Rodent Geniuses: Just How Clever Are Fancy Rats?
July 10, 2025
Forget the stereotypes – fancy rats are far from pests. These charming, twitchy-nosed companions are brilliantly brainy. In fact, rats are some of the cleverest small pets you can have. Alpha Vets’ team confirm that they’re curious, quick learners, and surprisingly good at solving problems.
Have some fun with our at-home IQ test below and then contact us at Alpha Vets to book a health check for your rodent friend!
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So, what makes fancy rats so clever?
Pet rats (known as fancy rats) are social, inquisitive and capable of forming strong bonds with their humans. They can:
- Learn their names
- Respond to verbal commands
- Navigate mazes
- Recognise patterns
- Even come when called (take that, cats!)
Our vets at Alpha Vets advise that rats also love a challenge, which makes them ideal candidates for training games, tricks and enrichment puzzles.
Try this at-home pet rat IQ test
Want to see your rat’s brain in action? Here’s three simple tests you can try using things you probably already have at home in Greater London.
1. The Cup & Treat Challenge
What you’ll need:
- A favourite rat treat (like a bit of banana or cooked pasta)
- 2–3 identical small cups or plant pots
- A curious rat
Step 1: Let your rat watch as you place the treat under one of the cups.
Step 2: Shuffle the cups slowly, like a magic trick.
Step 3: Let your rat investigate and try to find the hidden treat. Scoring (just for fun!):
- Found it first try? Brainiac!
- Found it second go? Very clever.
- Took a while but got there? Still a star problem-solver.
Want to ramp up the challenge? Alpha Vets’ team suggest covering a treat with a bit of kitchen roll or placing it inside a small cardboard box with a loose lid.
2. The String Pull Test
What you’ll need:
- A small treat tied to the end of a short string
- A low table or shelf
- A rat who’s up for a challenge
Step 1: Dangle the treat just out of reach over the edge of a surface.
Step 2: Let your rat spot it and see if they figure out to pull the string up.
Step 3: Reward their effort, even if they don’t quite master the technique! Scoring:
- Pulled the treat up in one go? Ingenious!
- Tried a few approaches before succeeding? Resourceful thinker.
- Lost interest and wandered off? Maybe they’re the creative type.
3. The Tunnel Test
What you’ll need:
- A short cardboard postal tube (3″ or more in diameter) or a DIY tunnel made from rolled-up towel or folded cardboard
- A treat or a favourite toy
- Your inquisitive rat
Step 1: Place the tunnel in your rat’s play area.
Step 2: Show your rat the treat and place it at the other end of the tunnel.
Step 3: Encourage your rat to go through the tunnel to reach it. Scoring (just for fun!):
- Zoomed through without hesitation? Adventurous and smart.
- Took a sniff and figured it out? Thoughtful problem-solver.
- Went around instead? Clever in their own way!
Top tip: Always use safe, chewable materials — avoid anything with sharp edges, coatings, or glue. Know someone else with pet rats? Send them this article and you can compare your rats’ skills!
Why mental stimulation matters
A clever pet rat in Greater London is a happy rat. Without puzzles, toys, or interaction, rats can become bored, and a bored rat is more likely to chew the sofa or rewire your internet (seriously, it’s been done). Enrichment helps keep their brains busy and their whiskers wiggling.
Ask us for tailored advice on how to keep your clever pet rat entertained and healthy, and book an appointment for their next health check at Alpha Vets.
Book your rat’s next health check
