Reasons to get a rat as a pet
In honour of world rat day, yes that’s really a thing here so here are reasons to get a rat as a pet. I know you have heard the myths they bite, they smell they carry diseases. Blah blah blah.
Well yep chances are if you get bitten by a wild rat you might catch something, you better run fast though! Wild rats are very fast and will only bite if scared and pinned into a corner and yes I have been bitten by one. But there is a difference between a wild rat and the ones we bring into our homes.
What is a fancy rat?
Simply put it’s the name that has been given to the domesticated line of rats (as apposed to wild ones). Generally they are smaller, come in fancy colours and coat conditions and are extremely friendly… Oh yes they actually crave human attention! Unfortunately my ratties all passed away before the invention of smart phones so I have no videos but one of my little girls would come when called and sit in your hair and groom you.
They can be trained
If you can train a dog you can train a rat. Using a clicker you can train a rat to do almost anything, fetch, play ball, use a litter tray… Don’t believe me then watch this video to see some rats shoot hoops!
They are very clean
Boys smell, it’s the testosterone in their urine however they are very clean and can be trained to use a litter pan in the corner and if you clean them often enough you can barely tell. Or perhaps consider girls or get your boys neutered, a small op which is often undertaken when a rat becomes a little OTT with other males. If you are local to Maidstone a wonerful rat friendly vet is Trinity.
Where to get one
I would always suggest a rescue, it’s not in my blood to buy an animal however rats are so lovely they don’t often come into rescue although sadly pets at home almost always have some in their ‘adoption section’ (a blog for another day). A local good breeder is your best bet, you can find a comprehensive list here.
Happy world rat day.
