A few months back (around the time Mira P. got her rats) I also got a few rats as well. It was a pretty tough decision because we wanted them to be absolutely healthy, and happy. So we decided to get them from a rat breeder (little did we know about rat shelters). We did hardcore research and even measured cages to see what would fit them best. I guess all the work was worth it, but in the end the rats are usually sitting on shoulders or laying on your lap. They are not playing with any fancy toys, they are playing with their brothers.
This is a reason why I appreciate rats so much! They would rather be social. Lots of people want social pets, but they overlook rats because of their tails and think of them as sewer rats (even though they have been raised and bred by humans since the 18th or 19th century) and instead they choose dogs. But the problem with that is dog are lots of hard work and aren't a very good first pet, that's why so many of them in shelters. People can not handle dogs. But rats are a lot like dogs, they are social and so friendly. When I open the rat cage the rats come running up to me and start licking my hand. They love being with you and being handled. Rats can be trained, and also potty trained as well. They are also low maintenance pets.
So please, the next time you want a pet... at least consider a rat. They are fantastic pets, and are a perfect first pet.
Thank you, Miranda J.
