By Any Other Name............ (Rats)

Member Name: aefra

Product:	Rats
Date:	06/02/02 (96 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Affectionate, Intelligent, Fun

Disadvantages: Short Life-span

From the PR point of view, the pet rat is immediately disadvantaged by it's name. Three letters which, for the uninitiated, raise from the subconcious ancient hidden fears of plague. Nearly 20 years ago I took my first 2 rats, in their cage, to show to a friend of mine who ran a petfood store. A lady customer nearly swooned at sight of them. I apologised and said that my "little ratlets" were harmless. Within a few moments she was "Oohing and Aahing". When her husband joined her and shrank back in horror, she said to him, "It's all right. These aren`t rats. They are ratlets." To my amazement, he also was soon wanting to get to know them. All in the name.

The pet or "fancy" rat has evolved into a creature pleasant to have in the home. Unlike the wild rat, they do not drip urine or carry disease. Once grown, they will become agitated if they cannot return to their cage to relieve themselves. I am informed that they originated from those unfortunates bred for experiment. Hence their docility.
Apart from a slightly musky scent if they are anxious, pet rats do not smell. They do not attract fleas.

Of all the rodents kept in the home, the rat is least likely to bite. If you stick your fingers through the bars, however, they are likely to think that a titbit is being offered and accidents can happen. :-) This would be followed by an apology. The pet rat is a delightful, highly intelligent and affectionate companion. They need companionship, and mine have happily spent hours outside their cage sitting on my shoulder or on the back of a chair while I watch television or read.

Should you decide to take on this little creature, they need a roomy cage high enough for them to climb; a branch to walk up will be appreciated; shavings make a pleasant floor-covering; a water bottle of course and a proprietery rat food. In the absence of this, hamster food will do. They will eat most things that we enjo
y, although contrary to myth they prefer grain, fruit and vegetables rather than meat. Once having offered a little corner of buttered toast, you will never again be able to use the toaster without the little creatures pressed up against the bars of a cage, arms reaching out. They will need something hard to chew to keep their teeth healthy and from overgrowing. A dog biscuit goes down very well. Companionship is vital. So if you have to restrict your time with them, do have at least 2 (the same sex as they breed from a very few weeks). When you choose your rats, think as you would another pet. There will generally be one which will come to you without fear. Otherwise frequent but sensitive handling is important if you are to gain the companionship they are capable of. Ideally about 5 weeks old is a good age, but a rescue older rat will give you the satisfaction of rehoming. If you wish to add another rat to the cage, it helps if there is a difference in their size. But normally they will sort out their hiarachy without damage. It was only on one occasion that I had to put 2 cages side by side as introduction. When I realised that the new little boy was flinching from the apparent bullying grabs of the other, yet still remaining within reach, it occured to me that he had already established his position and was accepting it. I put them together and they became firm friends.

Looking closely you will see that they are formed very much like ourselves. Their hands and feet are shaped remarkably like ours, right down to finger and toe nails rather than claws. The tail is dry and clean (the part of them that so many people find repugnant) and can be an indicator of their health. If a rat is sufferering problems the strong mobile tail can look floppy. With a very fast heartrate, their lifespan is sadly short- between 2 and 3 years average. Yet these years can be filled with delight for their human friends.

The individuality and reasoning intelligen
ce of these animals is to be marvelled at as well as enjoyed. I always used an empty teabag box for their bed. This would be left for them to make what they wanted. Windows and doors would be chewed out and one little girl I had would pull the cardboard "rat run" to make a front door once she went to bed. Although nocturnal, they are so interested in everything around that they will join in your day. The following anecdote will give you some idea of the mind of these animals. My jack russell got into the habit of standing with nose pressed against the bars of the cage, briefly on a low coffee table. The 2 rats were not frightened, but were irritated. I watched them pull their upside down tea box to the back of the cage. One of them disappeared inside and chewed out a "window" next to that already made. She then shuffled the box forward against the bars of the cage, where the dog still waited. Suddenly a tiny hand appeared from each "window" and grabbed the dog's nose. One chastened jack russell terrier and 2 satisfied rats.

Rats come in many attractive colours, but it has been my experience that the more basic brown tends to be hardier. This is not set in stone and is only my own experience. Male and Female do not seem any less hardy or affectionate. Over the years the most prevalent ailments have been tumours or respiratory problems. It has always been these which have reduced the life of my friends.

"Smartie", died peacefully last year at over 3 years old with me beside her; and I decided that she would be my last after 20 happy years of rat companionship.

Should my op make up your mind on a choice of pet rodent, buy one or two (just a few pounds in cost), love them, care for them, respect them and give them a name. I wish for you all the many happy memories that I hold.

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