Ratthew is one of the most important NPCs in Animal Hospital, despite looking like an ordinary patient at first. Unlike regular visitors, he appears across multiple shifts with unique dialogue that gradually reveals the game's hidden story. As you earn his trust, Ratthew shares information about Animal Corporation, his missing twin sister Rattina, and eventually rewards you with the mysterious Key used to unlock the hidden safe in Room 5.

This guide explains who Ratthew is, how his storyline works, what his dialogue means, and why he's considered one of the central characters in Animal Hospital's lore.

Who is Ratthew in Animal Hospital?

Ratthew is a friendly recurring NPC who visits the hospital during later shifts. Although his unusual behavior causes some players to mistake him for an anomaly, Ratthew is not currently considered a hostile anomaly. Instead, he's a story-focused character who slowly uncovers the mystery surrounding the hospital and Animal Corporation.

Unlike ordinary patients, Ratthew returns multiple times, with each visit expanding his personal story and revealing new pieces of lore.

Ratthew at a glance

Animal Hospital Ratthew location

Ratthew usually begins appearing after the early tutorial shifts.

He arrives at the reception desk like a normal patient, but instead of simply checking in, he'll stop to talk with you. Unlike standard NPCs, his conversations continue over multiple shifts, meaning you'll need to keep playing to experience his full storyline.

Ratthew's story explained

Ratthew's dialogue gradually becomes more personal as he begins trusting the player.

Throughout his appearances, he reveals that:

• People often mistake him for an anomaly.
• He believes someone is watching him.
• He tells you not to trust everyone working at the hospital.
• His twin sister Rattina disappeared after becoming involved with Animal Corporation.
• He's searching for answers about what happened to her.

Rather than delivering all of this information at once, the game spreads it across several encounters, encouraging players to continue progressing through later shifts.

Rattina and Animal Corporation

One of Ratthew's biggest motivations is finding his missing twin sister, Rattina.

According to his dialogue, Rattina disappeared after becoming connected to Animal Corporation, the mysterious organization repeatedly mentioned throughout Animal Hospital's lore. Ratthew believes the corporation is hiding the truth behind her disappearance and warns players that there is far more happening inside the hospital than ordinary medical work.

Although many questions remain unanswered, Ratthew's conversations establish Animal Corporation as one of the central mysteries of the game.

How to get Ratthew's Key

After completing Ratthew's full dialogue chain across multiple visits, he eventually decides to leave.

Before disappearing, he leaves behind a mysterious Key for the player.

To earn it:

• Continue progressing through later shifts.
• Speak with Ratthew every time he visits.
• Complete all of his dialogue interactions.
• Pick up the Key after his final conversation.

The Key becomes one of the most important collectibles in the game.

What does Ratthew's Key do?

The Key unlocks the hidden safe inside Room 5.

After removing the cat poster covering the safe, you'll discover several lore-related items, including:

• A photograph of Rattina
• A confidential briefcase
• Documents connected to Animal Corporation
• A note referencing the mysterious Shadow experiment.

The Key doesn't unlock gameplay upgrades or new abilities—it exists entirely to expand the game's story.

Is Ratthew an Anomaly?

No—based on current in-game evidence, Ratthew is not treated as an anomaly.

His unusual appearance and secretive dialogue understandably make him suspicious, but his story consistently presents him as an ally rather than an enemy. He even thanks the player for treating him like everyone else instead of assuming he's dangerous.

Some fan theories speculate that Ratthew may know more than he admits, but these remain unconfirmed.

When does Ratthew first appear?

He typically begins appearing around Shift 2 or 3, although his full storyline unfolds across several later shifts.