Rats are constantly getting a bad rap, whether it's in movies, history books, or when they're seen scurrying in a New York alleyway. The little-known truth is rats can make amazing companions. I have four of them myself and I don't regret getting a single one. This is the part where most people ask, "How can you get past that disgusting tail?"
As with most things in life, once you've fallen in love with something/someone, the little inconveniences don't seem to matter as much. Rats have the ability to love just like any other pets, and though their lives are short, mine have given me a friendship I'll never forget. Here are just some of the many reasons why I would recommend rats as pets.
1. They're the friendliest of all rodents
I'll be honest, this is just a personal assumption based on previous experiences. Every hamster, guinea pig, and gerbil I've known has been a biter, so I'm not a big fan. This doesn't mean rats don't bite, because some do, but the trick is finding a local breeder who does temperament tests on the rats before they are sold. This way you are guaranteed to get rats that won't bite at all, even when they're scared!
2. They are smart enough to learn tricks
Unbeknownst to most, rats are highly intelligent animals. They can learn their names, fetch, spin, and do other cute tricks with some training treats. I mean, you've seen the classic "rat solves maze to find cheese" experiment before. Personally, my rats don't know many tricks due to my own laziness, but I can tell you that I have them potty trained to relieve themselves in one spot! It's pretty awesome.
3. They're surprisingly very clean
While rats are usually associated with repulsive things like trash and sewers, they actually consistently clean themselves and each other. Unless they have a bellyache, rats also try not to relieve excrement in their sleeping areas. When I'm done playing with my girls, the first thing they do when they're back in their cage is clean each other off, as if I'M the dirty one. Rude!
4. They have personality
Based on what I've read on the internet, every rat has its own little quirk. Some like to swim, some are shy, some run away, some are afraid to leave their cage at all! I can easily tell you that out of my four girls, Freddie is the spaz, Meatball is the most loyal, Spaghetti gives the most kisses, and Ziggy is the friendliest. They all have something special about them, and I love it.
5. They "purr" when they're happy
Rats do this nifty little thing called "bruxing," and it's pretty startling the first time you see it. They begin grinding their teeth, resulting in a chattering noise, and their eyes bulge in and out of their head. The first time I saw it, I panicked and assumed my rat was about to have a seizure or something, but it's actually very normal. Rats brux when they are happy, so it's seen as the equivalent of a cat's purr. Rats can also brux in moments of high stress, but it's usually pretty easy to tell when they're enjoying something and when they aren't.
6. They can die from a broken heart
This is a sad fact but one that goes to show how compassionate these critters can be. Not many people know that rats are social animals and need at least one other rat companion. Sadly, it's not uncommon that one of the two will pass before the other. When their companion dies, the remaining rat will behave lethargically, just as a human would. Sometimes, if they are older, and they don't have a new friend to take their place, a rat will pass from the loneliness.
7. They're much quieter than movies make them out to be
This is a pet peeve of mine. In the movies, whenever a rat is on screen, you hear that little high pitched screeching sound effect. Realistically, rats are always silent. If they are screeching, they are either in pain or telling a cage mate to leave them alone. If your rat is making any other funny noise, such as wheezing or chirping, it could mean they are sick.
8. They are basically just caged little dogs
I can't stress this enough. Other than their overwhelming tail, rats are really not that different from dogs. They lick you, they greet you, they cuddle with you, they do tricks for you, and they love to be pet. Rats make great pets for people who love dogs, but may not be able to have one due to their living situation, financial situation, etc.
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