| History has depicted them as filthy creatures that | | | | rats are very clean creatures, grooming |
| brought about the Black Plague of the Middle | | | | themselves daily. The sign of a healthy rat is a |
| Ages. Hollywood has shown them as vicious killers | | | | clean, well-groomed coat. They are not a low |
| ready to attack humans at the slightest | | | | maintenance pet, but are much easier to care for |
| provocation. Is it any wonder most people are | | | | than a hamster or larger pet. Replacing the |
| fearful at the mere mention of their name?How | | | | bedding in their cage every week, and making |
| can such a small animal elicit such a huge reaction? | | | | sure they have fresh food and water daily will go |
| But more importantly, do they deserve their | | | | a long way to make your furry little friend happy. |
| reputation?Before you judge rats, it might help to | | | | I've found that rats are orderly animals. Every |
| understand a little bit about them. Everyone | | | | time Samantha's cage is cleaned she rearranges it |
| knows rats are rodents, but did you know a male | | | | to suit her needs. She likes her house, bowls, and |
| rat is called a buck, a female is a doe, and the | | | | toys to be where she wants them.Myth #4 |
| babies are called pups or kittens? Rats reach | | | | Rats are not playful.Rats enjoy interaction with |
| puberty at an early age, between 6 to 8 weeks. | | | | their human owners, requiring daily play time. |
| Their bodies are between 9 and 11 inches long, | | | | They need at least an hour outside of their cage |
| with a tail up to 9 inches and they come in many | | | | every day to play and socialize with their family, |
| different colors and varieties. Rats have an | | | | as well as toys to play with when you can't be |
| average lifespan of 2 to 3 years and are most | | | | there. The best toys I've found are ones |
| active at night.Now that you know more about | | | | designed for cats. Pick ones that can't be chewed |
| them, let's take a look at some of the myths | | | | by your rat, because they will chew. Samantha |
| people believe about rats as pets. Maybe you'll | | | | has two plastic balls with bells inside that she plays |
| see them in a whole new light.Myth #1 | | | | with. You can hear her at night, rolling those balls |
| Rats are mindless creatures. Nothing could be | | | | around to make the bells ring.Myth #5 |
| further from the truth. Domesticated rats are | | | | Rats are only nocturnal creatures.While this is |
| intelligent with a natural curiosity which makes | | | | mostly true, it isn't set in stone. Rats will be up |
| them very trainable. They can be taught simple | | | | when they think you are. Yes they are up at |
| tricks with relative ease and love the interaction | | | | night, but they are also up during the day. They |
| of learning. My son has a three year old Blue | | | | will wake up if they feel that you are ready to |
| Fancy rat named Samantha. She quickly learned | | | | play. Taking them out during the day is a great |
| her name and will come when called. She also | | | | way to train them that daytime is a good time to |
| learned to play fetch, chasing a small plastic ball | | | | play. Samantha sleeps during the night and day, |
| when it is rolled away from her on the floor, then | | | | but she is always willing to come out during the |
| rolling it back.Myth #2 | | | | day and spend some time with me or my |
| Rats are vicious, dangerous creatures. Rats are | | | | son.Rats can be a great first pet. They are easier |
| very friendly, social animals. They are easily | | | | to maintain than a dog or cat, and are friendlier |
| tamed simply by being handled from a young age. | | | | than a hamster. With a little understanding your |
| Rats enjoy spending time with their owners; | | | | family can reap the benefits of rat ownership too. |
| bonding with them much as a dog bonds with a | | | | Give rats a chance. You'll be glad you did.Dawn |
| person. They love being petted and being close to | | | | Arkin is a former rat phobic who discovered the |
| their family. Our rat loves to sit on my shoulder | | | | joys of having a pet rat later in life. This article |
| while I'm writing at my computer, sometimes | | | | has been submitted in affiliation with which is a |
| falling asleep while she is up there.Myth #3 | | | | site for Pet Forums. |
| Rats are filthy, disease bringing rodents. In reality, | | | | |