Pet Breed Guide NZ
Rex Rat
The Rex Rat stands out among its rodent relatives with its distinctive curly or wavy coat, which can range from soft waves to tight curls, even affecting their whiskers. This unique fur texture gives them a charming, plush appearance. Known for their intelligent and highly social nature, Rex Rats make engaging and affectionate companions, often forming strong bonds with their Kiwi owners. They thrive on interaction and mental stimulation, enjoying playtime and learning simple tricks. While generally legal to keep as pets in New Zealand, prospective owners must always consult current MPI guidelines and local council regulations to ensure compliance before bringing a Rex Rat into their home.
Photo Gallery
NZ Ownership Snapshot
Verified NZ Status- Noise Level
- quiet
- Social Needs
- groups
- Animal Type
- rat
- Diet Type
- Species-specific pellets plus enrichment foods
- UVB Required
- No
Pet rats (Rattus norvegicus) are legal companion animals in NZ — SPCA publishes rat care guidance. But the rex coat variety is not present in New Zealand: importing rats is prohibited ("mice and rats (except laboratory animals)" — MPI and NZ Customs pet import rules), and NZ's closed rat population carries only standard ears and standard/NZ Angora coats (NZ Fancy Rat Society breed registry; an NZFRS mentor breeder states "All NZ rats have the standard coat type (no rex or hairless) and ears (no dumbo)"). Verified 4 September 2026. Sources: nzfrs.co.nz, mpi.govt.nz, customs.govt.nz, spca.nz
Breed Snapshot
- Size
- small
- Lifespan
- 2-3 years
- Origin
- UK
- Care Focus
- Active rat variety that needs enrichment, secure housing, and appropriate companionship.
- NZ Price
- NZD $30 - $80 per rat (typically sold in pairs or groups)
- Annual Vet Cost
- Estimated annual vet/care costs for a Rex Rat in New Zealand can range from NZD $100 - $300, assuming no major health issues. This would cover routine check-ups, potential parasite treatments, and basic supplies. However, if an exotic vet visit is required for illness or injury, costs can quickly escalate to NZD $150 - $500+ per incident, depending on diagnosis and treatment. Finding an exotic vet outside of major centres can be challenging in NZ, potentially incurring travel costs.
Personality Scores
NZ Lifestyle Fit
Rex Rats are well-suited for a variety of New Zealand homes, from city apartments in Auckland to larger homes in the South Island, provided they are kept strictly indoors. Their small size and quiet nature make them excellent apartment dwellers, as they don't require extensive outdoor space. However, their cage must be spacious and enriching, offering multiple levels and plenty of toys. Climate is a key consideration: Rex Rats are sensitive to temperature extremes, so they need protection from Auckland's humid summers and the colder, sometimes frosty, South Island winters. A consistent indoor temperature, away from draughts and direct sunlight, is vital for their health. There are no specific regional restrictions on Rex Rats within NZ beyond the general MPI and local council guidelines, which must always be checked before acquisition. Legally sourcing Rex Rats in New Zealand typically involves finding reputable, ethical breeders who prioritise animal welfare, or adopting from animal rescue organisations or the SPCA NZ. Avoid purchasing from unverified sources to ensure the health and legal status of your pet.
NZ legal status not yet verified against MPI, EPA, DOC and regional council records. Don't treat this page as confirmation that the species can legally be imported, bought, sold, bred or kept in New Zealand — check those official sources first.
About the Rex Rat
The Rex Rat is a fascinating and increasingly popular small pet, celebrated for its unique appearance and engaging personality. Originating from the United Kingdom, this domesticated rat breed is distinguished primarily by its curly or wavy coat, a genetic mutation that gives them a plush, teddy-bear like texture. Unlike standard rats, their fur can be soft and wavy or tightly curled, and even their whiskers exhibit a charming crimped appearance. These intelligent creatures are highly social, forming deep bonds with their human companions and thriving on interaction. With a typical lifespan of 2-3 years, Rex Rats offer a relatively short but incredibly rewarding pet ownership experience for those in New Zealand willing to provide the dedicated care they require. Their small size and relatively quiet nature make them suitable for a variety of homes, provided their social and environmental needs are met.
What They Look Like
Rex Rats share the general body shape of a standard fancy rat but are instantly recognisable by their unique coat. Their fur can vary in curl intensity, from a gentle wave to a dense, tightly curled pile. This curly characteristic extends to their whiskers, which are often shorter and more brittle than those of smooth-coated rats. They come in a vast array of colours and patterns, mirroring the diversity seen in other rat breeds, including black, white, agouti, blue, and various markings like hooded or Berkshire. Their eyes are typically black or ruby red. Adult Rex Rats are small, generally weighing between 250-500 grams, with males usually larger than females. Their tails are long, hairless, and serve as an important balance and temperature regulation tool. Their ears can be standard or 'dumbo' (larger and set lower on the head), adding to their individual charm.
Personality & Behaviour
Rex Rats are renowned for their friendly, curious, and intelligent personalities. They are highly social animals that thrive in groups, making it essential to keep them in pairs or small colonies rather than as solitary pets. When kept alone, they can become lonely, depressed, and even aggressive. With consistent, gentle handling from a young age, Rex Rats can become incredibly affectionate and enjoy human interaction, often perching on shoulders or cuddling with their owners. Their intelligence means they are easily bored, requiring plenty of mental stimulation through toys, puzzles, and regular out-of-cage playtime. They are naturally clean animals, often self-grooming and even learning to use a designated 'litter' area within their cage. Their playful antics, problem-solving abilities, and quiet chirps and purrs make them delightful companions. They are generally not aggressive, but like all animals, can nip if startled or feeling threatened.
Life in New Zealand
Keeping Rex Rats in New Zealand involves specific considerations to ensure their welfare and compliance with local regulations. While Rex Rats are generally legal to keep as pets in NZ, it is paramount for prospective Kiwi owners to consult the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) website and their local council for the most up-to-date information on pet ownership rules. This ensures that you are fully aware of any regional bylaws or specific requirements. Sourcing Rex Rats responsibly in New Zealand typically involves finding reputable breeders or adopting from animal shelters or rescue organisations like the SPCA NZ. Due to their sensitivity to extreme temperatures, Rex Rats must be kept indoors year-round, protected from the harsh New Zealand summer heat and the cold South Island winters. Providing a secure, spacious cage with ample enrichment is crucial for their well-being in any New Zealand home, whether it's an Auckland apartment or a rural bach.
Is This the Right Pet for You?
Bringing a Rex Rat into your New Zealand home can be a profoundly rewarding experience, but it's important to assess if they are the right fit for your lifestyle. These intelligent and social creatures require significant daily interaction, mental stimulation, and a commitment to providing a clean, enriching environment. They are not 'display' pets; they thrive on companionship, ideally with other rats, and regular playtime with their human family. Their relatively short lifespan means owners must be prepared for the emotional aspect of pet loss within a few years. While their care is generally straightforward, access to exotic vets in New Zealand can be limited, a factor to consider for their health needs. Rex Rats are an excellent choice for individuals or families who are looking for an interactive, affectionate, and relatively quiet small pet, are committed to their social needs, and are diligent about checking NZ legal requirements. If you're prepared for the responsibility and the joy these little animals bring, a Rex Rat could be a wonderful addition to your Kiwi household.
Fun Facts
Fact 1
Rex Rats get their unique curly coat from a recessive gene mutation.
Fact 2
Their whiskers are also curly and can be more brittle than those of smooth-coated rats.
Fact 3
Despite their name, Rex Rats are not a separate species but a breed of the common fancy rat (Rattus norvegicus domestica).
Fact 4
Rats are highly intelligent and can be trained to learn tricks, respond to their names, and even navigate mazes.
Fact 5
They are incredibly social animals and should always be kept in pairs or groups to prevent loneliness and stress.
Related Breeds
Abyssinian Guinea Pig
The Abyssinian is the rosetted guinea pig: at least eight whorls of coarse, short to medium fur set across the shoulders, back and hips, giving every animal its own tousled pattern in colours from black, white, cream and red through tortoiseshell-and-white and roan. Adults weigh around 700 to 1200 grams and live four to seven years. Abyssinians tend to be more outgoing and mischievous than smooth-coated guinea pigs, busy and talkative animals that wheek at feeding time, purr while being stroked, and popcorn about the cage in sudden joyful jumps. They are strongly social and should live with at least one other guinea pig. Daily needs are straightforward: unlimited hay, vitamin C-rich vegetables such as capsicum and parsley, a measured serving of pellets, spot-cleaning, and an hour of supervised floor time. The coat itself asks little beyond routine checks. A good match for a family wanting an interactive small pet with plenty of personality.
African Pygmy Hedgehog
The African Pygmy Hedgehog cannot legally be kept as a pet in New Zealand — there is no lawful import route (MPI allows only rabbits and guinea pigs from Australia and chinchillas from the UK), and DOC treats hedgehogs in NZ as an animal pest that preys on native lizards, invertebrates and ground-nesting birds. This page explains the species and the NZ legal reality; it is not a care guide for keeping one here. Typical lifespan overseas is 3-6 years.
American Guinea Pig
The American is the short-coated cavy, the classic guinea pig: a dense, smooth coat lying flat against a stout, compact body of about 700 g to 1.2 kg and 20 to 25 cm, with short legs and no visible tail. Colours range from solid black, white, cream and red through agouti, roan and brindle, and lifespan is typically 4 to 7 years. Temperament is docile and friendly. These are sociable animals that live best in pairs or small groups, communicating by wheeking, purring and rumbling, and often shy at first until patient handling builds trust. Grooming stays minimal thanks to the short coat, so daily work is diet and hygiene: unlimited hay, fresh vegetables rich in vitamin C such as leafy greens and broccoli, a measured portion of fortified pellets, spot-cleaning, and 30 to 60 minutes of supervised floor time. Nails need trimming monthly. A sound match for first-time small-pet homes and for families with gentle, well-coached children.
Chinchilla
The Chinchilla is a dense-furred rodent from the Andes of South America, active mainly at dawn and dusk and unusually long-lived for a small pet at fifteen to twenty years. Adults weigh roughly 400 to 800 grams, with a body of 25-35 cm plus a bushy tail, and coats running from the standard grey through beige, white, black and sapphire. Character is curious, agile and playful rather than cuddly: chinchillas would mostly rather climb, explore and chew than sit on a lap, and they turn skittish without calm, regular handling. They are social animals, usually kept in same-sex pairs or small groups. Care is specific, meaning a tall multi-level cage, a daily dust bath of ten to fifteen minutes, unlimited timothy hay with chinchilla-formulated pellets, and a room held below 25C, because heat is genuinely dangerous to them. A long-term pet for a patient household, not a starter animal.