Don't asscoiate me with the plague (Rats)

Member Name: kesha123

Product:	Rats
Date:	26/06/06 (152 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Inquisitive, affectionate pets

Disadvantages: people's misconceptions

Uuuurrrggghhhhh!! Is usually someone’s first reaction to the word RAT? They're thought of as slimy, crawling, disease infested creatures that only like to cause trouble... all I can say is that this couldn't possibly be further from the truth. They are super intelligent, loving, affectionate creatures that only want to please. My family has had two rats, and in all honesty I wouldn't have suggested getting one if my sister hadn't of wanted one, but I was hugely surprised after a rather sceptical approach. Like many I believed that they were unfriendly and couldn't provide us with much fun... I was shocked.

Our first rat, suitably named Rattie, used to climb to sit on your shoulder, but the strange thing was that he'd never ever come down, if you had a hood he'd curl up and sleep there, all day if possible, and I must admit that on the basis the cage was cleaned out regularly he was the most hygienic clean pet ever. On the contrary to many beliefs rats hate causing a mess, they are constantly licking themselves, keep their cages relatively clean and can learn tricks. Rattie was the most fascinating pet, he'd listen to every word you said, as if processing the conversation in his own way.

------------Some pointers on rats---------------
*One may imagine a rat’s tail to be slimy; in fact it’s soft and lovely to touch

*Disease; Rats are always associated with the plague, they suffer from a number of common problems as does any pet (or human) however none of these are transferable to humans

*None of my rats have ever bitten, a rat that is handled regularly will never acquire this habit, one that is left without attention will however as a result of boredom!

*Finally a well-cleaned cage will prevent any smell from the rat, they are by nature incredibly clean creatures and hate mess.

I would say that rats are economical pets, but are only suitable foe someone that is going to have time to give the time and attention these pets crave for. They are certainly not the ideal first pets as they do demand a lot of fuss... in a way I can almost compare the needs of a rat to that of a young child (only without the crying and winging). They are that inquisitive and mischievous!! A rat would be the ideal pet for somebody looking for a bit of companion, on the basis that they make an effort daily to give them the time they need.

--------Housing---------
A rat certainly needs a large cage, perhaps one spare to create variation and interest; they require toys, as does a young child. Rats also essentially need surfaces suitable for climbing, after all this is their natural instinct and also helps to keep their claws down. I have also found that rats love tunnels, ropes – one even took to a small rodent hammock. Rats are guaranteed to love anything that they can explore and investigate.

Overall I can understand many people's first reaction to a rat, one of disgust/fascination I was not that dissimilar at first, but they really are some of the most fascinating pets ever!

Summary: A loving, exquisite pet to own