The Low-Maintenance Pet

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.

Oh, Rats!

by Mira P.

I have been planning on getting rats ever since I found out just what wonderful pets they make. I have been researching, and hoping, and saving money, and today it all paid off as I just adopted two wonderful boys. They are very happy in their new home (at least, as far as I can tell) and have been wandering around and chewing up their bed basically all day.

One of them is a dumbo, a rat which has rounder ears that are more on the side of their head. This one, which is recently-named Buster, is a bit sweeter and relaxed than the other one. The other one, recently named Gob (pronounced "Jobe") is sweet, however a bit more nibble-y and eager to escape. He also seems to enjoy the treats a bit more than Buster does.

Buster and Gob - Arrested Development, anyone?

They are, admittedly, a bit bigger than we expected, and our before huge cage is now looking a little smaller. (to be clear, it is not small) However, they appear to be more than happy, and love exploring, though Buster is now laying down for a nap.

Rats, as many rat lovers will tell you, make fantastic pets. I can tell you that right now, and I've barely had these ratties for a day. They are intelligent, loving, and extremely cute. Boys tend to be slightly calmer than girls, preferring to sit in your lap instead of explore the bathroom. Of course, it all depends on the individual rat's personalities; boys can be excitable and adventurous, and there are girl lap-rats.

Another thing rat lovers will tell you is that rats are like mini dogs, and yes, this is also true! They can be just as smart as dogs, just as playful, they can come running to the door to greet you, and, you can train them! You can train them to come when you call, to fetch a ball (hey, that rhymed!), to walk on hind legs, use a litter box, anything! Teaching them to come when they call is slightly important, as it can come to your aid if your rats go missing - and they can be little Houdinis when it comes to getting out of their cage.

I am very excited and grateful that I was able to get rats, especially ones as sweet and cute as Buster and Gob!