Why Rats Make Excellent Pets
Rats are not usually among the first animals that come to mind when one considers getting a pet. For most people, rats are synonymous with disease, crowded cities and garbage heaps. The delightful truth, however, is that purchased from a breeder and properly cared for, they make wonderful pets!
For centuries now, rats have been selectively bred for a variety of purposes. Companion breeds are bred for their personalities, intelligence and their appearance. Domesticated rats usually live for 2-3 years, though some will live for as long as five years.
Rats are bonding creatures, much like dogs and cats, and have been bred for centuries to be companions for humans. They are very intelligent and respond well to loving attention. Rats can be taught many tricks, including coming when called and learning to “ask” for treats. Rats are not expensive pets to care for; however, they do require a significant amount of attention. They need to be handled on a daily basis and need to be allowed to exercise outside of their cage for at least an hour a day.
Male rats are called “bucks” while mothers are referred to as “dams” and un-bred females “does”. Newborn rats are called “kittens” or “pups”. Dams are excellent, attentive mothers and will share pup duties if they are caged together. The male and female pups need to be separated at 5weeks of age as the females reach sexual maturity by that time.
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