My first thought is that the only good rats are dead ones, having found a very dead one under my woodpile and a second in the billiards room. Their long, thin tails serve a purpose: to regulate temperature, balance, and thwart predators. The bald tail of the rat is a perfect organ for heat loss, and temperature control is especially important for rats because they lack the ability to sweat, but personally, those slightly scaly, bald tails give me goosebumps. chicken.
Are rats stuffed pets?? In fact, they make good pets, and for a small apartment, a caged pet rat will provide fun and companionship for someone who doesn’t have room for anything larger. These are not the common or garden ones you find in the wild, they are specifically bred as pets and there are seven different varieties to choose from: Standard, Rex, Tailless, Hairless, Satin, Dumbo and Bristle Coat. which means that pet rats come in a surprising variety of different “skins.”
They love the warmth and touch of their keepers and, being social creatures, they love to hang out with their human family members, on their shoulders or on their laps. They will even attempt to groom their human companions as if these people were part of their own ‘rat pack’, enjoying a scratch behind the ears, a simple tickle or even a gentle massage.
rats are trainable – While rodents can scare some people and get a bad rap, rats are extremely intelligent animals and make great pets if you care for them properly. They understand complex concepts, and with a strong memory, once they learn to do something, they are unlikely to forget it. They are naturally curious and excellent learners, and just like a pet dog, a rat can learn many tricks and can even recognize its own name, responding well to food-based rewards. By understanding how smart a rat is, you will be able to appreciate these little animals for what they are: smart. Rats are much more than a bare tail and glowing eyes.
Rats are social animalsMore than one rat is good, or even a group, as long as they’re compatible, and they’ll often use high-frequency sounds that humans can’t hear to communicate with each other. They become attached to members of their own family, but will bond easily with their human owners and make loving pets. Providing companionship is an important aspect of your care. However, you will need to be careful to avoid mixing ‘all’ the males with ‘all’ the females or you will soon be overrun with the babies!
Rats are very clean Domesticated rats do not like to get dirty and groom themselves constantly, being meticulously clean, just like cats. They also like to groom each other and come together for group grooming sessions, rarely needing to be bathed as they are very good at cleaning themselves.
Housing Rats – Your rat (or rats) will need a cage to live in that will not only keep them safe but provide things to keep them occupied. Wire cages are good options for them, and most will prefer one with horizontal bars so they can climb on the sides, with shelves or multiple levels for them to climb on. However, be sure to avoid the wire floor at the bottom of the cage, as this can injure your feet. Soft bedding and nesting materials (shredded paper, pine shavings, hay, soft tissue, or custom purchased bedding) will also be needed for your rats to line their nest. The nest box is where the rats will likely sleep together. A cardboard box is sufficient or pre-made nesting boxes can be purchased. But be warned, the bedding will smell if not changed often, so be prepared for a bit of cleaning!
Finally, rats enjoy toys and accessories. Ropes, ladders, hammocks, tubes, exercise wheels, and chew toys will be appreciated and used well by your pet. Provide a variety of options on a rotating basis so your rat doesn’t get bored. These items will help keep your rat’s brain busy and its body healthy.