Clean and smart, Rats make great compaigns
Oh no, I just can't stand the tail!"
That is usually the response I get when I recommend rats as pets. Personally, I think rats have cute tails and, from experience, also think that these little rodents make great pets.
So forget about that tail for a moment, and read the rest of this tale!
You may be surprised to learn that rats are highly intelligent and friendly creatures. Unlike hamsters, rats rarely bite, can be trained and enjoy interacting with humans, making them ideal first-time pets for children.
There are four main "varieties" of pet rats, the most common being the standard rat. The dumbo rat resembles the standard rat, but has large elephant-like ears. Less common is the hairless rat and, for the squeamish, there is the tail-less rat.
These little cuties, which have a life span of about two to five years, also make great companions for the elderly and for people who live in apartments. They are quiet, don't require a lot of space and are actually quite clean. These long-domesticated rats have little in common with those in the wild.
A large, wire cage with multiple levels makes an ideal home for pet rats. These playful and curious critters love toys, tunnels, ramps and hiding spots. A flat-surfaced, large exercise wheel is essential, in addition to supervised "playtime" outside of the cage.
Rats can be kept singly, but only if you have enough time to devote to their socialization on a daily basis. Otherwise, these social animals should have a friend of the same sex. (I have two sisters, Sidney and Shelby.) A single rat may bond more closely to its human, but pairs are fun to watch as they groom, play and cuddle together!
Males and females may be kept together, but only if one has been neutered. Breeding is highly discouraged, as there are plenty of unwanted rats and accidental litters waiting in shelters for a good home.
As with any pet, research and planning are essential. Parents should keep in mind that while learning to care for animals is important, the sole responsibility of any pet cannot be expected of a child, because the animal will ultimately suffer in the end. Instead, it should be a shared, enjoyable experience for both parents and children, teaching compassion as well as responsibility.
So when you're ready to adopt a small furry friend, try to look past the tail, and consider the all-too-often misunderstood rodent ... the rat.
Jennifer Sullivan is an animal evaluator for a local nonprofit agency that deals with animal welfare. You can reach her at albertparrot@aol.com.
...remove your prejudice and adopt a little buddy today :-)
That is usually the response I get when I recommend rats as pets. Personally, I think rats have cute tails and, from experience, also think that these little rodents make great pets.
So forget about that tail for a moment, and read the rest of this tale!
You may be surprised to learn that rats are highly intelligent and friendly creatures. Unlike hamsters, rats rarely bite, can be trained and enjoy interacting with humans, making them ideal first-time pets for children.
There are four main "varieties" of pet rats, the most common being the standard rat. The dumbo rat resembles the standard rat, but has large elephant-like ears. Less common is the hairless rat and, for the squeamish, there is the tail-less rat.
These little cuties, which have a life span of about two to five years, also make great companions for the elderly and for people who live in apartments. They are quiet, don't require a lot of space and are actually quite clean. These long-domesticated rats have little in common with those in the wild.
A large, wire cage with multiple levels makes an ideal home for pet rats. These playful and curious critters love toys, tunnels, ramps and hiding spots. A flat-surfaced, large exercise wheel is essential, in addition to supervised "playtime" outside of the cage.
Rats can be kept singly, but only if you have enough time to devote to their socialization on a daily basis. Otherwise, these social animals should have a friend of the same sex. (I have two sisters, Sidney and Shelby.) A single rat may bond more closely to its human, but pairs are fun to watch as they groom, play and cuddle together!
Males and females may be kept together, but only if one has been neutered. Breeding is highly discouraged, as there are plenty of unwanted rats and accidental litters waiting in shelters for a good home.
As with any pet, research and planning are essential. Parents should keep in mind that while learning to care for animals is important, the sole responsibility of any pet cannot be expected of a child, because the animal will ultimately suffer in the end. Instead, it should be a shared, enjoyable experience for both parents and children, teaching compassion as well as responsibility.
So when you're ready to adopt a small furry friend, try to look past the tail, and consider the all-too-often misunderstood rodent ... the rat.
Jennifer Sullivan is an animal evaluator for a local nonprofit agency that deals with animal welfare. You can reach her at albertparrot@aol.com.
...remove your prejudice and adopt a little buddy today :-)
posted by Lee at 6:16 AM
2 Comments:
I thought the article was very good, except for saying rats can be kept on their own. Rats are highly intelligent and very social. They need the constant stimulation of a companion. Keeping them on their own is cruel and I speak as someone who has kept rats for many years and currently has 11!
You inspired me to make my own blog on rats. I love them and have had some, have not got any at the moment, but will get one in the future.
My blog isnt as great as yours though and I hope that you dont mind me making a blog on ratties, I just dont think there are enough on rats around.
Have a great day!!!
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