Rats - beat the rap

Rats may get a bad rap, but Splinter and his mates (pictured and available for adoption at here) are just waiting to prove the undiscerning public wrong!  While some people will cringe at the thought of having a rat in the house, believe it or not, domestic rats make great pets. They are clean, fun loving, sensitive, very social and affectionate.  Just like a dog or cat, but easier to fit into an apartment!

Rats genuinely enjoy interacting with humans and when handled frequently will bond strongly with their owner, wanting daily attention. Rats are very intelligent and can be taught simple tricks, such as stay and sit and will often learn their name. They can also be litter box trained and enjoy playing and snuggling with their owners.

Rat's don't just sit around, they need plenty of mental stimulation, but toys and accessories can be made cheaply and provide hours of entertainment.   Tubes, hammocks, fruit tree branches, paper towel and toilet paper roles plant pots and anything else that does not have a sharp edge to it can be provided for your rats enjoyment. (Keep in mind that they will chew what you give them).

Being social animals they can get bored easily and it's a good idea to have more than one. Having two rats is no more work than one and they will be much happier and entertaining to watch, as they just love other ratty company.  If you keep more than one rat be sure to either have two males or two females or get your rats spayed and neutered to avoid any unwanted breeding.  (Since a rat can get pregnant at the young age of 5 weeks old!).

So if you are just dying for a pet, but don't have the space for a larger mammal - why not adopt a rat!

Reference: Splinter and mates

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