| Rats as Pets |
| If you are considering adopting rats, and you are renting, please check with your landlord first! It would be heartbreaking to take your little babies home, only to try to find them another home. |
| Please don't get rats as presents, or gifts, or any animal for that matter unless you are prepared to take over in caring for them. They require time, and responsibility. Do your homework (research) before getting a pet you are interested in to make sure you can meet their requirements. Sure babies are cute, but they grow up to be adults, and need permanent loving homes. So many people get them as babies, then realize the requirements, and give them up as adults. That's how so many animals end up in shelters, a lot of them are put to sleep. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to place adults in new homes, because so many people want babies. Not to mention the stress the animals go through in moving them from home to home. It's really not fair to them. Be responsible and consider this in your choice to adopt animals. Now on to the pros and cons of owning a rat: Pros: They are very social and highly intelligent they beg to come out to be with you, they can learn tricks and be litter trained. They are very affectionate and sensitive they bond with their owners much like a dog does, they may show their affection by licking you. Many small animals tolerate being handled, but rats actually enjoy it. They are extremely clean bathing themselves six or more times a day. Often people ask me if they smell, my response is "If they smell, it's because you aren't taking care of them properly. If their cage smells it is way overdue for a cleaning." They are a friendly and gentle pet, if they were properly socialized as a baby. Although nocturnal they will adjust their schedule to match that of their owners. Each and every rat has its own unique, and special personality. They don't need vaccinations. Cons: They are social, so you need to get two, or more same sex rats, and they are going to need time out of their cage everyday. Their teeth grow continuously through out their life, so they are chewers, keep things you don't want chewed up out of reach, or keep a close eye on the rat, better yet do both. Respiratory infections and tumors are common in rats, so be prepared for the cost to take them to the vet for treatment. Their cage needs to be cleaned out well, and often. Some rats may mark their territory with small drops of pee, a small price to pay for the love they give in return. Some people may be allergic to rats, these are usually less of a problem than a dog or cat. The biggest con of all it their average life span is being only 2-3 years, some people may see this as a pro a short term commitment. |
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