Here's what some rattie owners have to say.

interesting...here are what some rattie owners have to say about their little buddies...

We have 5 rats - two old rescues, two from a breeder and one from an acquiantance's accidental litter. They're surprisingly sociable pets; friendly, playful, attention-seeking and able to learn lots of neat tricks! They hardly smell (in comparison to many other rodents) and are easily litter trained, thus very clean - what more could one want from a pet?
Anna Taylor, Brighton, UK

When my sister first got pet rats I was horrified but I have come to quite like them. They are excellent pets for her children and even I am rather fond of them now. They are very intelligent creatures and affectionate.
Carol Jappy, Grangemouth, Scotland

I own three pet rats, and I can honestly say they're the best pets you could ever want! People often say "eeugh" when I mention my pets, and it's incredibly frustrating that such an amazing animal has such a terrible reputation.
Carys, Buckinghamshire

I love rats and have done for years. I've currently got 8 and they are all definitely members of our family. They make excellent pets, especially for children, as they will put up with a lot more mis-handling than some of the more 'traditional' childs pets such as hamsters. They should be kept in at least pairs, need large cages, specialist diets and a lot of time and love, but will reward you with fun, love and loyalty almost on an equal to a dog.
Gemma, Surrey, UK

At last - a recognition of the softer side of our favourite pets... We've had 3 rats for 2 years now, and have never even been slightly nibbled by them - unlike my hamster which bit me so much that it used to draw blood!
Mbo Lina, Chesham, UK

My daughter had guinea pigs. I don't think domestic rats are much different. I think it's the tails that put people off.
dave godfrey, swindon, uk

Once your colleagues find out you own rats ¿ that¿s it. You are an easy target. Unfortunately for my colleagues I am an aggressive ex Rugby player, who takes great pleasure in annihilating, unsuspecting, ignorant workers who decide to pass comment on me. They never do it again I assure you. Rats make great pets and they sleep during the day while you are at work, haven't quite trained mine to do the washing up though!
Juliette Roberts, Maidenhead

Peoples perceptions are a funny thing. Whilst wandering about our local town in my youth, white ratty on shoulder, people would come up to me and coo silly questions, like "aww cute is it a ferret?(!)". On my reply of "rat" their smiles would freeze into disgust and their feet usually run away..
Carina, Victoria, London

Pet rats are the most beautiful, intelligent and funny animals you could ever own. I couldn't imagine life without my two boys now, and am on the lookout for more rats to keep them company.
Felicity, Witney, Oxon

Personally I do not really see the difference between having a hamster or having a rat. Yet hamsters are much more 'acceptable' despite hamsters being much more vicious animals than rats are.
Jess, Buckinghamshire

I have 2 rats and after my dog they are the best pets I've ever had. I've owned rabbits gerbils and hamsters and the rats are the best! They are cleaner, and love to be petted where rabbits and hamsters tend to want to run away.
Amy , Bristol

My parents raised me with pet rats and they are, by far, the most intellectual animals that I have had the privilege of near.
Jessica H, Austin, Texas, US

Pet rats have about as much in common with wild rats as say, dogs do to dingos or wolves! I had a pair of pet rats a few years ago and they were really great pets - very intelligent and always cleaning and grooming themselves. If people such as Mr Scott-Bell of Plymouth could just get over this silly rat-phobia, perhaps they would see what excellent pets fancy rats are.
Jon Brown, Winchester, UK

...pet rats are sooo under-rated...