You get better protection if you use your credit card. The key difference is that when you claim on a credit card under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, the credit card company is legally liable.
A pet rat can live between 2-4 years maybe longer it just depends on how well you look after it.
Mice typically live between 1.5-2.5 years. For their lifespan, you will be committing to provide water, food, shelter, and lots of love. The quality and quantity of water, food, shelter, and love greatly affects the lifespan of your mice.