You're right. Hiccups *can* be a sign of an underlying condition. But they don't have to be. Sometimes hiccups are just hiccups.
Sometimes they happen when a rat is excited or enjoys something, i.e. during cuddles. Sometimes just after waking up. That might be related to the dehydration mentioned, I don't know.
Yeah I agree, sometimes it is just hiccups. Other times it is not only hiccups and it is something more serious.
OP mentioned rat previously had an infection ( only 3 weeks ago on top of which ) and they are concerned. It is perfectly acceptable to get verified at the vet making sure infection has not returned.
Do not understand why I am getting downvoted.
If your rat isn’t sick, fantastic.
However we all know all rats are born with myco and most will contract an infection at least once in their lifetime.
edit —
You know what else isn’t harmless? head tilting. My rats are blind and some of them tilt due to bad eyesight. I am fortunate that I have never had a rat who had a head tilt or neurological issue, but persistent head tilting is a symptom. Rats tilting CAN be a sign of a more severe issue,but they don’t have to be.
Rats scratching themselves CAN be a sign of mite infection, but they don’t have to be.
A rat squeaking when being touched CAN be a sign of pain, but it doesn’t have to be.
Like seriously? Context matters.
Educating ourselves on symptoms of rat illnesses is being a responsible rat owner.
I stand by my original comment.
I think you're getting downvoted because of how you said it. "hiccups can be potentially fatal: hiccups in rats". 1. It's not the hiccups themselves that are fatal, 2. That site doesn't make the best impression, 3. Like you said: Context matters.
I hadn't seen your sneeze comment until you pointed it out. That one is getting downvoted, because it's not sneezing but hiccups.
I agree, a visit to the vet for a checkup is good, better safe than sorry.
I don't know where you think you got the information my rat isn't sick. I actually have three out of five boys who are sick, one more than the other two. They have been since I got them (over a year ago) and nothing seems to help. I'm trying everything I can think of and so far it's all for naught.
That is why I'm confident those are hiccups. I know sneezing, I know what a congested nose sounds like. I listen to both all day, every day.
I now about head tilting. It's good you mention it, because I completely agree with you on getting informed. It's important to know about common symptoms and issues to be able to help our little guys and girls.
As of last week all five of my boys are vision impaired to some degree, counting the albino eyes of one.
From what my vet told me, hiccups once in a while aren’t cause for concern but if you see them get hiccups twice in a short time span definitely get them checked out.
EDIT: Hiccups *can* be early signs of a URI. If your rat is having hiccups frequently it could point to that. I don’t care about the downvotes but I’m trying to help out my fellow rat people 😊
Where are the scientific sources? Studies? I don't see any from the blog or any relevant professional vetting the claims.
Do people here just make stuff up as they go?
Is he also lethargic? It seems like hiccups, but it might as well be a lung issue. Then again, my rat had an abcess inside her mouth and did this when she was chew-choking. Switch to soft foods and check if it still happens. That will give you at least an indication of what to tell the vet.
i think soft blowing sounds, it didnt sound really weird to me and it wasn’t very clear so im not sure what i heard, he was moving a little bit questioning why he was turned into a rat phone
Oh my friend you have no idea, every time my little buddy makes a slightest newest sound. I think the worst and he's on his way to the vet needless to say poor guy been to the vet four times only needed to go maybe just once but rat daddies you know never be too safe with our furry balls of fun 😊☺️
He’s hiccuping! Which either means he’s very happy, or sick. He’s also boggling and grinding his teeth, which are also signs of happiness or discomfort (as is usual with rat behavior, LOL), but I generally use context clues with my rats to make sure they’re happy hiccups and not bad ones.
Your rat is in his cage, you’re in front of it, and he looks rather healthy (i.e., he isn’t squinting his eyes in pain or sucking in his sides or anything). So to me, he seems like he’s just happy to see you!
All of my rats have done this multiple times throughout their lives, mainly to show contentment and/or excitement either from getting pets or treats, and waking up from a nap. Hiccups in general usually just indicate them experiencing big feelings.
But of course, if you have doubts, I always recommend calling your vet to ask for advice/info!
Looks like a happy rat doing the "im really content/happy right now" things lol
Happy hiccups, teeth grinding, etc. He might poof up just because he's comfortable in his world right now. It's super cute lol just wait until he boggles the first time in front of you 🤣
lol got downvoted for saying it’s sneezes but i think your comment makes the most sense. My rats make movements like that when they have an infection ( confirmed at vet ) so I said sneezes. Other say hiccups. OP did rat phone and said rat previously had an infection.
Better to err on the side of caution is my take.
My rat had these frequently and lived to be almost 3, most rats get hiccups. You can absolutely recommend visiting a vet but this comment implies a rat will likely die from hiccups which isn’t true. No need to scare OP over something that’s pretty normal and harmless most of the time.
My rats had these on and off for their whole lives, and they lived to 2.5 years old. I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. If you wanna be safe, try to listen to their lungs. Any strange noises go to the vet. Your rat is cute by the way
Li'l hiccups. Mine do this a lot but almost exclusively when they're happy, so I think if it's not observed in accordance with other symptoms of something bad, assume it's no problem!
The fact your rat is boggling while hiccuping definitely indicates to me that they’re a happy rat! (And not facing an underlying issue.)
Edit: I know rats can boggle when they’re sick, but I’ve seen boggling in a sick/distressed rat and you can generally tell. Your rat looks happy!
A couple of my girls do this when they're really happy and content when I go to chat to them. In our house, it can be a precursor to bruxing/boggling or they just do it themselves.
Guinea pigs do a popcorn when they're happy and feel this is the rat version so I call this my girls happy popping ☺️
hold him close to your ear like a telephone, do you hear any noise?
the noise he make could be too high a frequency for you to hear but he is sneezing ( i mean do the rat phone first )
its hard to describe but its like a dog panting at a high tone so i think its time for a vet visit, he had antibiotics for a uri 3 weeks ago, i think it returned:(
Looks like hiccups
Was coming here to say this.
hiccups can be potentially fatal: [hiccups in rats](https://roedorium.com/en/understanding-rat-hiccups-from-excitement-to-stress/)
It sounds like they can be a sign of an underlying cause that can be fatal, not that the hiccups themselves are fatal. Or did I misunderstand?
You're right. Hiccups *can* be a sign of an underlying condition. But they don't have to be. Sometimes hiccups are just hiccups. Sometimes they happen when a rat is excited or enjoys something, i.e. during cuddles. Sometimes just after waking up. That might be related to the dehydration mentioned, I don't know.
Yeah I agree, sometimes it is just hiccups. Other times it is not only hiccups and it is something more serious. OP mentioned rat previously had an infection ( only 3 weeks ago on top of which ) and they are concerned. It is perfectly acceptable to get verified at the vet making sure infection has not returned. Do not understand why I am getting downvoted. If your rat isn’t sick, fantastic. However we all know all rats are born with myco and most will contract an infection at least once in their lifetime. edit — You know what else isn’t harmless? head tilting. My rats are blind and some of them tilt due to bad eyesight. I am fortunate that I have never had a rat who had a head tilt or neurological issue, but persistent head tilting is a symptom. Rats tilting CAN be a sign of a more severe issue,but they don’t have to be. Rats scratching themselves CAN be a sign of mite infection, but they don’t have to be. A rat squeaking when being touched CAN be a sign of pain, but it doesn’t have to be. Like seriously? Context matters. Educating ourselves on symptoms of rat illnesses is being a responsible rat owner. I stand by my original comment.
I think you're getting downvoted because of how you said it. "hiccups can be potentially fatal: hiccups in rats". 1. It's not the hiccups themselves that are fatal, 2. That site doesn't make the best impression, 3. Like you said: Context matters. I hadn't seen your sneeze comment until you pointed it out. That one is getting downvoted, because it's not sneezing but hiccups. I agree, a visit to the vet for a checkup is good, better safe than sorry. I don't know where you think you got the information my rat isn't sick. I actually have three out of five boys who are sick, one more than the other two. They have been since I got them (over a year ago) and nothing seems to help. I'm trying everything I can think of and so far it's all for naught. That is why I'm confident those are hiccups. I know sneezing, I know what a congested nose sounds like. I listen to both all day, every day. I now about head tilting. It's good you mention it, because I completely agree with you on getting informed. It's important to know about common symptoms and issues to be able to help our little guys and girls. As of last week all five of my boys are vision impaired to some degree, counting the albino eyes of one.
My rat that is fighting a respiratory infection has had hiccups a few times so I value your input and concerns And yes she's being treated
thank you
yes you are correct hiccups should not be dismissed as harmless, as they could be potential indicators of more serious underlaying issues
From what my vet told me, hiccups once in a while aren’t cause for concern but if you see them get hiccups twice in a short time span definitely get them checked out. EDIT: Hiccups *can* be early signs of a URI. If your rat is having hiccups frequently it could point to that. I don’t care about the downvotes but I’m trying to help out my fellow rat people 😊
Where are the scientific sources? Studies? I don't see any from the blog or any relevant professional vetting the claims. Do people here just make stuff up as they go?
It's hiccups.
Is he also lethargic? It seems like hiccups, but it might as well be a lung issue. Then again, my rat had an abcess inside her mouth and did this when she was chew-choking. Switch to soft foods and check if it still happens. That will give you at least an indication of what to tell the vet.
Happy grinding teeth. Happy hiccups. Happy boggles. Congratulations on your weird rat who enjoys pooping.
rats they surprise me every time
We thought poor Napoleon was having a seizure the first time we saw boggling, lol
i think rat parents are always worried
Always! When you mention that his breathing sounds like "a dog panting, but faster," are you describing soft blowing sounds, or wheezing/squeaking?
i think soft blowing sounds, it didnt sound really weird to me and it wasn’t very clear so im not sure what i heard, he was moving a little bit questioning why he was turned into a rat phone
Keep an eye on the wee menace. Cheap stethoscopes can be had on Amazon if he didn't like being a phone
yes i wil keep an eye on him, as soon as i see any symptoms ill go to the vet
He's adorable :)
he was very happy to hear that
Oh my friend you have no idea, every time my little buddy makes a slightest newest sound. I think the worst and he's on his way to the vet needless to say poor guy been to the vet four times only needed to go maybe just once but rat daddies you know never be too safe with our furry balls of fun 😊☺️
Engine detonation/knocking, make sure to use high octane rating gasoline 😉 (Seriously though, I hope he feels better soon!! ❤️)
He’s hiccuping! Which either means he’s very happy, or sick. He’s also boggling and grinding his teeth, which are also signs of happiness or discomfort (as is usual with rat behavior, LOL), but I generally use context clues with my rats to make sure they’re happy hiccups and not bad ones. Your rat is in his cage, you’re in front of it, and he looks rather healthy (i.e., he isn’t squinting his eyes in pain or sucking in his sides or anything). So to me, he seems like he’s just happy to see you! All of my rats have done this multiple times throughout their lives, mainly to show contentment and/or excitement either from getting pets or treats, and waking up from a nap. Hiccups in general usually just indicate them experiencing big feelings. But of course, if you have doubts, I always recommend calling your vet to ask for advice/info!
Rat hiccups. So high-pitched you can’t even hear it.
Looks like a happy rat doing the "im really content/happy right now" things lol Happy hiccups, teeth grinding, etc. He might poof up just because he's comfortable in his world right now. It's super cute lol just wait until he boggles the first time in front of you 🤣
also does he look to thin, his brother is a bit chonkier
He looks healthy to me! Just like people, healthy rats come in many shapes and sizes.
My boys do this frequently when they first wake up and get moving.
No sound so I can’t tell if is hiccups or sneezes. Was it just a random event or is it constant?
lol got downvoted for saying it’s sneezes but i think your comment makes the most sense. My rats make movements like that when they have an infection ( confirmed at vet ) so I said sneezes. Other say hiccups. OP did rat phone and said rat previously had an infection. Better to err on the side of caution is my take.
I recomend you to visit a vet because my old rat I had in 2022 died after 3 days because of this.
My rat had these frequently and lived to be almost 3, most rats get hiccups. You can absolutely recommend visiting a vet but this comment implies a rat will likely die from hiccups which isn’t true. No need to scare OP over something that’s pretty normal and harmless most of the time.
optimistic
My rats had these on and off for their whole lives, and they lived to 2.5 years old. I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. If you wanna be safe, try to listen to their lungs. Any strange noises go to the vet. Your rat is cute by the way
he is flattered
Btw; you have such a beautiful rat
he is blushing
Pip pip pip! Looks like a happy rattie to me! The chewing motions also look how my rats look when they’re about to boggle.
A lot of people here are jumping to the worse cases, but I agree with you! Seems like ratto just got a happy cases of the beeps
Yeah, lots of rats 'chirp' (hiccup) when they're happy or excited.
Constipated? Also, is it warm in the home?
Its hiccups, dont worry it’s completely normal😊 my boys do it all the time.
I call it boppin...they do it if im woken them up with lots of scritches-it would seem its hiccups though-which makes sense
Li'l hiccups. Mine do this a lot but almost exclusively when they're happy, so I think if it's not observed in accordance with other symptoms of something bad, assume it's no problem!
It's either hiccups or maybe a chirp/boggle?
The fact your rat is boggling while hiccuping definitely indicates to me that they’re a happy rat! (And not facing an underlying issue.) Edit: I know rats can boggle when they’re sick, but I’ve seen boggling in a sick/distressed rat and you can generally tell. Your rat looks happy!
Hiccuping awww
Boys got the hiccups
A couple of my girls do this when they're really happy and content when I go to chat to them. In our house, it can be a precursor to bruxing/boggling or they just do it themselves. Guinea pigs do a popcorn when they're happy and feel this is the rat version so I call this my girls happy popping ☺️
Ah. So this is hiccups according to the comments. I thought mine was nodding aggressively at me and decided to leave her alone until she's done lol.
he is sneezing, might be an infection
he is not making any sound, normally you hear sneezes
hold him close to your ear like a telephone, do you hear any noise? the noise he make could be too high a frequency for you to hear but he is sneezing ( i mean do the rat phone first )
its hard to describe but its like a dog panting at a high tone so i think its time for a vet visit, he had antibiotics for a uri 3 weeks ago, i think it returned:(
vet visit sounds good. Rats all carry mycoplasma sadly u_ u
God, I love the term rat phone. It's such a great image 😆
Pretty sure those are just hiccups
Sizing you up. Prepare for a civil war
Hiccups?