Pet rats typically live for about 2 to 3 years on average. With proper care, some pet rats can live up to 4 or even 5 years, though this is less common. The longest recorded lifespan for a pet rat is around 7 years, which is considered exceptional

. Factors influencing their lifespan include genetics, diet, exercise, veterinary care, and overall living conditions. Female rats tend to live slightly longer than males. In contrast, wild rats usually live less than one year due to predation, disease, and lack of resources