Rats have something of an image problem. Most people think of them as a dirty, slightly threatening animal – the legendary sewer rats of New York perhaps – which they would prefer to avoid. However domesticated rats, also known as fancy rats, are as different from their wild cousins as a Labrador puppy is from a wolf. Here are reasons why rats can make ideal pets.

Pet rats will grow to approximately 9-11 inches in size and live for about 2-3 years. Over many generations, they have been bred to be friendly towards humans Boys are called bucks and girls does. Either sex will happily live with other rats of the same gender and form a group (complete with internal politics!). As well as domesticating them, over the years breeders have created lots of different breeds such as the Berkshire, the Hooded and the Blue Agouti. As with cats and dogs, there are shows for anyone interested in displaying a well turned out pet.

Engaging Behaviour

Pet rats are social animals who thrive on interaction with each other and with their owners. They love to be rubbed behind their ears or scratched on their shoulders. Some rats will roll over on their back to have their tummy tickled. They also show affection back such as grooming or licking their owner. Rats are very playful and young rats will wrestle with your hand just like a kitten. They’re very happy to play games with their owners, like tug of war, hide and seek, and peek-a-boo. In fact walking past a cage of awake pet rats is likely to bring small whiskers and paws pressed up against the side waiting to come out and play. When outside is sadly unavailable, rats will engage with their toys and cage mates. Like dogs or cats, rats have individual personalities, likes, dislikes and foibles. Rats are intelligent and extremely curious about the world and provide ongoing entertainment as they explore the world and solve puzzles.

That intelligence can also be put to good use by training rats to do various tricks. Starting with coming on command, rats can be trained to do all sorts of physical tricks – some enterprising owners even train their rats to compete in obstacle course races. The good part is that much like dogs, rats actually enjoy both the activity and pleasing their owner (from whom they can expect praise and treats as a reward).

Moderate Maintenance Requirements

Of course all pets must be looked after properly and rats are no exception. So any owner of rats will have some obligations. Rats probably fall somewhere between cats and dogs as a time investment. Providing suitable housing (which you’ll need to clean) and food will be high on the list, but your rats will also want some of your attention and affection on a regular basis. They don’t require say a daily walk, but will need supervised playtime outside their cage. Also like any other animal there may be vets bills to pay. Because their housing requirements are modest and they don’t need to go outside, rats are particularly suitable for apartment dwellers. As nocturnal animals rats are happy to sleep during the day and be ready to come out and play when their owners get back from work or school.

Thinking About Getting a Rat?

If this article has whetted your interest, then there are many good websites with more detailed advice on how to get rats and look after them. Rat Care is a good place to start, with advice from which cage to choose to how to pick the right baby rat at the petshop.