I have had my rat alone for over a year now. I had her with another girl at first, but, Gwynnie passed away. Luli does fine on her own. As for vets, I've never had anything major happen with a rat, so, I don't know what the costs would be. I know when Gwynnie had her respiratory problem, she was put on meds and both rats had shots. I don't think it was more than $75 for everything, but, it was awhile ago. I don't recall ever hearing they need yearly shots or anything though. Bedding isn't expensive, and, if you have a cage with levels, you really only need to put the litter stuff at the bottom. And, they literally will nest in anything. As long as it's clean, I throw socks, shirts, towels, blankets, whatever in Luli's cage to nest in. Accessories can get pricey, just because they chew. I've never been able to keep hammocks or anything like made of canvas or nylon, because Luli devours it. I'm not sure on the food, I'm actually interested in the answers you may get. Someone recommended a rat site to me, and, I'll post it for you. Just for more opinions! I love the name of the rat, and, I really hope you get to keep him. Oh, and, I think they live a couple to 4 years, but, I could be wrong. And, my rat is around a dog and a cat, and, is fine with both.

That site for rats is www.goosemoose.com/rfc