Can rats eat pine branches?

Better not: rats shouldn’t eat pine branches. On its website, the Zurich animal welfare society (Zürcher Tierschutz) puts conifer branches in its “never” column. Its guide calls conifers (pointing to the resin), yew, thuja and cypress unsuitable to poisonous, along with oak and chestnut.

Good to know: Rats can’t vomit, so the RSPCA warns that even a small amount of something harmful can kill them. If you’re worried your rat has come into contact with anything harmful, the RSPCA says to contact your vet immediately.