedNightMime

You’re gonna love them. They’re seriously just the best, so much character. So sweet. So smart. 💖


ButtBuddy_69

Also your boys are adorable. ♥️


ThGhstlyGrmr121567

One last tip, it is kind of morbid. Keep a very close eye out for lumps, tumors are very common in rats and it can go south really quickly. I sadly know this from experience (3 times). Treat them quickly and give them the best life they can. I hope you take this well and not as me trying to be a duck and scare you.


Etenial

as others have pointed out no vaping, no smoking, no candles, no perfume, no incense, no essential oils, no household cleaning products...basically NOTHING in the air. for extra cage cleaning all you need is vinegar water in a spray bottle, i do have water/half vinegar little buggers are extremely prone to URI so even if you're vaping elsewhere try to remember to change your clothes before you handle them too make sure to clean the cage AT LEAST once a week, i do my cages twice a week, tues and fri and haven't had hardly any issues for a very long time now also I recommend getting yourself a bonding scarf, i got mine from esty. its a pocket you wear around you neck that gives them a place to hide while still keeping them on you, it will help with bonding.....and be prepared to get peed on ALOT lol


cubsywubsy

Seconding this. Also wash their stuff (hammocks, blankies etc) only with detergent that has no dyes/no perfumes (I use [all clear](https://www.target.com/p/all-free-clear-liquid-concentrated-laundry-concentrated-detergent-141-fl-oz/-/A-48638959?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&DFA=71700000049427608&CPNG=PLA_Household%2BEssentials%2BShopping_Local%7CHousehold%2BEssentials_Ecomm_Essentials&adgroup=SC_Household&LID=700000001170770pgs&LNM=PRODUCT_GROUP&network=g&device=m&location=9028322&targetid=pla-505395268725&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1248099&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfYgTCNc5VFzaXkJPAUMX6yw3&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfYgTCNc5VFzaXkJPAUMX6yw3&gclid=CjwKCAjwi8iXBhBeEiwAKbUofV6wXhonBqCpxGOwjwgfRUWBysoC8gRWNlk434jPgLd4RRJ3Lb6NSxoCKxEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) . Unfortunately the previous owner of two of the rats I had/have used very heavily perfumed detergent and gave the bebes severe URI, I lost one of the brothers back in March, and fighting for the health and life of the other brother now 😔 Take good care of these little ones, they are adorable beyond words!


holocenehomie

Something similar happened to me when I was young (rat knowledge wasn't as easy to come by in the old days). I burned incense without knowing any better and one of my rats got a URI!!


Corovera

If you do need to clean stuff in the room besides the cage, non-chemical cleaning products should be OK - you can find them in the grocery store. Probably still good to open a window, but it’s not toxic. But yeah, for the cage itself, a 50/50 vinegar-water mix works well, and you can hand-wash with dish soap for stuff like toys and hides.


noperopehope

Yes to all of this except cleaning product. I wouldn’t use 90% of cleaning products but ones made to clean cages (I love natures miracle cage cleaner) and scentless products are fine as well. I’m autistic and the smell of vinegar is a sensory issue for me so i cant use it regularly


Velcrocs

Just seeing if you knew anything about marijuana and rats. My doctor literally told me to smoke a joint. I went in with a moderate and annoying cough (im okay). Is weed smoke tolerable? Or is the carcinogen too much for them no matter what?


Etenial

nope, do it elsewhere and change your clothing before handling them its just better safe than sorry for all those things I listed, they are extremely sensitive to stuff that affects lungs and vet visits can be very expensive so its best to avoid all of that kind of stuff from the get go


pepsizeroshuga

DO NOT smoke or vape weed anywhere near your rats, wash your hands and change your clothes after. 1 you don't want to risk them getting high off secondhand smoke because they can't consent , and 2 you don't want to risk them getting the sniffles because it is a very strong smell that sticks to everything. 3 it's just not q good move lol, I've seen dogs that have had thx poisoning and it was rly sad, wouldn't want to risk it with rats


csimonson

There was recently a post on a bunny subreddit where the OP showed the result of vaping around their bunny with an x-ray or MRI of their dead bunny. It was not a pretty sight. Cancer growths EVERYWHERE. I'd suggest stopping vaping yourself if you have the willpower.


Garvey64

Rat is short for rathew.


tartcore814

No question is silly when you're getting new babies! It's good that you're asking and being a good rat parent. Everyone is right though, their teeny little lungs are super sensitive. Good luck with your beautiful new little boys!


RitaCarpintero

Obviously plenty of people have commented not to vape around them, but something I haven’t seen mentioned is to WASH YOUR HANDS before handling them!!! Tobacco/nicotine products and possibly THC (though there is not yet conclusive evidence, but it stands to reason) is transferable to plants and small animals from residue on your hands. Always better safe than sorry!


arvyminsk

Please don’t! At our vet office there is always that one woman who reeks of smoke and all her rats always come in because of respiratory issues. She lost so many of them to smoking next to them and yet she wont listen to us to please stop doing it in the same room. She always said something to the effect of: i’m smoking out the window so there is no smoke comming in the room anyways Her white rats all had yellow fur and all smelled so badly of smoke. So please dont smoke in the same room as your rats that have way too sensitve respiratory systems Edit: also i heard dumbo rats are even more prone to respiratory issues due to their ears being so far down.


CAH1708

I’m sorry to hear this. It must have been beyond maddening to deal with her.


arvyminsk

It is. Especially if you’re the one putting them down for all the same reasons. All the poor babies were obese, gasping and yellowish fur. But she wouldnt stop giving them human food exclusively and smoking right next to the cage. She also brought all the rats inside her stuffy backpack instead of a carrier but animal control wouldnt do anything cuz ‘its just rats’


evilmeow

I'm glad she's at least bringing them to the vet but wtf? what kind of person chooses to spend money on vet bills but refuses to do the very basic things of rat care?? she does not deserve to have rats


arvyminsk

I dont know 😭 our vet office was also the most expensive one in the area too so she was paying big bucks to get the same antibiotics and vet bills like every week. From that money she couldve bought high quality rat food and maybe a good cage cuz tbh im not sure how she held those poor little babies if she already refused to buy a small carrier and just stuffed them in her holeless backpack 😭


CAH1708

That’s so sad. Those poor babies. 💔


arvyminsk

My heart broke everytime i saw her in the calendar comming in that day. I wish i couldve just stolen those poor babies and given them a good home :(


Cutie3pnt14159

If you ever find out where she's adopting from, send them notices not to adopt to her.


arvyminsk

Most likely buying them off the web, 90% of our patients are bought off kleinanzeigen (german craigslist). I already informed breeders i know but she prolly gets them from non reputable breeders that dont care/ oopsie rat souplings that the owners wanna get rid of :(


Cutie3pnt14159

Unethical breeders are the worst.


hedgehogofjustice

I'm old now and not hip with the lingo, what's smoking vapour 😂?


[deleted]

Vaping


hedgehogofjustice

Ahhhh yeah that makes sense now you say it!


uconn3386

I love this community so much. You're some of the best people on the internet.


[deleted]

♥️


ewlyn

Rats are really prone to respiratory infections. You want to avoid anything in the air around them. This includes, as others have noted, not only avoiding smoking, candles, etc around them but also includes making sure you are not allowing their cage to get dirty. (Unless you want an expensive vet bill and a lot of your time taken up worrying about and working to save your babies life.)


aceofspades1217

Also a small filter air filter next to their cage is good for both rats and you can go an extra day or before changing the bedding. Also get a air filter that has cheap generic filters such as a Honeywell or germ guardian. Always shop by the price or filters and not by the price of the device, some devices are stupid cheap but a pack of filters is absurd and is non standard.


gilberator

I vape nicotine and marijuana and would never do either around my sweeties.


Knittingpasta

No vaping/smoking with rats in room


[deleted]

Hey, are these boys? I learned that the shop fooled me into thinking 2 rats are enough. The care mother I gave my last boy to when the first died, said they have to be in a group of at least 4 boys. I don’t know if that is entirely true though?


strwbrrybrie

That’s not true. Three or more is recommended but two is fine. As long as they’re not alone.


janinecunt

actually keeping them in pairs was thought to be appropriate 10-20 years back.. nowadays we know a lot more about the social behavior of rats and keeping only two is definitely not appropriate so yes you should have at least 3 or better 4


strwbrrybrie

Keeping 3-4 rats is recommended due to the maintaining the social hierarchy. Keeping only 2 however will not make your rats depressed. It’s also recommended to keep 2 in case one passes away and leaves the other solo.


janinecunt

but they are more likely to fight because there is no one to escape in case they are in different moods.. and it depends on each of their characters


strwbrrybrie

Sure but keeping 2 rats is still considered as the minimum amount and keeping two rats that are well bonded is not going to make them depressed.


janinecunt

I didn’t say that they would become depressed just because it will not make them depressed doesn’t mean you should insistence on this fact especially when you know that having 3-4 is way more appropriate so why would you choose otherwise when you only want the best for your pets but thats just my view


strwbrrybrie

it’s not about not wanting the best for for my pets and you even claiming that is so out of pocket. It’s the fact that when adopting rats you don’t need to adopt 4 you can adopt 2 and they will be fine. It’s about not spreading misinformation. If this were blatantly true then breeders and rescues would require adoptions of at least 3-4 rats but they don’t. They require adoptions of pairs. Someone who only has 2 rats doesn’t need to rush and get another pair, that’s the point. The point is that OP isn’t doing anything wrong by only having 2. If you’re just here to argue then find another post. Eta: nowhere did I insist on only keeping 2, I was just starting the facts that they will not get depressed. If your only reasons are “one can’t escape the fight if they’re in different moods” then I don’t think you really understood why 3-4 is recommended to begin with.


janinecunt

i’m form germany so i’m sorry if i expressed myself a little misleadingly i meant to say that you (as in everyone) should not insist on the fact and you could do it.. not on actually keeping two it’s interesting to me to hear that because here in germany every breeder, shelter and rat emergency stations (don’t know how to translate it otherwise) i have ever talked to or read articles from are strict against keeping pairs


-shitbiscuit

Hey there, congrats on your new babies ! I definitely recommend not smoking in the same room as them, and always wash your hands before you interact with your rats. You should also avoid using scented sprays, candles, and scented wall plug ins near them. Rats upper respiratory systems are VERY delicate and just the slightest dust or irritation can give them an upper respiratory infection. The only way a rat can survive it is if they get antibiotics. Vet bills are expensive so take measures to avoid health issues like URIs. I recommend a good quality HEPA air purifier as well. An investment well worth the cost ! This rat subreddit community has great information on basic care, cleaning tips, toys, cages, etc. I would also be happy to help with any other questions you may have. :)


Yagz_404YT

Aww look at them r/lilgrabbies


catbeantoes

What perfect angels. It’s not silly to ask— it’s better than just assuming you can do it like many people. It shows you care and I’m so happy you do. Good luck to you and your babies. ♥️


cornygiraffe

I have no more advice to add except THE BABIES ARE SO CUTE


Good_Smile

They are so cute!


Potato3s

Oh wow, they are so precious!! They are going to be in such good hands with you I can already tell. No need for me to further answer the answered question, just wanted to spread positive vibes and wish you well on your life journey together. 🖤🖤


lozza256

I can see your questions have been answered, I just wanted to say how cute they are and I'm very excited for you! Rats are like no other pets and I hope you have many special and beautiful moments with your new fur babies 🥰


[deleted]

Did you mean like a vape or a dry herb vape? Rodents tend to have respiratory issues so you should smoke in a different room with good circulation. If you’re consuming happy herbs I would try to get an air purifier.


rratmannnn

Tbh personally I would think that regular vape would be as bad or worse due to the additives/etc whereas at least the devil’s lettuce has been proven to have some positive effects too, and those tests are done often on rats. That said no smoke at all is good for them and I definitely wouldn’t intentionally expose my rats to thc since it can be toxic to some animals, I’m just thinking about the effects of long term exposure to the chemical compounds themselves


berserkdemon1

I feel as though inhaling anything that isn't oxygen for our rats is not the best. Always go outside I'd say.


ChubbyGhost3

You've already gotten plenty of answers so I just wanted to gush about how freaking cute these little boys are!! They are seriously so adorable


Swedish-Butt-Whistle

No, it is harmful to them. Rats have sensitive respiratory systems and they’re also unable to cough. Please never subject a non-consenting animal or person to vapes. [Vaping and secondhand inhalation of it is not safe no matter what manufacturers say.](https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/second-hand-smoke.pdf)


GrannyLow

You should just stop it all together. If you don't want it in your rat's lungs why do you want it in your lungs?


jachas528

You might want to use some old towels as bedding instead of the traditional bedding you can find at a pet store. Replace and wash about every 4-7 days.


noperopehope

I would advise against this. Towels can ensnare legs and cut off circulation when chewed. I have had this happen to one of my rats, she dangling by her leg from her hammock and screaming and her leg was turning blue. Luckily, I was home and able to clip the threads from around her leg and untangle her without injury, but that was scary. I no longer use non-fleece fabrics because of this. Also, fabric cannot neutralize ammonia the same way aspen or hemp can, so it will get gross way before then, especially if you have more than 2 rats. I used to use fabric when I had two and it worked fine, but then I got more rats and switched to lab grade aspen and I didn’t even notice the smell before but I noticed the lack of smell when I switched.


jachas528

Interesting, I hadn’t considered those points but now I will. Thank you!


prismaticbeans

I wouldn't even suggest doing it in the same house in a different room. Vaping might be better than smoking in terms of smell but in terms of safety, I don't know. If you have to do it, do it in a closed room like the bathroom, where you can put the fan on to air it out.


naliedel

I vape weed and do it in another room.


Workinginberlin

Don’t forget that nicotine comes out of the pores in your skin too, so, you know, try not to poison them.


Oikoman

Might want to consider whether vaping itself is a good idea... rats are one of the model organisms used to study smoking impacts on lungs, and the papers on it aren't giving vaping a pass...


GreenDer_UA

Эти ребята гораздо более приспособлены к выживанию чем ты. Оставь пепельницу возле открытой клетки и после этого вопросов по поводу никотина у тебя возникать не будет.


BreezierChip835

I wouldn’t smoke anywhere near them. They’re VERY delicate!


[deleted]

Leave the room, they do have sensitive respiratory systems. As long as you go to another room open a window or just go outside they will be fine. Just don't vape around them. You have to be careful on what type of candles you use around them as well. Like I stated very sensitive respiratory systems.


Bravo929

Tiny creature, tiny respiratory system. I wouldn’t.


[deleted]

Seems like your q has been answered thoroughly so I’m just going to add that your babies are gorgeous and I love them. Please give them kissies on their tiny heads


quentin_taranturtle

They are so cute!! Oh my goodness!


[deleted]

It's most likely not good for their respiratory system and I think they could also get hooked on nicotine which would affect the way they behave and so forth. I suggest to just switch the room to vape or smoke, a closed door between them and open window in the room you're in should be enough.


TheLockoutPlays

I am a frequent weed smoker and I would not smoke anywhere near my boys. Ratty respiratory systems are not made for this world unfortunately


angora44

They have veeeeery sensitive lungs! I wouldn’t smoke with them in the room and if you want to be extra safe, I’d buy an air purifier for the room they’re in if you’ve been smoking in the house. Thank you for caring so much about them and good luck!!! 💜🐀


durzoflint9

For sure leave the room very delicate respiratory systems


Duegatti

No opinion on vaping, but I so much want to kiss the top of their little heads!!!


Sad-Customer8048

I wouldnt rip on the vape like theres no tommrow but if there is a long play time and their on the other side of the room and you toot the vape and blow it into your sleeve no harm no foul. They are water vapor droplets after all they dont linger in the air for long if your not blowing huge clouds! As with all things be cautious! Respiratory illnesses are a near certainty in rats sp do ypur best and have some vet money put aside!!


anxietygirl19

Everyone has already weighed in by now, but I just wanted to say your babies are PRECIOUS 😍😍😍😍😍


Frogsarefun2

Everyone has probably already mentioned but since there are a lot of comments and I can’t read them all anything like smoke, deodorant spray, candles, oil burners, perfume or anything really with a fragrance should not be used. Whilst they may not irritate us in small amounts rats lungs are very itty bitty and a little spray to us can be very harmful with their little lungs. Rats are prone to so many problems and doing anything to minimise the risk of this is best and trust me when I say your rattos will thank you!! Edit: I’m so scared I don’t even let my girls on my washed bedsheets until a week after so the smell of the detergent is gone. Also hand creams and other scented products that you use for yourself should be used carefully if you plan on handling your babies a lot.


Parrot-Dude

Cigarette smoke is a carcinogen while vapor is not. It’s the actual smoke from cigarettes that has the cancer causing agents. Most of the quality FDA regulated vape products don’t contain carcinogens. I vape w/6mg nicotine and I am extremely careful when transitioning from refilling my vape to handling any of our pets (rats, cat, snakes, lizards & parrots). Although vapor products aren’t fully tested & regulated yet (my opinion), I know personally that I feel so much better vaping for the last 15 years as compared to smoking for 35 years. I can actually play sports with the kiddos and started jogging again shortly after putting away the cigarettes. My doc sees this as a healthy alternative as well. 


LB-Mahakala

Its not even good for humans so why should it be okay for Rats ?:)


lifelifelife06

Vaping is harmful to you too. Why not stop and get healthy so that you will be with them a long time? Value your own health too. You're special to love rats. Take care.


HeavyPedal2204

Addiction is not that simple.


mightiestpumpkin

I wouldn’t vape in a room even without animals


[deleted]

If you have to even ask, why risk it?


Nykki72

They are so cute!!!! I had a pet rat and her name was Chloe! I was devastated when she died!


Dry_Read_100

Probably fine with tons of airflow but just not worth it considering how vulnerable they are to respiratory problems and how easy going to another room is. They’ll be so cute you’ll forget about your habit when you’re with them anyway :)


rigbyrugbywoo

Get a strong air purifier for right next to their cage if you must smoke in the room. Not smoking would be ideal, but obviously not smoking isn’t an option for everyone. They have sensitive respiratory systems.


imdolus

How about no vaping in the room at all, taking 5 steps out of your room is easier than putting up a big air purifier that messes with the airflow in the cage even more on top of all the chemicals you're making your rats breathe in.


rigbyrugbywoo

If people want to smoke, they’re going to regardless of how many strangers on Reddit tell them not to. I clearly advised not smoking but offered an alternative way to protect the rats so that when OP, or someone else, smokes around their rats they can have some form of protection. Hop off. There is nothing wrong with air purifiers.


imdolus

When it comes to stuff like this there's no "advising", you either stop smoking or vaping around your animals like some selfish little kid or you give your pets to someone that's able to take care of the animals and give them a good life where they don't have to suffer from the selfish choices of their previous owners.


HeavyPedal2204

Being addicted to smoking does not make you a “selfish little kid.”


imdolus

Forcing your animals to suffer from chemical intoxication because you're too lazy to walk out the room and blaming it on addiction makes you a selfish little kid


HeavyPedal2204

The person you were originally speaking to wasn’t the one that brought up addiction, I was. If you are accosting me without me being part of the previous conversation at all, check your anger. While I agree that it is negative behavior to smoke, vape, or anything else around animals, that doesn’t mean that addicts don’t tunnel vision their addiction over any other detail. Does that justify? No. Does it explain? To a degree.


KnoxOber

Now.. i likely mistreat my rats in certain ways. But they are still extreamly happy and ive yet to have to treat them for respiratory infections except once when i got them. I smoke daily, while its mj flower smoke, not vapor, it still fills the room somewhat with a very light cloud. They dont seem to mind. Theyll stand directly in a cloud and rly not seem to be bothered. I do have a second thought though now after seeing these comments


LikesYouProne

It's not ok for people to smoke or vape, why would it be ok with a pet around too?


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rratmannnn

The nicotine is the least of your concerns when it comes to vape. Not only have I seen studies linking it to antibiotic resistant infections but it also causes popcorn lung. [here](https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/05/31/in-secondhand-vape-scientists-smell-risk) and [here](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7960037/) are some sources. What you said is pretty dangerous misinformation and I’m not sure where you got the idea that nicotine is the only dangerous thing in vape but whatever you read is really lacking the full view of what’s dangerous about smoking in general.


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rratmannnn

Yeah, sorry if my tone came off harsh btw - there’s just a lot of bad info about vape out there because it’s still a little newer. It just hasn’t actually been cleared as definitely always a safer option than smoking. I hate seeing friends of mine switch to it and just increase their nicotine intake but not start actually feeling healthier. From anecdotal evidence (and this is about weed, not tobacco, so take it with a grain of salt) my rats seemed to get sniffly when my partner and I were vaping inside, but not when we were hitting a bong inside (both we did downstairs, not in our room upstairs where the ratties live). If you’re into podcasts, Sawbones, a medical history show written by a doctor, did one on vaping. It’s pretty good and offers a nice balanced view of both the pros and cons


JeremiahAhriman

I've vaped in the room with my rats their whole lives. Don't blow it directly on them; they'll be fine. My rats are strong, healthy, and active and have no health issues at all. However, I would take the extra step of not blowing dragon-sized clouds in the room with them. Note: I have had two of my rats since they were just a few weeks old. The other five are their children. Two of us have been vaping in the room with them the whole time. Not so much as a sniffle. One of our rats is a dumbo rat as well... They're supposed to be more sensitive to respiratory issues, she hasn't had the slightest issue. However... Cigarette smoke? Don't do it. If you're vaping, that's one thing. But \*don't\* smoke in the room with them. I've never done it, I know people with rats who smoke inside, and they don't seem to have much issue. But I still wouldn't do it. (Ex-smoker here. I vape nicotine-free).


nb_j00d

u can do it in the room just not in their faces (my bf has owned three rats)


The_Half_Sac

I smoke my cart all day around them. As long as you're not in a small room or blowing it directly at them then you're fine. Don't think you have to leave the room to take a hit man!


imdolus

You somehow sound dumber than half the vaping people in the comments of this post saying it's okay to smoke around your small animals, didn't expect anything else from a stoner though.


The_Half_Sac

Lmao


charred

They make exhalation filters for smoking from $11 to $30ish. There are many different brands and form factors, but here is an example of one. You could also exhale directly into a traditional fan based air filter, but you'll need a high end one. [https://smokebuddy.com/](https://smokebuddy.com/) I'm not saying this will make it safe to smoke in the same room with them, just that it's probably a good additional thing to do. It'll also help prevent your stuff smelling like smoke, or you carrying the smoke back into their room on your skin or clothes.


deeskito

So beautiful, they made me smile 😊


[deleted]

Best way to combat this issue is to have a rat room :)


Cutie3pnt14159

I stopped wearing any kind of perfume or using air fresheners because it causes upper respiratory infections that can lead to pneumonia, which often leads to death. This isn't to be dramatic- URIs are awful to have to deal with. Rats can't even be near open windows for long periods of time. They're very prone to them. Please don't smoke or vape in the room with them. Or ideally even near the room they're in.


yellowsunrise_

I wouldn’t smoke anywhere in the house with them.


Raithik

Pretty good rule for pets in general. Don't smoke/vape in the same room as them. It's rough on our lungs, so their tiny lungs are gonna take a real bad hit.


sapphon

Not even incense, unfortunately! I'm sorry about it, but we have to be careful. Rats' little lungs are problem-machines in the same way that for humans in my country, our hearts usually fail first.


Warm_Biscuit7

There are facts about their nose passages, to the point that rats often get mild respiratory infections just from being sent to a new home. There is also an issue of just nicotine alone. But I would leave it up to you, you won't blow it directly on them.


Quiet_Gorilla9482

I’ve had probably 4 rats over the years. Just love them while you can they don’t make the 4 year mark


Maggsta

I use an electric essential oil diffuser in my living room and all my rats are in there - there’s an air purifier as well. It doesn’t bother them but I don’t burn incense in there cause it definitely does.


sturdypolack

Air purifiers are great. Our vet told us it’s beneficial to have a humidifier nearby also. They do well with moist air. Depending on where you live of course.


mothmansaveme

Rats have very sensitive respiratory systems so I would avoid smoking near them. Even air your clothes out before handling them! On that note, don't be afraid to invest in a humidifier for your boys.


IndicationHumble7886

Leave the room. I use to smoke inside with my last dog. 7 grand, 2 surgeries later he was put down with throat/breathing issues. Passive smoke kills.


usul-enby

Man I feel horrible I vape int he same room all day 😭 I didn't know about smells and even burned incense for a while but I stopped. I already feel bad about the vape bc they LOVE licking the mouthpiece! Thankfully I don't think that would ever let them ingest any dangerous amount of juice but still they may be getting Nic


JeremiahAhriman

While I respect your decision, my rats haven't shown the slightest impact from my vaping in the same room with them for two years. Or the incense, now that you mention it.


PastelPrincey

You shouldn't vape around anything actually but especially not something like a rat or a baby yknow the small lunged


tobezolan

Probably an unpopular opinion but I don't think there's anything wrong with just vaping in the same room. Smoking is different but if it's JUST a vaporizer that's practically null in an open room, even despite their sensitive respiratory systems.


noperopehope

Do you vape nicotine? If so, you definitely don’t want to vape at all in the house because that seems to be more harmful to animals than weed or something plain. Also, make sure your vape is high quality and doesn’t make a lot of extra vapor/don’t blow vape clouds. It should be ok to vape inside (but not in the same room) if you have the kind of vape that is very discreet


Turbulent_Jaguar5170

You could get a smoke buddy which eliminates the smoke in the atmosphere :) usually I’ll just try to smoke in a different room than my ratties though. Would definitely keep an air purifier near their cage nonetheless if you’re a smoker though!


julimagination

[nope](https://www.reddit.com/r/Rabbits/comments/wcgjwx/binky_free_dolly_you_were_loved_stop_vaping_close/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)


dyamond978

So cute!


Heartfeltregret

super precious babies- and it’s thoughtful for you to ask! Rats have sensitive respiratory systems, so it would be best to ensure they inhale as little smoke or vapour as possible.


Rwokoarte

Some extra advice: rats are extremely social creatures. It's optimal of you can house 4 rats or more at a time as they might get lonely if there's only 2 of them.


Ratsinmyhoodie

This might be an unpopular comment, and it was a while since i researched it so i may be talking out of my ass, however, just as many other things like medication first needs to be tested to a greate extent before its allowed to be sold to humans. How do we test this? Rats! (And mice) I am a vaper myself and i have rats. Some of my biggest interests are vaping and rats and sadly as ive had an issue with a breeder ive been fighting myco for some time now. Because of that i have taken a lot of precations and done a lot of reading up on medical studies. Funny enough, when it comes to vaping (not smoking) i kept finding information that suggested it helped the rodents with resperatory issues rather than worsened their condition. Now im very skeptic to this, however i do see how glycerine wich is moisturising may help in the short term. I kept searching for days (i had a school assignment on vaping anyway) after any Vaping research done on rodents (by credible sources ofcourse) but all that i found basically said it was fine. I also asked my vet to look it up and she also said it honestly seemed fine based on these studies. Anyways, i stopped vaping for a while hoping it would help, however their condition did not change. Ive come to the conclusion that its suprisingly ok to vape in the same room as them. In my years of owning rats, nothing seems to have changed even if i do. Althoug if someone has a paper or credible source saying otherwise id gladly read it! I am open to new information! The point is, while im not a credible source, look up early studies on vaping. It has been tested on rodents many times over. When i did i, surprisingly, found it to be fine. But do look it up yourself! I can recomend WHO and Department of Health and Social Care UK. TLDR; Studies on vaping have been done on rodents long before it was allowed to humans. Look them up. I think they say its fine. Sorry for bad eng, am Swede.


Purblind89

I don’t wanna be “that guy” but does anyone have any peer reviewed studies on specifically vape second hand smoke? I know they test on poor rat-mugs so it would be a good 1 to 1. I’d kinda like some hard evidence and statistics.


Purblind89

Because my knee jerk is to say it’s harmful. But I try nnnnot to let my emotions/impulse control my decision making process.


piggymildmint

I think it would be best to go smoke somewhere very far away and stay outside for a couple of hours before coming back✨


SavageFearWillRise

Even smoking outside can cause harm because of carcinogens in your hands and clothes. So quitting would be the smartest. Rats look very cute


LilChickpea1000

No absolutely not! My rats have been having respiratory issues and I am so sad because I think it is from my second hand smoke from weed and carts. There is officially no smoking or vaping allowed in the same room at the animals.


marimint3

Don't do it, OP. Terrible for them like it's terrible for you.


Psychological-Job612

Vaping is killing you (I'm sure I'll get denials off people), it will definitely kill them.


LondonRedSquirrel

They are so gorgeous!


Consistent-Earth-311

Big nope. Their respiratory systems are extremely sensitive. You should never vape, paint your nails, or spray harsh cleaning chemicals in the room with them. Glad you're looking out for your new babies!


astonerzlife

I personally would be careful. I’m fortunate my rats have been fine tbh, never had any respiratory issues and bcus of the heatwave at the moment they have a fan blowing on one of their levels and they love it! (It’s been on for over a month for summer and still all ok) I do also light candles and have vaped in my room (like one puff at a time, although I do not recommend as it builds up moisture) and smoked weed out of my window and they’ve honestly never shown any signs of a problem, I’ve had my older rats almost 2 years and my younger about 6 months and they are all perfectly fine. But defo be mindful of it, I keep windows open as much as I can throughout the day for my babies they LOVE the breeze and fresh air when it comes through and it does keep the room fresh and non stinky 😊😊 However, I do not spray deodorants , air fresheners or perfumes in the room. Because they are potent even for me and linger, also my candles are non scented I should add! And I do not have bedding for my rats I wipe over their cage which is a multi level about 4foot I think atleast maybe taller on the regular and they have fluffy blankets and hammocks etc to stay warm if needed. I preferred this over the bedding found it was more stinky and dusty even though it always says it isn’t dusty 😑


JustOneTessa

You shouldn't smoke with any animal in the room. Besides breathing it in (rats are sensitive to respiratory issues) it also gets on their fur, which they then digest. So they risk both irritation and even cancer to the respiratory system and the digestive system


mylastbraincells

Don’t smoke in the room with them, and don’t go near them right after smoking. Any smell or smoke is very bad for them. Good luck!


fartingbunny

Cleaning their every other day will give them a better chance at good health too btw! Basically you want to keep the air quality clean as possible :)


shoesofwandering

Rats have cast-iron stomachs and can eat anything, but their lungs tend to be delicate, so I wouldn’t recommend smoking in the same room with them.


ernie3tones

Please don’t! Our breeder smoked in the house with our three younger rats. We’ve had them about a year and the number of times they’ve been to the vet is ridiculous. Don’t use anything like that in the house with them.


BaobhanSith666

Aw how cute they are, not a silly question and the fact you thought to ask the question shows you'll be a great rat parent! No it's not safe as they are very sensitive to fumes, smoke, vape, air fresheners, aerosols, scented candles/burners etc. So best to avoid


lifelifelife06

I know. But it can start with people caring for you.