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They love a good meal, can be taught to come when called, and readily bond
with their human caretakers. If it's intelligence and curiosity you're
looking for in a fuzzy companion, a rat may be just right for you.
Pet Rats in All Shapes and Sizes
Sure, you've seen the striking white rat, but did you know that these
animals have been bred to boast five coat types--including curly Rexes,
shorthaired Standards and shiny Satins? You'll find rats in all colors from
chocolate and coffee to champagne and powder blue. Markings include caps,
hoods and blazes. And some animals are prized for their eyes, which can be
black, ruby or pink. Rats measure up at about 14-18 inches, including tail,
and have an average lifespan of 2 1/2 to 3 years.
If you're thinking about getting a rat, you really should be thinking about
getting more than one. Unlike Syrian hamsters, for example, who are
solitary and must live alone, pet rats love to be with their own kind. Two
or more ratties will keep each other company, which is especially nice if
you'll be gone most of the day. If at all possible, get a pair of same-sex
siblings when they are young. Note that a neutered male can live with
females, or a spayed female can live with males. Don't keep intact males
and females together or they will mate...and mate!
Pet Rats Are Not for Everyone
Rats aren't the type of pets you can just feed, water and passively watch
through the bars of their cage. Rats are easily hand-tamed and will need an
hour of supervised playtime out of the cage every day. These daily play
sessions are not an option, but are necessary to keep your super-smart
companions mentally stimulated and physically fit. If this sounds like more
of a chore than a pleasure, it's best to consider another pet.
Learning How to Care for a Pet Rat Includes Cleaning His Cage
Rats have a bad rap as destructive chewers, and it's true that they will
gnaw on anything in their paths. The fact is, chewing is perfectly natural
and perfectly normal for these little guys. Like that of all rodents, rats'
teeth grow continuously, so they need to chew--and chew!--to keep their
choppers in good condition. Please ensure that your pets always have safe,
appropriate chew toys to satisfy these needs. It's also important to remove
all electrical wires and potentially dangerous items from the area whenever
you let your rats out to play.
You may have also heard that rats, well, SMELL. They do have a unique odor,
especially males, but there is a very easy solution to this problem. Simply
clean the cage regularly, and be sure to change the bedding a couple of
times a week.
Have these fuzzy guys met your criteria so far? Rats may be right for you,
but how about the other members of your family? It's ideal if everyone is
involved in the decision-making and caretaking. Because they're friendly
and hardy, rats are touted as great pets for older children. Younger kids,
though, are a different story. Sure, they may love your rats, but may
express that love by squeezing the animals or otherwise mishandling them.
It's smart to allow little ones to play with the rats only when supervised
by an adult.
Still got your heart set on rats? We suggest getting yours from a reputable
breeder or, best of all, adopting from a shelter or small-animal rescue
group. Search on sites like Petfinder.com for rats looking for a second
chance at a good life.
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