Main question- I am almost completely sure that my rat won't make it through the night. So, what I want to know is: would she rather sit with me or be alone? She's on my lap right now, though the end will probably come in the night. But for right now until I have to go to bed- which would she prefer. The reason I ask is that I know some animals have the instinct to go off and be alone if they think they're dying- so please, only answer if you have some type of knowledge or experience with like, animal behaviors.

(Also, I will be adding more related questions to this later, so if you would, please check back in a little while.)

I'm so sorry about your first rat.
It is possible for rats to get incredibly depressed when a cagemate dies, especially older rats, who usually follow on soon after. However, she is very young and has a better chance of recovery. I'm not trying to build up false hope, but younger rats do get over the deaths of their cagemates better. You may want to consider buying her a friend, if you feel ready for another rat. A friend will help her recover and get used to ratty socialisation again, as well as distracting her from any loneliness she feels when you aren't there. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
Whilst a dirty environment is a stressor for rat illnesses, I doubt that it caused it. Cages are generally well-ventilated, unlike tanks, so any ammonia build-up wouldn't have a chance to infect her. A fall on the head is more likely and could make her dizzy and lethargic for a while.
Give her treats and spoil her a little with apple sauce, baby food, maybe a bit of high-quality, low-protein dog food. Let her lick it off your fingers.
I would personally take her into your room tonight. You could sit up with her a while - rats generally settle down to sleep at about 1 am (I slept in the kitchen one night with my rats because of the heat in the upstairs rooms).
Rats are pretty resistant to falls. One of my rats (4 months old) likes to hurl himself from all manner of unlikely places and usually lands on his stomach or side. He is fine, just silly. :)

Just keep loving her and trying to keep her interested in you. If she is depressed, distracting her is the best thing you can do for her. Good luck! Keep me updated? :)

Rat lover
Owner of four

I am so sorry. I know what it is like to lose a pet .Don't listen to Scott. Rats can make fabulous pets. If you think that your rat will like to be with you, then keep her with you. I understand that it may be hard to go to sleep when your rat is dying. If your rat is not really bonded to you, then I would leave her in her cage. If she seems very skittish or scared (like some animals do when they are dying), leave her alone. I hope that you get through this hard time. ):

If she is used to you, and comfortable with you, then be with him. If she is a loner, then let him be. Also what will be easier for you? I agree that you should be there until the end, she was you pet, your friend, so if you are able, and if she is comfortable with it, be there for her on her final journey.

Don't sleep go to the restroom and be with him until he passes. You know what they say, TRUE FRIENDS TILL THE END.

don't listen to scott rats make great pets they are friendly and love human company stay with her give her comfort in her hour of need, she needs u don't let her die alone

Aww, poor rat! My boa constrictor is getting mighty hungry.

I am so sorry for such a difficult time you are going through. I am an animal behaviourist and my daughter has pet rats. The best advice would be to keep her warm but let her do what she wants..if she wants to drag herself under the covers and hide in the dark, let her. Likely you will not get much sleep worrying anyways. Has she just reached the end of her normal expected life span or has she been ill? pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
Take care of yourself and do what you need to do because you are the one that must go on. If you will forever feel guilty for going to sleep because you have a big test tomorrow then you must be ok with the fact that you still have responsiblities. If you can get away with staying up with her, and you want to, then do so. Be comforted in the fact that she had an awesome life with you compared to the alternatives for a rat. I am sure she loved you in her own ratty way!

I always stay with my rats when they are passing. I'm sure she will appreciate it. Stay up with her as long as possible. Unless of course (like others have said) she is skittish or trying to get away etc. But if she looks peaceful, let her stay with you. She will appreciate the company and (not sure if she has any cagemates but if she DOES) putting her back in the cage could stress the others out. I do believe they can sense your emotions, especially if she is a very affectionate rat. The first rat I ever had pass away at home - she died on Boxing day. I knew she was going since Christmas eve, stayed awake with her, kept her with me all through Christmas day. I went two nights without sleep. I put her in her cage so I could use the bathroom on Boxing Day morning and when I came back 5 minutes later she had passed. I'm sure she didn't want to distress me and wanted to go whilst I wasn't there. I was 15 then. So yeah, I'm sure she will have a special connection with you and want to be with you as long as possible if she can. Just do what you think is right by her. I'm sure it will be the right decision. How old is she? What is she ill with-does she look in lots of pain? Will you consider putting her to sleep at the vets if she does make it?