Rats have a varied diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and grains, as well as protein from sources such as meat or eggs. Provide rats with a balanced diet and avoid overfeeding. As they grow, give them plenty of opportunities for exercise and play. Rats are generally healthy pets when given proper care and a healthy environment. However, they can be prone to respiratory infections and tumors, which are the most common health issues in pet rats. Their lifespan is around 2-3 years, relatively short compared to other pet rodents.