Believe it or Not, Rats Make Great Pets

Some stars have bad images. The rat is just one such star. Unlike many, there isn't a wide knowledge or acceptance of this great pet. It seems, you are either a rat lover or a rat hater, and usually the rat haters are those with the following images in mind. First there is the rat that is riding along on the ship, disease ridden and hiding there, lurking in hopes of stealing what meager food supply those traveling on the ship have. Then there is that rat with the red eyes that is gigantic and available at so many stores during Halloween. This rat happens to be the star of the movie Ratz, and a few other horror films based on the fear of this particular rodent. But a pat rat, is nothing like this, he or she is a star for other reasons.

Pet rats, mans best friend (though not as famous as the larger, louder varieties):

Contrary to some opinions, rats make great pets. They are friendly, fun, and love playing and loving with humans (after they get to know you of course). They love to learn to do new things and play new games (one rat I know has played the where is "Charlie" game since he was really tiny. He used to hide his whole body in the hand of one of his human friends and he would get all excited and reappear when he heard them ask, "where is Charlie", now he is large and hides just his head, but gets just as excited!). There are many rodents that are acceptable pets in today's society: guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, and gerbils, but none of these rodents really truly likes having human playmates. Rats do.

Additionally they are good with children, even young children. My first rat would make visits to my Sunday school class where she would get mauled by three and four year olds, she was always great with them, loving and sweet. Now, Charlie gets poked at and "loved" by my fifteen month old son. He is always great with Marcus, even when Marcus puts treats in between the bars and then takes them back. No, matter what the age, rats are great with children.