by Stephanie Cameron

Stephanie Cameron is a volunteer with Rattie Ratz Rescue in the bay area of California. Each month KRL will be featuring a column from Rattie Ratz.

The holidays are officially upon us, and with the festive lights as a beacon for St. Nick, and Ella Fitzgerald crooning in the background about having a merry little Christmas, you can feel the holiday cheer in the air. Whether you follow old traditions or new, I think we can all agree that food plays a large role for many of us during the holidays. It’s a time to gather around the table with loved ones, baking cookies together in the kitchen while spiced apple cider simmers on the stove. Baking your father’s favorite pie, your close friend’s favorite mulled wine cookies, or your sister’s chocolate bonbons. Baking and feeding those in your life is a wonderful way to show your care and love for someone, and there’s no reason our four-legged companions should be excluded from these food-based holiday festivities.

I have owned pet rats for over a decade, and through the years I have learned some wonderfully creative ways to include my rattie companions in the holiday spirit. Keep a little bowl in the kitchen to collect rat scraps, and you’ll be amazed at just how much you can actually share with your rats. Put aside some steamed green beans before they go into the casserole––steamed butternut squash or sweet potato are both great options as well. Top with some slivered almonds or crushed walnuts and a little drizzle of oil and you have a rattie feast! There are many oils you can give your rats to help promote healthy skin and fur. Coconut and flaxseed are my personal go-to options depending on what I have in my kitchen at the time.

A quick and fun snack idea: the rats LOVE multigrain toast with a little unrefined coconut oil melted on top. Unrefined coconut oil contains high levels of antioxidant and antibacterial properties and is a great ingredient to add to your rat’s diet. (If I have a rat with irritated skin, coconut oil can be applied to help soothe the skin and fight potential bacterial infection, and I know it’s safe in case they ingest it.).

Remember, just like with humans, a healthy diet consists of moderation and variety. Rats are opportunistic omnivores, and there is a wonderful array of options you can and should feed your rats. But of course, every time you introduce something new to your rat’s diet, please check online first to make sure it’s safe.

Pop some corn kernels and (if you have the patience) string it up in your rat’s cage. It won’t last long, but they have a blast with their popcorn garlands! Most popcorn makers are pretty cheap and allow you to make oil-free popcorn. A pot with a lid also works great. Just add a little oil and in a couple of minutes you’ll have a wonderful snack ready to go, no salt or butter needed. Your little ratties will love the treat in its simplest and healthiest form.

When you want something warm and hearty on a cold winter morning, feel free to put some oatmeal aside for your rattie friends. Trust me they’ll thank you for it! Top with a little pinch of cinnamon, honey, oat milk, and whatever seeds you have in your pantry, and your rats will have a warm and healthy treat they will love. I like to alternate oatmeal toppings to include things like chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, silvered almonds, or chopped walnuts to make sure my ratties are getting a variety of healthy fats (in moderation). Sometimes I’ll omit the honey and add a little fresh fruit instead (usually apple, banana or some type of berry).

In December, when I’m baking cookies, my rats have no fear of being left out; they have their own cookies as well! Side note––my dogs loved these cookies too. The cookies are made with human grade ingredients and are low sugar, so my family also enjoys snacking on them. I found this recipe on a rat forum years ago, and it’s still a favorite:

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients:
1/4 cup peanut butter (or nut/seed butter of choice)
1 banana
1/4 cup uncooked oats
1/2 to 1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, I usually sub with honey)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheet. Mix the peanut butter and banana (peeled) together until a creamy mixture forms. Add the cinnamon. Add the oats and mix well. Add the flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until a tough dough forms. Roll dough out into “snakes” and cut into 1/2 inch nuggets. Bake at 350 degrees for 7-10 minutes or until lightly brown. Let cool and serve to hungry ratties!

And please remember your dear rat friends when you’re opening those boxes full of presents you ordered on Amazon. The packing paper makes a great foraging toy!

If you have rats of your own and want to make this holiday season more memorable for them (and you!) Rattie Ratz Rescue has compiled a list of rat-safe foods that can be found here. Alternatively, you can view the rescue’s Rat Primer, which includes a list of forbidden and cautionary foods.

If you would like to know more about Rattie Ratz Rescue you can visit their Facebook page. If you are interested in adoptable rats or volunteering for Rattie Ratz Rescue you can visit their website: www.rattieratz.com.

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section & watch for more stories from Rattie Ratz every other month. You can also keep up with our pet articles by joining our KRL Facebook group. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to Rattie Ratz.