The domestic rat readily accepts being handled (Fig. 1) and should be accustomed from an early age to contact with humans and restraint. In general, rats do not bite unless they are frightened or restrained too forcefully. Docile animals can be held safely under the belly with only one hand, with both hands cupped or even trained to climb up voluntarily onto an open palm and arm. Less docile animals can be grasped gently at the base of the tail (Fig. 2) and lifted, although care should be taken if the animal starts to struggle: fracture of the tail can occur, although this is rare in experienced hands.
If it necessary to immobilise the animal, the rat can be held by the base of tail and then its chest encircled at the level of the insertion of the anterior limbs (Fig. 3). Alternatively, a cloth can be placed over the animal. A rat clinging to a metal mesh should not be lifted quickly or violently because, given its strong hold on the mesh, its nails could be pulled out, leading to copious bleeding.
