When most people think of rats, they immediately think of massive sewer rats in New York City or flea infested Black Plaque carriers. They do not think of ticklish cuddle- bugs that can be trained to do fun tricks like a dog. Rats are accused of being dirty or aggressive, and people are often grossed out by their tails, claiming they look like worms. But as all people who have owned a rat before know, they can easily become your tiny best friend.
The first issue to tackle when convincing people rats are actually cute is the issue of their tail. As I mentioned, a lot of people think they are weird and look a bit like worms, but that hairless tail actually serves a really important purpose. The same way a person sweats or a dog pants, rats use the bald tail to regulate their body temperature. Simply put, they can't sweat because they have fur, and they can't pant because of their teeth, so excess heat leaves their body through their tail. You can say their tail is gross, but most people don't look too cute when they are gross and sweaty either.
The next is the myth that rats are dirty. Sewer rats really help to increase this common misconception. Rats actually act a lot like cats in the cleaning department, because they regularly bathe themselves. The only reason sewer rats appear so dirty is because they live in a really dirty place. Keep a rat in a clean cage though, and they will stay nice and pristine. They are even more like cats, too. Rats can actually be trained to use a litter box! They will naturally designate one corner of their home as a bathroom, so all you have to do is put a litter tray there. A clean cage is a clean rat.
Now, as for being aggressive, unless they are starving and think your finger is a hot dog, you're not going to have to worry about them biting. Rats are extremely affectionate once they know you, just like a dog, and will love to sit on your shoulder or in your lap. When I had my rats, every time they heard me come up the stairs, they would start climbing all over the door of their cage waiting for me to open it. Just like a dog excitedly waiting at the front door. And just like dogs, rats can be trained to do tricks. You can train them to spin in a circle, go through a maze, and even retrieve things for you, so long as you have a yummy piece of corn as a reward.
Having rats of my own was one of the greatest experiences of my life. My boys, brothers named Claudio and Oreo, taught me how affectionate rats can be, and how big a part of your family they can become. When the time came to put them down, it was like losing a best friend, but I knew it was for the best. Overall, rats have all the benefits of a dog and a cat, balled up into an adorable one pound love machine. So long as you give them a clean cage, food, and lots of love, they will want nothing more than to sit by your side and have their little head scratched.
