My pet rats squeak and cuddle. Is it playing or fighting?

No, it doesn't like like fighting to me. They are likely wresting and playing with each other. If there is no hissing and screaming, they are just having fun with each other. If there was fighting, there would be vocalization, hissing, and tense body posture. If you aren't seeing any of that, you don't need to separate them when you are at work.

I would first recommend to check their genders. Make sure they are both females, otherwise you may end up with babies. Sometimes gerbils do play rough. Observe the behavior and check for wounds. Make sure they have space to get away from each other is needed. Please post again with any further questions!

It is, unfortunately, very common for male rats to begin fighting as they get closer to sexual maturity. Your rats are getting to be that age, so that may be contributing to the scuffling that you are seeing. There are a few things that you can try - one is to completely separate them from one another. This can be complicated as you will need to have three separate enclosures. Sometimes there is only one aggressor - if you know that one of the rats is the bully (usually the one that has no injuries), you can also try to separate that one and leave the other two together. Unfortunately, sometimes this can then lead to the other two fighting (so it doesn't always work). Another alternative is to get them castrated. I am not sure what the comfort level of the veterinarians in your area is with rats, but this would remove the hormone component of things. I hope that gives you a place to start, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Great question! It sounds like Razi and Jinx are getting along well together if they are sleeping next to each other, grooming, and eating next to each other. It can be normal for cats to chase and wrestle, and sometimes bite each other. I would look at their body language as they are doing it. If their ears are back and their posture is tense, then this is fights. When cats are playing, they will be relaxed and and their ears will be forward. Keep in mind as well that it's normal for cats who live together to have the occasional fight. I have four cats, and while they get along really well with each other 90% of the time, they do have the occasional tiff with each other. Sometimes one really annoys one of the other cats, and that cat lets them know. Just like with humans, you are agin got have the occasional fight. They won't get along all of the time. I hope this helps :-)

This sounds like a typical play behavior. In general watch for signs that one cat is trying to avoid the other cat. Watch for the cats hissing at each other. Watch for any signs of intentional bites or scratches that leave marks. If the cats are willingly interacting and you don’t notice any hiding or avoidance behaviors, this is likely consensual play. You may also look into reading a few books about cat behavior as it is not only informative but also fun! I hope this helps.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Young rats tend to be very playful and active, so they may be more wriggly while being picked up. I recommend moving slowly while trying to socialize your rats - first letting them get used to your hand being in the cage, then giving them treats, and then trying to pick them up for short periods of time. If you believe that your rats do not want to be picked up because they are painful, I recommend having them seen by a vet. I hope this helps and that all is well!

Comgratulations on your new pet! Nothing can substitute for a careful examination by your vet, however, if the little guy looks healthy, is eating and going to the toilet well, and is nice and active, then it sounds like he is in great health. There will be variation in all animals so I imagine he is just a lot more vocal. Keep a close eye on him and you can always get him examined to be sure.