Pet tales and Rat tales

he Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has been around in one form or another since the late 19th century. It is represented in each Australian state and has had two major objectives: to give the RSPCA movement in Australia a national presence and to promote unity and commonality of purpose between the eight RSPCA.

Although its main objective is providing services for the prevention of cruelty to animals, it also attempts to find happy new ?forever homes? for animals in need. The latest national statistics from the RSPCA reveal that in the 2004/2005 year, the RSPCA was able to find new homes for more than 36,400 animals.

Adopting a pet is a big responsibility and a decision that should be carefully considered. Many different types of wonderful pets are available from RSPCA shelters across Australia and all have been health checked and temperament tested before being offered up for adoption.

t home pet sitting and dog walking services are becoming popular Melbourne wide. New to Australia, the pet services cater mostly for dogs and cats, but are also available for more exotic pets such as rats, fish, ferrets, guinea pigs, birds and snakes.

Pet care and animal welfare are discussed on 774 ABC Melbourne every Saturday Morning (cricket permitting), after the 11am news. Presented by Glen Bartholomew over summer, regulars Dr Hugh Wirth, head of the RSPCA, or Dr Cathy Deague, from the University of Melbourne's Veterinary Clinic and Animal Hospital, give answers to your pet questions and updates on animal welfare issues.

Adopt a Rat today!!!

This Cat lover is now a Rat lover

Rats are lovable, smart pets
By Rene Knapp. For the Norwich Bulletin

I have to admit, being a cat person, I never thought much about having a rat for a pet. My mother actually owned a very sweet, white rat at one time.

Mom's mischievous nature enjoyed seeing the look on visitors' faces when they realized Snowshoe was not stuffed. Whenever I came to visit, it seemed to me he knew I had cats and my pets would pretty much consider him lunch.

I decided to research rats as pets because a new work associate is crazy about hers.

The first thing you have to understand in order to be a good pet rat owner, is they are not little animals you can just keep in a cage and ignore.

You need to fit in quality time every day where they can play, explore and interact with you.

The time of day you choose to do this is not important, as long as you have that playtime occur at the same time each day.

If you have a single rat, you must be willing to give him at least four hours of human companionship each day. The best thing is to have two rats so they can amuse each other most of the time. They will both be satisfied with about an hour of your attention each day.

Wherever you let your rats play outside the cage needs to be rat proofed. You will have to remove any furniture or other objects you don't want to be damaged as rats tend to chew.

Rats are quite ingenious and can get into any space. Make sure you don't have any hidden holes or rips in the fabrics of your furniture. Watch out for recliners -- these little guys need constant supervision to remain safe.

The basic cost of caring for a rat is fairly low -- food, bedding and toys (yes, rats like toys), costs anywhere from $15 to $20 a month. And it's easy to take them on vacation with you, too.

Rats have distinct personalities, too. Look for ones that are curious, willing to approach your hand and gently nibble at your fingers.

Baby rats should be treated with lots of care because mishandling your rat can have negative effects, such as shyness, aggression or biting.

Rats also have emotions. Rats can be happy. They make joyful sounds during play. They can also mourn the loss of a cage mate.

There are a lot of things to consider before getting a rat for a pet. For one thing, rats mark their territory, much like cats do, and unfortunately that means if they like you, they may pee on you.

No pet is perfect though, and at least they're small. And, of course, like all animals, rats require vet care, a clean living space and commitment.

Rats are truly amazing creatures, and the more you watch their behaviors, the more you will learn about them and grow to love them. It is hard to believe, but they are very affectionate and they enjoy a relationship with their human families.

Rats are truely amazing..