Rats Can Be Pets, Too!

If you mention a rat anywhere in New York, you'll be met with looks of disgust and stories of when homes were infested with the giant rodents. The image most people see of rats is one of an illness-carrying parasite or something along those lines.

Now, throw that image out of your mind, because those are not pet rats! Pet rats are known as fancy rats, AKA not the dirt-covered furballs you encounter while riding in a subway. When I mention rats as pets, the most common misconception I find people having is the idea that all rats are those subway rats, like the one carrying pizza down the stairs. No, people don't just scoop them off the subway floor and take them home. Most avid rat lovers, such as myself, buy them from breeders that have bred only the cleanest and friendliest of rodents. When dealing with rats, it's very much recommended that you do your research on the breeder and make sure that the parents of the babies you're buying aren't wild rats. Those won't be good pets, trust me.

You may be asking yourself, "Why in the world would anyone want a rat?" Let me throw a few reasons out there for you to consider. First of all, these rodents are perfect for small spaces. They may be big, but they aren't anywhere the size or maintenance of a dog. I highly recommend rats for people that don't have the room for a dog or a cat, but still want genuine companionship that smaller pets like fish or hamsters can't give. "Companionship like a dog or a cat?" you ask yourself. Yes, very much so! That brings me to my second point.

Unbeknownst to many people, rats have one of the richest personalities that I've ever seen come from an animal that isn't a cat or a dog. Did you know that you can even take your rat on a walk, on a leash? I wouldn't recommend it if you live in a dog neighborhood, but yes, you can do that! And, unlike (most) cats and dogs, a rat can provide you with very close companionship. Close as in on your shoulder. Most properly raised fancy rats love to cuddle and have playtime with their humans.

Another benefit of having a pet rat is how little you need to take care of them. Litter, food, water, a good cage, a few chew toys, and an exercise wheel is practically all you need to take care of a rat! Of course, you could always buy a few extra luxuries, such as treats or a leash, but they aren't necessary. Even better, you do not need a brush, as rats are just like cats in the way that they clean themselves with their tongues! Yes, the natural prey and predator have something in common. Pretty neat, right?

Of course, as much as I love rats, I must throw in some of the cons of having rats as well. They do not live long; the oldest fancy rat lived to be about seven years and four months old, but the average lifespan of a rat is 2 to 3.5 years old. Rats also do much better in pairs, so if you're not willing to buy two rats, you will have to find time to give your rat extra attention and affection, as with their cat and dog-like behavior, they do have a tendency to become upset with a lack of interaction. That is why two rats is recommended, to ensure that they have access to socialization. To make things worse, when one rat dies, rats are so intelligent that they can grieve over their lost friend by not eating, being restless, and practically becoming depressed. Another thing to consider is the cost of spaying and neutering (still expensive, even if they're so small!) and the idea of finding someone to rat-sit when going on vacation (while most people are up for dog-sitting, can you imagine how that number would dwindle when you ask them to rat-sit?).

In the end, it's your choice. Rats, while being great companions for those with no room or budget for cats or dogs, are still widely looked at as "gross" or "disease-ridden." I always understand when people are disgusted by them, but I'll always highly recommend that people give them a try! Just like cats and dogs, all they want is your love and affection. So, why not go to your local rat breeder and check out some fine rats today?