The lifespan of a rat varies significantly depending on whether it is a wild rat, a pet fancy rat, or a laboratory rat, and on environment, genetics, and care. In the wild, Norway rats and roof rats live very short lives, typically only five to twelve months on average, because they face predators like cats, dogs, owls, hawks, snakes, and foxes, as well as disease, starvation, harsh weather, and human pest control measures like traps and poisons, so few wild rats survive beyond one year. Inside human homes, where they have warmth, shelter, and access to food, wild rats may live slightly longer, around twelve to eighteen months, but still face control efforts. Pet fancy rats, which are domesticated Norway rats bred for temperament and kept in protected conditions with regular food, clean bedding, veterinary care, and no predators, live much longer, typically two to three years, with two and a half years being average. Some well-cared-for pet rats reach three to four years, but that is uncommon and often depends on genetics and prevention of tumors which are common in rats. Laboratory rats have similar lifespans to pet rats. Factors that influence lifespan include diet quality, exercise, stress, housing conditions, and access to medical care. Compared to mice which live one to three years, rats live slightly longer on average.
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