Domestic rats typically live between 2 and 4 years, with 2 to 3 years being the most common lifespan for pet rats. Some exceptionally well-cared-for rats can live up to 5 years, and the longest recorded pet rat lived up to 7 years
. Female rats generally live slightly longer than males
. In contrast, wild rats usually have a much shorter lifespan, often less than a year, due to predation, disease, food scarcity, and harsh environmental conditions
. Proper diet, veterinary care, and a safe environment contribute significantly to the longer lifespan of domestic rats compared to their wild counterparts
