Rats are often overlooked in the pet world because people tend to think of them as vermin or science experiments. However, when raised in a loving home, they actually make some of the best pets.
They’re genuinely affectionate, social creatures that can be taught to do many things, just like a dog! Oh, and they’re totally adorable, as this little guy is demonstrating.
They’re hilarious
Rats have actually been domesticated for over 100 years now. They’re around 14-18 inches long (including their tails) and have a two- to three-year lifespan. They come in a variety of coat colors and textures, just like dogs and cats. They also love to curl up with you on the couch, or you can prop them up like this if you need some space (or a good laugh).
They like other animals
As is evident here, rats get along great with other pets (although you might want to supervise a first-time meeting with a predator like a cat). They’re also better for small children than hamsters because they’re bigger, calmer and hardly ever bite.
Clean freaks
You might think of rats as dirty because you see them in the subway or rifling through garbage, but domesticated rats are probably cleaner than you are. They clean themselves and each other all the time (even more than cats do) and can be trained to use a litter box if you want to let them roam free in the house (which is their preference).
Fast learners
Rats are highly trainable and can follow directions quite well (with a little food incentive, of course). Check out this amazing video where these five rats show off their many amazing skills.
They’re smarter than you
While rats may have bad eyesight, they have incredible memories, and once they learn a pattern, they remember it forever. This is why they’re often used in experiments where a maze is involved. They’re just as intuitive and inquisitive as dogs.
They’re super-low maintenance
Rats are some of the easiest pets for which to care. You can feed them with “rat blocks”, which are pellets filled with all the nutrition they need, or they’ll even be set with simple fruits and veggies from your fridge. It’s also quite easy to clean their cages once a week or train them to use a litter box if you’re comfortable with them being free-range.
Good sports
They look exceptionally cute in little hats and outfits. Let’s just say these little critters were made for Instagram.
Good roommates
Extremely sociable by nature, rats do well in the company of other rats. So you might consider bringing home your chosen rat friend’s brother and/or sister if you’ve got the room.
They’re affectionate
Rats love to interact with their human owners. They’re fans of sitting on shoulders, in laps or really anywhere as long as it’s on or near you. They’ll also totally kiss and nuzzle you if you let them (so be prepared).
Nibblers
And nothing is better than watching a cute little rat munching on a treat.
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