Multimammate Mouse
Mastomys natalensis
Also called Natal multimammate mouse, Natal multimammate rat, African soft-furred mouse, African soft fur rat, Common African rat
From Sub-Saharan Africa1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Wild animals weigh about 15-98 g; domestically bred animals are heavier, about 60-120 g.
Coat and looks how to spot one
soft fur
A soft-furred, rat-like mouse with a long tail. Its back darkens from grey in youth to a warmer reddish brown with age, while the belly stays lighter.21
Personality what they are like
A peaceful, adaptable rodent that is mainly active at night. Neighbouring animals share overlapping home ranges without defending territories.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Mostly nocturnal and ground-dwelling; it likes to dig and rest in burrows, so deep bedding and tunnels suit it.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Self-grooming; provide deep, diggable bedding and regular spot-cleaning.2
Home where they are happiest
A secure, escape-proof enclosure with deep bedding for burrowing and hides, reflecting the wide range of habitats from savanna to farmland that it uses in the wild.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
An omnivore: grasses, leaves, grains and seeds, plus insects.23
Company who they like around
Tolerant of others of its kind; home ranges overlap and it does not defend territory, so compatible groups can be kept together.2
The story where it all began
Described in 1834, this mouse is one of the most widespread rodents in Africa and often lives close to people. It has been kept in laboratories since 1939, is bred as feeder animals for pet snakes, and is sometimes kept as a pet.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Multimammate Mouse. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Fresh food and waterevery day
- Spot cleanevery day
- Full cleanevery week
- EnrichmentNew things to explore every dayevery day
- Nails checkevery month
- Weigh inevery 2 weeks
- Vet check-upFind a vet who sees exotic petsevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Multimammate Mouse?
Feed your Multimammate Mouse fresh food and water every day, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. This matches its natural omnivore diet of grasses, leaves, grains, seeds, and insects.23 Furry Diary plan
What should a Multimammate Mouse eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A Multimammate Mouse eats an omnivore diet of grasses, leaves, grains, seeds, and insects. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, caffeine, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, as listed in general pet safety guidance.234
Should I bathe a Multimammate Mouse?
No, you should not bathe a Multimammate Mouse; it self-grooms. Instead, provide deep, diggable bedding and do regular spot-cleaning to keep it clean.2
Does a Multimammate Mouse need brushing?
No, a Multimammate Mouse does not need brushing because it has soft fur and self-grooms. Just provide deep bedding and spot-clean its enclosure.2
How do I look after a Multimammate Mouse's nails and teeth?
Check your Multimammate Mouse's nails monthly, as Furry Diary's plan suggests, and provide chew toys to help wear down its teeth naturally. For any concerns, ask an exotic-pet vet. Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a Multimammate Mouse need?
Provide a secure, escape-proof enclosure with deep bedding for burrowing, tunnels, and hides. It is mostly nocturnal and ground-dwelling, so daily enrichment with new things to explore is ideal.21 Furry Diary plan
Should a Multimammate Mouse live alone or with friends?
A Multimammate Mouse can live with compatible others of its kind, as it is tolerant and does not defend territory. Keep same-sex groups to avoid breeding.2
How long does a Multimammate Mouse live?
A Multimammate Mouse can live up to 4 years, though individual lifespans vary. Regular vet check-ups and good care help support a long, healthy life.3
Is a Multimammate Mouse a good pet for children?
A Multimammate Mouse is peaceful and adaptable, but it is mainly active at night, so it may not suit young children who want daytime play. Always supervise handling and teach gentle care.21
How do I hold a Multimammate Mouse?
Hold your Multimammate Mouse gently and securely, supporting its body, as it is a small, soft-furred rodent. Let it come to you first, and avoid sudden movements to keep it calm.21
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Natal multimammate mouse en.wikipedia.orgused for names, range, habitat, history, captive use
- Wikipedia (German): Natal-Vielzitzenmaus de.wikipedia.orgused for body and tail length, weight, coat, teats, litter size, behaviour, diet
- Wikipedia: Mastomys en.wikipedia.orgused for size, weight wild vs domestic, lifespan, diet
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.