One of my rats has started to make a strange noise, that sound like she is sawing wood. Does she have a respiratory infection?
There are some sounds that are worrisome and some that are not so bad. Things that should alert you to a problem include any kind of wheezing or grunting sounds in the chest when a rat is breating. If there is a rattling in the head, it could indicate a respiratory infection that needs to be treated by a vet and antibiotics. Rattling in the chest is a bad sign that can indicate permanent lung damage from either an infection or exposure to pine or cedar bedding or other toxins. Some rats snore or make other noises in their sleep, which isn’t any concern. Also, remember that bruxing (grinding teeth sometimes while bulging their eyes out) is a behavior that most rats do when they are relaxed and happy. Look for other symptoms of infection/illness such as lethargy, red discharge from the eyes and nose, lack of interest in food or play, etc. If you are concerned that the noise cannot be attributed to communication, take your rat to a vet for diagnosis.
