Why would anyone want a rat as a pet?

A practical reason to get a pet rat is that they very rarely get sick. This means you will spend less time at the veterinarians and more time playing. Rats are naturally immune to many illnesses and disease which means they stay healthier for longer.

What is the difference between a pet rat and a wild rat?

Wild rats typically live less than a year, while fancy rats have the comfort of human care and can live as long as two or three years. Fancy rats are also typically smaller and more delicate-looking than their wild cousins, with sharper facial features, larger ears, and a longer tail.

What are the cons of having a pet rat?

The bad: 7 reasons why having pet rats needs careful consideration

• Rats can be expensive to care for properly.
• Rats are short-lived but have massive attachment potential.
• Rats are neophobic prey animals.
• Rats cages can smell.
• Rats are highly sociable.
• Rats are prone to certain illnesses.
• Rats need protection from predators.

Do pet rats love their owners?

Rats have excellent memories. Rats make lifelong bonds with their owners Ask any rat owner, and he or she will tell you: Rats recognize their owners and respond to their sight and voice. They are very social and love to hang out with human family members on the couch or on peoples’ shoulders or in their laps.

What type of rat makes the best pet?

Dumbo rat
The Dumbo rat is the most popular variety today thanks to its namesake featured in the 2019 Disney movie, Robbins said. “A well-bred rat will be kind of like a well-bred dog,” said Chronister, who now breeds rats as a hobby and owns Dumbo rats. “They will be friendly. They will be curious.

What is the lifespan of a pet rat?

Usually, rats live for around 2 years, but some may live for longer. Although this may appear a short time in comparison to other pet animals, owning rats is still a big responsibility and commitment. Rats have complex needs and are not easy to look after well.

Should I keep a wild rat as a pet?

It should be noted that a wild rat will not exhibit the same traits as a fancy rat, and should not be kept in captivity as a pet. Although they may look similar to fancy rats, wild rats will behave differently around people.

Are pet rats affectionate?

Rat Are Social Animals 2 They become attached to other rats and recognize their own family members but rats also easily bond with their human owners and make for affectionate pets. Pet rats enjoy being stroked by their owners and sometimes even enjoy a gentle massage, a scratch behind the ears, or a simple tickle.

What are pros and cons of rats?

The pros of having rats as pets

• Rats are fairly low maintenance.
• Rats (mostly) want to be your friend.
• Rats are not too big and not too small.
• Rats are clean(ish)
• Rats don’t live that long so they aren’t a long term commitment.
• Rats don’t live that long… and it can break your heart.

What does it mean if a rat licks you?

If your rat nibbles or licks you, he or she might be showing you affection by grooming you. Rats also have an excellent sense of smell, so your rat might nibble or lick your hand or smell you after you eat or prepare food.

Do rats have a favorite person?

Ask any rat owner, and he or she will tell you: Rats recognize their owners and respond to their sight and voice. They will even try to groom their human companions as if these people were other rats in their “rat pack.” Pet rats love the warmth and contact of their caretakers and are actually very cuddly!