Objective To study the effect and feasibility of gradual oral diethylnitrosamine (DENA) induced liver cirrhotic model in rats under avoirdupois monitoring. Methods Fifty Wistar rats (6 weeks old) were divided into 3 groups: normal control group （n=10）, traditional DENA induction group (receiving traditional oral DENA treatment, n=20）, gradual DENA induction group (receiving gradual oral DENA treatment under avoirdupois monitoring, n=20). The weight, mortality and liver cirrhosis formation were observed. Results After 4 weeks of inducing cirrhosis, the weight of traditional DENA induction group 〔(234.9±27.1) g〕 was significantly lower than that of normal control group 〔(264.8±33.7) g, P＜0.05〕. After 8 weeks of inducing cirrhosis, the weight of traditional DENA induction group 〔(251.5±34.3) g〕 was significantly lower than that of normal control group 〔(303.2±49.4) g， P＜0.01〕 and gradual DENA induction group 〔(277.5±27.6) g， P＜0.05〕. However, the difference between normal control group and gradual DENA induction group was not remarkable (P＞0.05). The mortality in traditional DENA induction group (35%) was significantly higher than that in normal control group (0) and gradual DENA induction group (0)， P＜0.05. But the rate of cirrhosis formation both in traditional DENA induction group and gradual DENA induction group was 100%. Conclusion Oral DENA induced cirrhotic model in rats is a simple, reproducible and reliable technique. Gradual oral technique, in which DENA is given under avoirdupois monitoring, can improve rat’s security and reduce mortality.