https://www.chewy.com/education/small-pet/rat-and-mouse/how-long-do-mice-live
*Smart, social, and surprisingly affectionate - rats and mice make wonderful pets. The Pet Rat & Mouse Education Hub explores habitat ideas, feeding, enrichment, and bonding tips to help you create the best home for your tiny companions.
Pet mice, though small in size and shorter in lifespan than many other companion animals, offer a unique blend of affection, curiosity, and playful energy - making them a wonderful introduction to pet care, especially for children.
Typically living 1 to 2 years, mice go through rapid development from hairless pups to energetic adolescents and become sexually mature at just 6 weeks.
With proper care, including annual vet checkups, a balanced pellet-based diet, and a clean, well ventilated enclosure, pet mice can thrive and remain active well into their senior months.
While rare, some mice have even surpassed the typical lifespan under specialized care, underscoring the importance of attentive and consistent husbandry.
Providing the right environment and enrichment is essential for a mouse’s physical and emotional well being.
Spacious habitats with narrow bar spacing, soft burrowing bedding, chew toys for dental health, and stimulating play accessories like tunnels or wheels help fulfill their natural instincts.
Since mice are social creatures, housing same sex pairs or small groups is ideal to prevent loneliness, and neutering males can reduce aggression.
While their time with us may be brief, their companionship can be deeply rewarding. Thoughtful care not only supports a healthy life but allows their gentle personalities to shine.
Chewy editorial team is here to help you understand both the realities of their short lifespan and the joys of their loving nature, so you can make the most of every moment with your tiny friend.
