Rats for Pets

Would you consider having a rat as a pet?

Well, you know that dogs are loyal and docile and cats are plush and cuddly and their purrs are just simply irresistible. But how about rats? Contrary to what most people believe that rats are miscreant villainy vermin of the house and that they cause nothing but absolute destruction to your personal properties, rats can actually be considered as a very compatible companion to have around the house. While what was initially said is quite true, tantamount to it is that they are conveniently and highly controllable pets. Plus they are also cute to have around. Given the proper time and effort and with a set of appropriate training, you make your rodent friend do lots of unbelievable stuff. Also, they are good maze solvers, indicating a high level of critter intellect that would practically impress anyone (Of course everyone wants a smart pet).

Rat Biology
Rats are not that much of a long-living animal. But relative to their size you can probably assess that they live sufficiently long enough. A lifespan of a normal rat would range from 2-3 years. Sometimes it could reach as long as 4 years but a rat of that age would probably be weak and yielding already.

Rat size may differ from species to species. More often than not their size would range from 9-11 inches in the body and their tail around 7-9 inches. They are also nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active during night time. So if you are a nocturnal kind of person as well because of your lifestyle or work, this might just be the pet for you. Male rats are called bucks, and the females are called does. Surprisingly, their babies are commonly called as pups or kittens. They would like to feel belonged to a group therefore it would be wise to have a partner around for them to socialize with each other. Ideally, the two should be of different genders for breeding and proliferation purposes.

Rats as Pets

1. Rats are quite intelligent animals and they like to socialize with other members of the species. They can actually become amazing pets.

2. Highly docile therefore easily tamed and trained.

3. You would probably like them for their low maintenance. Considering their size, you wouldn't have to put up that much effort and investment on them.

4. They would require an ample amount of attention from you. However, they would have to be exercised, ideally about an hour in a day outside of their cage.

5. Rats are very social and would actually be very comfortable even with another one of the same gender. Some people would say that same sex pairs or groups are highly ideal as most rats would get along with each other especially that are of the same gender. It would be better if they are brought up and handled at a young age.

6. If curiosity can kill a cat, it barely happens for a rat. Although they are quite curious, they can be easily satiated in confinements.

7. A rat can be quite loyal as much of that a dog. Especially if the rat has been handled since it was still young.

8. In the most common natural conditions, males are often larger in size and are less active than females. They also have a coarser coat. Females, although smaller than the males, tend to be more active and even playful.

When you are green for fostering a pet rat, just make sure that you learn all the necessary protocols of taking care of the pet before having one. You may learn them on research through the internet or asking guidance from professionals like vets or other experienced pet rat owners.