22 Meanings When You Dream About Rats

Dreams are an incredible thing. They often provide us with a fascinating insight into what is going on in our unconscious mind. They also give us some amazing and useful insights into our own lives, providing guidance on how to behave going forward.

Dreams about rodents are pretty common and offer some of these great perspectives. My list of 22 meanings when you dream about rats is intended to help you better understand this type of dream and to highlight specific areas in your life that potentially might need addressing.

What does it mean when you dream about rats?

22 Meanings When You Dream About Rats

So, let’s get on with it and see what these little rodents can tell us about ourselves.

1. Dream About Rat Infestation

Dreams about rat infestations can have a few different meanings.

It might mean that you are dealing with a lot of problems in your waking life. This has got to the point where you are feeling stressed and anxious. You may even now feel depressed and, essentially, overwhelmed.

Alternatively, it is a predictor of tough times to come. In this instance, the dream is giving you a warning. You are, therefore, getting time to prepare for the difficulties ahead. Make sure you use time well.

What else to know?

The last interpretation of the rat infestation dream is that you are experiencing some physical problems in your romantic life. These have been going on for some time and still show no signs of being resolved. Unless things change soon, it might be a good idea to call in the professionals.

2. Dream of Being Attacked by Rats

This is not so good. It is a sign that someone very close to you is going to betray you. This will be a close personal friend, business partner, family member, or even your romantic partner. The fallout and consequences are likely to be serious.

Rats attacking you in a dream indicates that this could be a result of someone seeking revenge for something you have done in the past. If this is the case, it should be much easier to narrow down the source of the threat. It should also serve as a very important reminder to do better when dealing with people in your life.

Never done anything wrong?

If you have not caused anyone this kind of hurt, then you should be much more careful of whom you allow yourself to get close to you in the future. You should also take a more objective look at the motives of those currently in your life.

3. Dream About Catching Rats

This rat catching dream signifies that you need to be on your guard for people who may want to take advantage of your good nature. A friend could be planning to betray you for financial gain. This could be coming from someone you have only met relatively recently, so you should be particularly wary of new friends.

What else can you do?

You should look again at your financial arrangements and make sure you have reduced the risks of suffering a loss. It would be a good idea to also include business partners and friends in this, as well as friends.

4. Dream of Rats in a House

This can have two possible meanings. It all very much depends on the behavior of the rats in your house. Consequently, you need to pay close attention to exactly what the rats were doing.

Here’s what to consider…

Rats are generally highly destructive. If this was the case in your dream, it means that there is a lot of disruption and problems in your home. In this instance, it would be a good idea to take the time to sit down with all the involved parties and calmly discuss what is going on.

Don’t be judgmental, and remember to listen and try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. You should also encourage the other parties to do the same. Hopefully, you will come up with a solution to restore harmony in your household.

Conversely, if you saw well-behaved rats in your dream, it is a very good sign. It means that the future will hold lots of positivity and happiness.

I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you dreamt of peaceful rats!

5. Dream of Scaring Away Rats

Happily, this is a good sign and indicates that you have recently overcome a series of challenging obstacles. However, unfortunately, this will not be the end, and there will be more difficult times ahead.

You need to utilize your recent experiences to combat whatever is coming. Your hard work and resilience will again shine through, and you will ultimately be successful. Although you might feel like giving up at times, you must keep going, because the rewards will be significant.

6. Dream of Gnawing Rats

This means you are currently having a difficult time making any progress with your goals and life purpose. Essentially, you have been putting a lot of effort in and getting nothing back out. The self-doubts are now starting to creep in, and they are gnawing away at your belief and confidence.

Hang in there…

Many things we try to achieve in life are characterized by having to put in a lot of time and effort at the start. Think of it as a wedge, when at the start, there is no great reward. We have to wait until crossing the back end for the chance of any significant payoff.

The dream is telling you to keep going, be patient, and all will be fine.

7. Dream of Rats Crawling Over You

This dream undoubtedly has one of the worst meanings when you dream about rats. The dream has multiple interpretations, and unfortunately, they are all bad. Just some worse than the others!

So, brace yourself…

It could be that you have lost control over something in your life. This might be in a romantic relationship, a business, or some kind of project.

Alternatively, it may be that you have become so over-analytical and anxious that you are trying to second-guess everything you do. Consequently, it has caused you to feel overwhelmed with a series of ever-mounting problems.

Finally, you may be self-sabotaging your future with poor decision-making.

8. Dream of Rats in a Tree

This means that you will shortly be recognized for your efforts on a project or skill, or for some form of educational achievement. It will lead to a promotion or placement in a new job. This will be the start of a significant uplifting of your circumstances.

The dream of seeing rats in a tree is telling you to continue climbing and to aim high. Do not stop until you reach the top, and continue with your hard work and studies. They will all pay off, and you will soon reach your long-term goals and ambitions.

9. Dream of Dead Rats

There is something going on in your life that is causing you high levels of stress and anxiety. It could come from any part of your life, though it is most likely to be related to difficulties with a romantic relationship. This may now be coming to an end, or has recently just done so, therefore, emotions are raw and running high.

The dream is telling you that although things might be tough right now, things will soon get better, and you will be back to your old self before you know it. The death of rats signifies the death of this situation, and at the same time, it represents the beginning of a new life.

10. Dream of Rats Biting Your Fingers

There is someone in your life going through bad times and in need of help. This is most likely either a close friend or family member. Currently, you are not consciously aware of it and so have not offered to help them in any way.

You should think about who is close to you and who might be suffering. Do a little bit of investigation and quickly find out who needs your assistance. It is then, of course, down to you as to what help or otherwise you are able to provide.

11. Dream of Rats on your Clothes

Dreaming of rats in your clothing means that someone is talking behind your back. It is not flattering and is bad enough that it could seriously affect your reputation. In fact, it is so bad that it might even be considered slander. The consequences are that the sorry affair could lead to you becoming embroiled in a scandal that you have absolutely no part in.

What to do?

The dream is pushing you to find out who is behind all the gossip and put a stop to it immediately. Be confrontational if you have to be. If you don’t end it soon, it will potentially hurt you much more going forward.

12. Dream of Rats Biting You

The rat bite is a clear symbol that you need to be careful and stay aware of your surroundings. This means that you feel there is someone in your waking life that wants to do you harm. You may or may not know who they are right now, but you sense that trouble coming.

Take this time to look more closely at your business colleagues and friends and carefully assess where you think this threat is coming from. Don’t give away that you have any suspicions that there are people out to get you. Remain friendly and keep your thoughts and speculations under the radar whilst you do your investigations.

13. Dream of Rats on Your Bed

This indicates that you follow what others do and copy their ways of life. At times, you become overly obsessed with other people’s lives rather than focusing on your own path. This unhealthy obsession also causes you to be jealous of others. This can be related to lifestyles, relationships, or material possessions.

But the most important thing is…

Your mindset is causing you to be depressed and unhappy. You have to cut it out and find your own way of doing things and your own way of living. Stop following people you don’t know on social media and concentrate and your own destiny and place in the world.

14. Dream of Big Rats

This means that you have anxiety about being taken advantage of or being overpowered in your waking life. It could be that you are a naturally agreeable person. You recognize that if you enter into a business or personal relationship, you can become vulnerable.

You should work on your personal skills and learn how to say no. It may be that you need to seek the help of a professional with this because it isn’t easy. A few sessions could make all the difference here.

Got a dark secret?

Alternatively, the big rats dream might relate to your fears of an old secret coming to light. You are feeling anxious about it and do not know how to cope if your past becomes public knowledge.

15. Dream of Rats Digging a Hole

This means that you have to be careful of someone trying to steal from you. The source of the threat is unclear, which means you will have to be alert on many fronts.

The theft could result in you losing material property at either your home or at your business premises. Alternatively, it could also be that you have to watch out for someone trying to steal your romantic partner.

Some people are horrible!

16. Dream of Dancing Rats

This shows that you have suffered some kind of injustice at work. You are understandably upset about it, but there is now nothing you can do to clear your name or put things right. Unfortunately, it has caused your career to stall, and you are finding it tough to get things back on track.

Despite the fact that none of this was your fault, you must now be even more discreet and careful when sharing information with your work colleagues. In fact, be very careful what kind of information you share going forward.

17. Dream of Killing Rats

This is one of the few positive meanings when you dream about rats.

So, what is it all about?

You’re having this dream to help you understand that you already possess the necessary skills and depth of character to meet any obstacles in your way. It is telling you to believe in yourself and that you will achieve every goal you have set for yourself.

The dream of you killing rats also signifies that you have a good future ahead.

Plus, someone will enter your life either professionally or personally and will change your life for the better. Remain open to new relationships, as well as new experiences, to make the most of future opportunities.

18. Dream of Fighting with Rats

When you dream about fighting with rats, this means that you are not an outgoing person and you are mostly an introvert. Your shyness prevents you from moving into a wider social circle, and you tend to be awkward when meeting new people. All of this makes it difficult for you to make friends and effectively communicate your ideas at home and at work.

Ask for help…

You are probably an anxious person and may need some help to overcome this. Find a close friend or relative to talk to that you can really trust. They will hopefully be able to help you in overcoming the problems you are having in communicating with others.

19. Dream of a Black Rat

This is really bad, and it is important you listen to what your subconscious is trying to tell you.

A dream about a black rat is a sign of despair and darkness. It is possible that you are going through a tough time and one that you see no hope of getting out of. This may be beyond the scope of what many would consider the normal problems of life.

More importantly…

You may be suffering from depression because of the situation you currently find yourself in. This is a devastating illness and can be hard to fight. It is, therefore, a time to turn to trusted friends or family to help you get back on track. Alternatively, you may want to consider seeing a doctor for some professional advice and assistance.

Don’t battle through this alone and hold on because there ultimately will be an end to it.

20. Dream of a White Rat

This is a great dream for the people who have dreamt about a black rat to look at. That is because it offers plenty of positive energy and a glimpse of what can be in the future.

So, what does the white rat dream mean?

It means that the issues you have been experiencing in the present will soon be behind you. Despite the difficult past, your future path is much smoother. The future connections you make, at home, at work, and in your social life, are all going to be beneficial and part of a successful future.

Finally, it can also mean, in a good way, that you will deceive someone or they will deceive you. However, the intent and result are to benefit the people being deceived.

Maybe someone is planning a surprise birthday party for you?

21. Dream of Brown Rats

This means that you have spent a large proportion of your life dedicated to reaching financial security. You have achieved the goal, but you feel no happier, and, in fact, you are feeling unfulfilled in life generally.

It is a sign that the goals you chose were not your true destiny but were merely the wants and desires of others, rather than your own. It is time for you to decide what you really want in life and what is important to you.

You should start to seriously consider a different life purpose and, if appropriate, take the first steps to change your stars.

22. Dream of Pink Rats

Pink is often thought of as the color of love when it comes to dreams. Therefore, if you dream about pink rats, it is an indication that your love life is likely to take a turn for the better in the near future.

If you are already in a relationship, you can expect things to improve.

How?

Well, if you have had arguments, they will be resolved. Or, if you have had little time together, then you will soon be seeing more of each other. If things were already good, you can expect your relationship to develop to even greater heights.

This is all good and a wonderful way to round off the list.

Sure it was a Rat in Your Dreams?

You might also want to read about Meanings When You Dream About Mice, as this can be quite different from rat dream meanings.

Also, if you’ve been having lots of dreams with scary animals in them, don’t worry, we have you covered! We have everything you need to know about Meanings When You Dream About Bears, Meanings When You Dream About Bats, Meanings when you Dream About Lions, Meanings When You Dream About Black Snakes, Meanings When You Dream About White Snakes, and Meanings When You Dream About Scorpions in 2023.

And, if all these nightmares are getting you down, we recommend looking into the Main Reasons Why Your Dreams Feel So Real to help give you a little more perspective.

Ok, back to today’s topic…

Final Thoughts on Meanings When You Dream About Rats

So, there you have it. Rats are not everyone’s favorite animal, but if they feature in your dream, it is worth listening to what they have to say. There is a good chance that the message they are trying to convey is important and well worth looking into.

I hope the dream you had was on my list, and I also hope that it gave you a better idea of its significance and has given you a clear plan going forward.

Sweet dreams!

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About Sophia Wilson

Sophia is our head writer, here at Rockridge Institute - The Spirit Magazine, and is a Certified Dream Analyst, author, podcast personality, speaker, and a member of the International Association for the Study of Dreams. The IASD is a worldwide organization that conducts and encourages research into the function, nature, and significance of dreaming.

She is obsessed with updating her dream journal, capturing all the strange and fascinating adventures she experiences while asleep. And uses this information to help her analyze and decipher dreams for tens of thousands of people worldwide. She is also working on her first book, 'Dreams and their Meanings' which is due to be published next year.

Sophia also writes for a number of newspapers, monthly publications, and websites, sharing her knowledge and love of dreams and their meanings.
She enjoys playing the piano, dinner parties with friends, and taking her German Shepherd, Ben, for walks around her home in Boston, Massachusetts.

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