Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Pet Rats

At a recent visit to the big chain pet store, I became intrigued with some furry little black creatures playing about in an enclosed display area. Not realizing what they were at first, I glanced to the sign, and to my dismay, they were RATS!

Yup, those same animals that plague Taco Bell and other restaurants across the world. RATS. But yet, here I was, actually enjoying watching them run about. These same creatures that people generally think of as PESTS are there being sold as PETS.

Well, after a little research, it looks like rats do have some popularity as an “exotic” pet. Apparently they are social, intelligent animals that make wonderful pets. They are relatively easy to care for, very curious, and require some interaction and exercise outside of their cage (at least an hour a day).

They are very social animals that like to be housed with other rats and some rat owners say their little creatures provide the same companionship as a dog. Now while I’m not sure if I could agree with that statement, I am never one to judge others on their choice of pets. And after watching them in the store, I can understand how someone can enjoy owning rats. The toughest part for me is getting over the notion of rats as PESTS and embracing the thought of rats as PETS.

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Trackposted to The Pink Flamingo, The Bullwinkle Blog, The Amboy Times, Adam's Blog, Big Dog's Weblog, and Conservative Cat, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't think I could ever cross that divide. I simply am not a fan of any type rodent as a pet, and that includes guinea pigs and hamsters. I just think they're dirty, and not so fun.

Anonymous said...

They actually make delightful pets, but they do have a relatively short lifespan for a pet.

Anonymous said...

I don't care how cute they may look, there is no way I'm keeping a rat in my house!

Anonymous said...

We've had 7 rats as pets now over the years and all I can say is I miss everyone of them, each having his or her own little characters, sadly our latest one Ruby is on her way to joining the previous 7 as she's starting to show her age a bit now.

Rats are ace and i lvoe em

Anonymous said...

Rats are the BEST pets! Endearing, intelligent, loyal and loving. Don't knock it till you've tried it. Ingnorance is ugly.

Anonymous said...

Rats are the best! They're endearing, intelligent, engaging, loyal and loving. Don't knock it until you've tried it. Ingnorance is ugly (for those of you who snub it like they're some kind of plague)

Anonymous said...

They make *amazing* pets. SO much nicer than those crabby little hamsters--and no, I'm not being biased. I raised hamsters for years. Because of their popularity, I figured they were the best small mammal to own--but after raising rats, I've learned my lesson ;).

And yes, they do behave very much like dogs. Their social structure and intelligence are both comparable to dogs, as is their friendliness towards humans.

Anonymous said...

i've never owned a rat myself but have heard nothing but great things and am in the process of purchasing my first rats. i cant wait for a little companionship!

dsmfishgal said...

I have two male rats currently and am loving every minute of it! These guys are so interactive, bold, and inquisitive. There really is a "dog-like" quality to them, especially in the way they show affection.

If people can get past the negative stigma, they may find pet rats to be very suitable. ;)

Anonymous said...

Rats rats and more rats are totally awesome. Once you have one, you will be hooked for life. They are like miniature puppies :)

Anonymous said...

Rats are not for everyone. They freak most people out, but they make wonderful pets. They are very intelligent and friendly. People that don't think this probably have never had one. Its their lose. Rats have gotten a bad rap throughout history. Most likely because of scared ignorant people.

Anonymous said...

I used to think rats were gross and freaky, until i got two. They are almost like cats constantly grooming themselves, i've even trained them to poop in a small box inside their cage! They are very playful and they have really cool unique personalities and when ever im having a bad day they instantly cheer me up. If you can get over the whole "rats are diseased" thing, they make very memorable, loving pets

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Dr. Health said...

Apparently they are social, intelligent animals that make wonderful pets.

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