Rats are vermin – nasty, filthy creatures! These are some of the common misunderstandings about rats as pets.
Rats, let’s be honest, have a poor rep. However, this essay will look at why they make excellent pets and how a pet rat differs from a wild rat. Wild rats are frequently seen as vermin and are connected with filthy or polluted environments. It is not the case with the ‘fancy rats’ kept as pets. They, like many animals, can spread infections, but keeping them inside is not an issue for pet rats. As a result, they are now widely bred at home and available for purchase in pet stores.
The Distinctions…
Despite their origins in wild rats, pet rats now have a totally distinct appearance. Unlike wild rats, which are generally brown or grey for camouflage, there are many different types and colours to choose from. Because of variations in food and exercise, pet rats are frequently more giant than wild rats. Since wild rats must forage for food wherever they can, leading to the misconception that they are vermin. They tend to avoid humans in the wild because they are not beneficial. They want to engage with humans as pets.
Pet rats live around two years longer than wild rats due to our care. While we wouldn’t recommend taming a wild rat, a pet rat is an excellent choice for your next pet.
What Characteristics Distinguish a Rat as A Suitable Pet?
Rats make wonderful pets because they are intelligent and can be trained to solve puzzles and play games in their cage with food as a reward. Because of their intelligence, they require interaction and should be handled daily. Not only to acclimate them to being handled but also to allow you and your pet to form a bond. They’re simple to manage once you’ve gotten used to them. It can also be relaxing to deal with them regularly. Because rats are gregarious animals who prefer companionship, having more than one rat is recommended. However, keep in mind the cage size required for the number of rats you intend to keep.
They are relatively straightforward to care for after their cage and house are set up. They are curious and amiable pets who will study new objects and smells in their environment. Some owners give them free time in a room, giving them a greater area to exercise and explore. However, to prevent escapees, we recommend closing all windows and doors.
But How Friendly Are They?
If rats are handled regularly from a young age, it will become second nature, and they will bite only on rare occasions. They do not smell and are actually pretty clean animals in their cage if a regular routine has been established and they have been cleaned out to remove faeces and urine-soaked bedding. They typically utilise one spot as a toilet and can be litter trained to make cleaning even more accessible. Because they are curious creatures, allowing them to interact with various toys can be quite beneficial to their development. As a business owner, this may be highly gratifying.
