Rats are highly intelligent and social animals that can make exceptional pets.Rats are usually smart and require very little maintenance. Rats actually have a high level of emotional intelligence and can even learn the name you give them!Kids have always heard the proverb; an early cat catches the rat. Domestic rats belong to the subspecies of Rattus norvegicus domestica, which are usually the most common species of rat kept as pets. Rats become intelligent over time. Though many people would prefer a cat or a dog, rats can become extraordinary pets too.They are easily affordable and can be domesticated comfortably. They belong to a family of rodents. Rats are available in different colors, and whether you are looking for a white rat resembling Stuart Little or that blue one from Ratatouille, you can get them easily at any local pet shop.Domesticated rats are actually different from wild rats, and thus they do not possess any health risk for their owners. Their body structure is also different as compared to their wild relatives. They usually have a small body with big ears and a longer tail than the wild ones. They can easily learn to behave around their owners and can be phenomenal companions.After you read all about if rats make good pets for humans, do check where do rats live? And are rats nocturnal?Are rats high maintenance?Domesticated rats may not be as popular as cats or dogs, but they also make exceptional pets. And as compared to cats and dogs, they are very small and easy to maintain. They require less food, almost no grooming products, and don’t even need regular veterinary appointments. Hence, rats make good, low-maintenance pets for humans.Domestic rats have no extra requirements. These smart rodents require very little maintenance as compared to other pets like cats and dogs. They can be kept in a cage or a hutch that is covered in litter (shredded paper or wood shavings). You can add a wheel for their entertainment and exercises. Make sure you clean the hutch regularly. Since domestic rats can suffer from heat stress, you must make sure that the cage is kept in a cool area, away from sunlight or heat.You also don’t need to spend a lot on grooming and feeding them. Since they are omnivorous species, they eat almost all the food you provide them with. You can buy rat pellets for them, available in the local score for them to eat. You can also feed them green vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, carrots, lettuce, or fruits like apples, pears, or even celery.Also, keep in mind that since they are social creatures, it’s better to keep them in pairs or groups, especially two males to avoid overpopulation. Males introduced at a lower age are less likely to fight or create a nuisance.Do mice and rats make good animal companions?The straightforward answer to this curious question would be a yes! They make a great companion! Domesticated rats have a great sense of smell and also, great sense of touch. If you care for their needs and provide them love and support, these little rodents would love you back with the same enthusiasm.Rats are one of the most adorable animals to look after. They usually form close human-animal bonds with their caretakers. It might not be an easy pill to digest, but rats have been loyal friends to humans for over 200 years!You must have watched movies like ‘Stuart Little’ or ‘Ratatouille’. If yes, you already know how social and friendly domestic rats are. The reality is not very different from these movie plots. Domestic rats are a very social and friendly species. If treated appropriately, these rats are the best pets to have fun and play around with. They love to play around with their owners once they recognize you and understand that it is totally safe near you. You must learn to handle them gently and regularly in order to develop a positive mutual relationship.Initially, you need to make sure that your rat or mice feel safe and secure around you, for they may bite you when mishandled or feel insecure due to their natural instinct. But once they have developed a bond with you, you can sit back and enjoy yourself with these little buddies of yours. These rats will then play with you all the time. They will easily sit on your palm from time to time, jump in your lap and make sweet bruxing noises when playing around you. These domestic rats usually bond with their owners very deeply. They recognize your voice and your face eventually. In due course, they will also start to recognize and respond to the names you assign them.Where to get a pet rat?Domestic rats come in all varieties and can range from $2 for feeder rats that are bred as food for snakes to $15 for a fancy rat, depending on the variety you choose.You can get them from a local pet store or rat-friendly local shelters by the state. They generally provide babies for adoption who have been rescued from accidental litters nearby. You can place your order about the desired variety. If not, then you can also look for them online. Many different sites sell rescued rats or offer for adoption the rats in need of shelters. You can get them there at an affordable price.Choosing A Pet RatIf you’ve decided to get a pet rat for yourself, you may consider choosing one that fits your needs and compatibility. Domestic rats can be found in many different varieties.According to the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (AFRMA), Rattus norvegicus domestica or the fancy rats are available in seven popular varieties as below.Standard - these fancy rats are available with short, smooth, glossy hair.Rex – These rodents are available with curly hair and curly whiskers.Tailless – There is a complete absence of a tail in this rat variety, similar to the Manx cats.Hairless – In these fancy rats, there is a complete absence of hair.Satin – These rats have thinner, longer coats with a lustrous sheen.Dumbo – They have more prominent ears set on the side of the head.Bristle coat – This variety comes with a stiff, coarse coat.Understanding A Rat’s NeedsDomesticated rats can be of several different kinds, which vary mainly in color. Actually, most rats can live for a maximum of around 2-3 years, but some of them can live even longer.Although their lifespan may look quite shorter in comparison to other pet animals like cats and dogs, still owning these cute little rodents is still a big responsibility and commitment. They may be low maintenance, but they too have complex needs, and usually, it is not very easy to look after them.Rats are usually very easy to care for once you are familiar with their basic requirements. Unlike cats and dogs, domestic rats do not have any other fancy needs. Rats like to keep themselves clean, so you don’t have to think about the litter problem that the other pets create. Also, all you have to think about is keeping them safe and happy, feeding them right, and providing them a proper little place to live.You must provide them with large cages with wires that allow the air to flow freely. Make sure to wash the cage regularly and fill the bottom with shredded paper and wood shavings to provide a cushion. The cage should also have a hammock and a commercial bedding material for the rat to shred and manipulate. It could have toys. It must have a ladder or ropes for climbing and a wheel for exercises. You can also add a woodblock for chewing to keep your rat occupied. Make sure your rat gets to spend at least 20 active minutes every day outside the cage, not at night, or else you will not find it slip out right under your nose while you sleep. Meanwhile, you can have fun playing with your rat or even train it easily to form various tricks to impress your friends and family.Keeping And Caring For Pet RatsRats are highly intelligent and usually very social animals that can make beautiful pets. For people who like to adore their pets, rats can be a great gift since they are easy to tame, and training them is a piece of cake!Here are some of the things you can do to show and give your love and care for your lovely rat.You can decorate their cage.Cages are the best place to keep pet mice or rats as compared to aquariums or glasshouses. Since they are made of wires, they allow air to flow easily and keep the environment for your pets fresh and airy. Also, since rats like to play and keep themselves busy, you can add different wheels, toys, and hammocks for them to play and enjoy with. This will keep them entertained and healthy as well.You can make sure they are not alone.Since rats are very friendly and social creatures, they don’t like to be alone. Always make sure you provide them with a companion, preferably of the same gender to avoid overpopulation. You should also make a regular time to play and interact with them so that they recognize you and bond with you more in a friendly manner.Feed them nice and healthy food.To keep your pet rats healthy, make sure you provide them with nutritious food and a healthy diet. You can provide them with pellets made especially for rats which are easily available in pet stores. Also, you can feed them fruits and vegetables like apples, cabbage, lettuce or carrots. You should avoid feeding them with seed mixes or other fat-rich food as they can eventually make them obese and unhealthy.Know when they need preventive medical care.Though rats are healthy rodents with a strong immune system and are less prone to falling sick, still, there are two common health conditions that hey are vulnerable to: respiratory disease and mammalian tumors. You can keep in touch with a veterinarian or take them to veterinary hospitals for regular checkups. Get them spayed if necessary, or in case of respiratory diseases, get them the required antibiotics. Some other common problems they may suffer from are obesity, malnutrition, or overgrown teeth.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for are rats good pets then why not take a look at the difference between a mouse and a rat, or rat facts.
Rats are highly intelligent and social animals that can make exceptional pets.
