Owning a little mouse can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to know how to care for your pet correctly to ensure they live a comfortable life and stay as healthy as possible in your care. Whether you’re thinking about owning a mouse for the first time or just need a little reminder of the best practices, here’s a complete guide to help you out.

Create an Interesting Home for an Intelligent Creature 

Did you know that mice are active and intelligent creatures? They have excellent spatial memory, and are able to remember complex maze routes and where food is hidden. They can also remember routines and patterns, so when creating a home for your little pet, it’s a good idea to invest in a spacious cage with plenty of room for them to explore. A secure wire cage or a large glass tank with a mesh lid works well, but avoid cramped enclosures as they can cause stress and boredom. Provide deep bedding for burrowing - paper-based substrate or aspen shavings work well - and add tunnels, hideouts, climbing toys and anything mouse-friendly that’ll help to create a stimulating environment that mimics their natural instinct to explore. 

The more your little mouse friend has to keep them occupied on a daily basis, the more fun they’ll be to watch too. If you have the patience, you can watch them scurry between hideouts and practice their climbing skills. 

Provide the Right Diet and Plenty of Fresh Water

There are many reasons why you might find yourself the owner of a little mouse. Perhaps your little ones have just read The Lion Inside, a lion book which tells the story of a timid little mouse hoping to become more brave. Or maybe they’ve seen one at a pet store and want to learn to care for it. If you do take the plunge, providing the right diet is essential. A balanced diet keeps your mouse energetic and healthy, so be sure to buy some high-quality mouse pellets and supplement these with small amounts of fresh vegetables like broccoli, peas and carrots. Mice also love seeds and nuts, but go easy on these or you may find your mouse starts to gain weight - a bit like Gus in Disney’s Cinderella. Fresh water must always be available too. Refill a bottle with a sipper tube suitable for mice and clean it regularly.

Keep Their Environment Clean 

A dirty cage can make your furry friend poorly, so be sure to spot-clean the cage daily by removing soiled bedding and leftover food to prevent mould. Do a full clean once a week. This means replacing bedding, washing accessories and wiping down surfaces. Avoid using harsh chemicals; mild soap will work just fine. A clean cage will reduce bad smells and keep your mouse comfortable. Try not to remove all scent, however, as mice rely on familiar smells to feel safe and secure. 

If your little ones love animals, then book The Lion Inside on stage today. Based on the lion read by Rachel Bright and Jim Field, this delightful theatre show is great for youngsters and tells a beautiful story that’s sure to resonate with your children. The production is currently touring, so find a date near you and have a roar-some time!