The Art of Darkness

Rats as Pets

September 5th, 2007 by Cobwebs

Rat Dressed as a VampireThe Presurfer posted some photos of yawning rats from Rats Are People Too, leading me to reminisce about my pet rats. I had several of them growing up,* and I can’t recommend them highly enough.

Quite aside from the obvious “Oooh, spooky pet” vibe that might appeal to some of my gentle readers, rats are just wonderful pets, period. They’re quiet, extremely clean, inquisitive, smart (you can teach them to do tricks!), gentle, and affectionate. That last is particularly nice: Unlike most other rodents, they seem to genuinely like people.

They’re a good pet for renters who aren’t allowed to have dogs or cats, too, since they’re small and live in a cage. Keep their litter clean and they’re virtually odorless. Also they don’t bark or claw the furniture. Plus they like to ride around on your shoulder, which is an excellent way to answer the door.

Hm. I think I just talked myself into getting another pet rat.

(Bonus: Lore Sjöberg’s Pet Rodent Rating is an amusing summary of what makes rats great pets.)

*I was growing up; the rats were mostly full-grown. Um. Just in case you were confused.

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