"Rat in Mi Kitchen" is a song written and performed by British reggae and pop group UB40. It features Herb Alpert on trumpet and is the sixth track on their album 1986 Rat in the Kitchen. Released as a single on 5 January 1987, it reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart later the same month, staying on the chart for seven weeks.

Although "Rat in Mi Kitchen" is attributed to the whole group, like many UB40 songs, it was written by Astro. At the time, lead singer Ali Campbell had moved into a new home in Balsall Heath, Birmingham and was troubled by rodents. When asked by Astro if he had any ideas for new songs he replied, "Oh God, I don't care about the album for a minute, I've got a rat in the kitchen!" Astro, who sings lead vocals on the song, wrote the track in response.

The sleeve artwork is by Bob Linney.

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (1987)Peak position
Australia (Kent Music Report)84
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)4
Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)23
Ireland (IRMA)7
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)7
Netherlands (Single Top 100)7
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)45
UK Singles (OCC)12

Year-end charts

Chart (1987)Position
Belgium (Ultratop)64
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)47
Netherlands (Single Top 100)41

Certifications

RegionCertificationCertified units/sales
New Zealand (RMNZ)Gold15,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)Silver200,000‡
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.