Pet Rats: Playful and Personable
March 13, 2009 by Peggy Rowland
Filed under Pets
Should we stop using “Rats!” as a negative interjection? Perhaps we should be saying “Aw, rats” in a sweet manner.
Pet rats are domesticated creatures. They’ve been selectively bred in captivity. And pet rats are known for being very social, developing a strong bond with their humans.
Some rats may even learn their names! Just as rats groom themselves like a cat, they also learn tricks like a dog. They are intelligent creatures who need toys to keep them stimulated.
According to R.A.T.S (Rat Assistance and Teaching Society), rats usually live to be around 2.5 years old, but can grow as old as 7 years.
If you work in a pet store, vet’s office or shelter, check out the care recommendations from R.A.T.S. The care sheet from the group may also be helpful for new owners of pet rats.
If you own a pet rat, please introduce your pet in comments.
(Image via stock.xchng)
We used to have a pet rat and her name was Food because she was bought to be snake food. Our friend bought her for his snake and when he got home with the rat, his snake was shedding. We had a cage, so he gave her to us. She was a great pet. She would follow me around the house and we would chase each other. She would sit in the pocket of my hooded sweatshirt. She would crawl up to my neck and sit. She was really sweet. She only lived about a year though and it was so painful to watch her die.
After Food, we got more rats and went through the same painful deaths with them. We read somewhere that rats don’t show they’re sick until it’s too late, which has something to do with them and their status on the food chain and showing weakness.
I was so heartbroken over seeing several of them suffer and die. I told my husband no more rats. They are really good pets though.
Hi Karen. Sounds like Food was a sweet pet. : ) The RATS group I mentioned is working to educate pet store owners and vets to help pet rats live longer, healthier lives.
Thanks for sharing your pet rat story!
Hi people, i’m from portugal, sorry my bad inglish… =S
i have two Pet ratz, the Zen and the Pilates there are male. i love them, they are very inteligent and sociable. and the most important thing, there are my best friends =)