Lone rat - what would YOU do?

[happybat]

My lad Leon is the last of four. He is a large neutered buck, who was rehomed to me me two years ago. He is also the last survivor of a group of four. I am not planning to keep more rats for at least a few years after he passes.

My problem is fairly clear. Rats are gregarious - expecting Leon to live on his own is cruel. But when I took him on as a re-home it was with the intention of giving him a home for life. And taking on a new rat - or pair of rats - is not desirable to me at the moment. Losing Leon's three companions made me very very sad, and I am keen to have a break before taking on responsibility for more lives.

Leon is definitely bonded with me - probably even more so now he has lost his cage mates. He is at least 27 months old, probably older, but is still very spry and healthy. Despite time with his human, he is obviously a bit lonely - he has become very clingy, and over the top in his demonstrations of affection (No rat should go crazy boggling and bruxing just because someone stroked his ears)

I genuinely don't know what to do.

[lilspaz68]

I think at his age its okay to have Leon on his own until he passes, especially since you plan on not taking on anymore for awhile.  I don't need to tell you that he is going to need a lot of extra attention.  Kisses to the old guy

[RatAttack59]

Ditto.  I have two old men who are housed alone (Athos killed two of his own brothers and Puppy had been alone so long by the time I got him that he doesn't have a clue how to interact with other rats.  After about 5 minutes in company he starts shrieking and then attacks).

Belly kisses to you poor old loner!

editted for poor typing skills.  sigh.

[happybat]

Thank you both - I am much reassured. Leon will get loads of love and attention, and I will stop telling myself I am an unfit mother!