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Why rats make great pets 2/17/2016 8:50:52 PM
Puppies and kittens generally garner plenty of “ohhs” and “ahhhs.”
But, tell people you’ve got a pet rat, and you might be greeted with a surprised look and a lot of questions. Many people today simply don’t know the many qualities that make rats such wonderful, loving pets.
Let’s look at just five of the many reasons rats make great pets:
Rats are clean. Unfortunately, throughout history, rats have been unfairly portrayed as dirty. Let’s just dispel that myth right from the start because rats are extremely clean animals who religiously groom themselves. In fact, many rats will even use a litter box in their cage. Paper-based litter, shredded newspaper, and even a small piece of fabric changed daily work well as litter. Never use cedar, pine, or any litter that produces dust as such litters have been found to cause respiratory problems, which can be fatal, in rats and other small animals.
Rats have their own personalities. Rats are just like us: Each has his own individual personality. Your rat might have a ton of energy or he might prefer lounging around doing nothing all day. He may be super affectionate, sleeping on your shoulder for hours, or he might be shy. Spending a little bit of time with the rat you hope to adopt or to purchase can give you a glimpse into his personality. If you’re adopting from a shelter or a rescue or purchasing from a breeder, ask about the different personalities of the rats and choose the one that best fits your personality.
Highly social and affectionate, rats generally crave attention from their family members and would rather be hanging out with you on the couch than sitting in their cage. Some rats love to snuggle with their family members. Rats are fairly low maintenance pets but they do need time out of their cage daily and some people allow their rats to run around in a rat-proofed room or in a pen. If you’re not going to be home a lot, consider getting a companion for your rat. Two rats are better than one. You’ll get another loveable pet and your rat will have a companion to groom and to spend time with when you aren’t home.
Rats are intelligent and curious. Stay on your toes with your rat because chances are he’s going to surprise you with just how smart he is and just what he remembers. If you allow your rat out in a room, make sure you block off the areas you don’t want him to go. If your rat climbs into a drawer you accidentally left open one time, chances are pretty good the next time he’s running around and he finds the drawer shut, he’s going to work until he finds a way back into it.
Rats can do well with kids. Rats can be a great pet for kids. Most rats love attention and can be incredibly entertaining, especially when provided with toys and a hammock (for snoozing). However, be sure to teach your kids how to properly handle your rat (no pulling the tail or picking up by the tail) and how to be gentle when around your rat.
If you already have a pet rat, you can probably rattle off dozens of more reasons they make great pets. If you’re considering bringing a pet rat into your family, you’ll quickly discover just how much fun it can be to have one (or two) of these affectionate, social, clean, and intelligent animals.
The downside of rats? They don't live all that long -- two to three years -- and they're prone to tumors. And like all rodents, they live and love to chew. Provide all the chew toys imaginable, and they'll still put a hole in a piece of apparel faster than you can say "rats!"
