Rats carry a specific dream meaning distinct from other small animals — persistent, resourceful, and often operating out of sight, which maps onto problems that erode a situation quietly rather than all at once.
A single rat
Often reflects one specific, nagging issue — small in isolation but persistent, something you've noticed but not yet dealt with directly.
A rat infestation
This more intense version usually points to a situation with several small problems compounding — financial leaks, minor betrayals, or accumulated neglect that's added up to something bigger than any one part.
A rat you can't catch or get rid of
Reflects a problem you're aware of and have tried to address, but that keeps resurfacing — worth examining whether your approach is actually addressing the root cause.