Many people react with confusion or even disgust when they learn someone keeps rats as pets.
“You live with rats in your house?!”
“Won’t they spread diseases?”
“Aren’t rats aggressive?”
These are common misconceptions. Despite their undeserved reputation, domesticated rats have been beloved companions since the 18th century. It’s surprising that many still don’t recognize them as common, and more importantly, good pets. You can easily find them in pet stores alongside guinea pigs and hamsters, available in a variety of colors, patterns, fur types, and breeds. Even celebrities like Michael Jackson and Clint Eastwood have enjoyed the companionship of pet rats.
So, why do rats suffer from such a negative image? Much of this perception stems from their portrayal in media. Movies often depict rats as villains. Cartoons often exaggerate their features, giving them sharp angles and menacing smiles, while mice are presented as cute and harmless. Halloween decorations featuring rats are typically black, dirty, and red-eyed, further perpetuating fear. And of course, there’s the long-standing societal aversion to wild Norway Rats, who have coexisted with humans for centuries, often associated with unsanitary conditions.
However, those who initially react negatively to pet rats often change their minds after actually meeting them. It’s difficult to view these creatures as monstrous when they are gently licking your hand or carefully taking treats from your fingers. As more people discover the true nature of these intelligent animals, more are choosing to welcome them into their homes as pets.
Here are five compelling reasons why rats are excellent pets:
5 Reasons Why Rats Make Excellent Pets
1. Pocket-Sized and Apartment-Friendly
For those living in apartments with restrictions on larger animals like dogs or cats, small caged pets such as hamsters and guinea pigs are often permitted. Rats, fitting into this category, are often overlooked by landlords as long as they are kept responsibly within their cages. Unlike dogs, cats, or rabbits that claim entire houses as their territory, rats’ space is confined to their cage. They are also relatively quiet, especially if you choose a silent wheel, and don’t shed fur throughout your living space. Guests who might be apprehensive about rodents may not even realize they are present. Furthermore, unlike dogs that require walks and extensive playtime, rats are content to simply relax on your shoulder or cuddle with you while you watch television.
Alt text: A domesticated pet rat comfortably perched on its owner’s shoulder, showcasing their small size and suitability as apartment pets.
2. Affectionate and Social Creatures
Rats are inherently social animals. In their natural environment, wild rats live in large family groups, exhibiting cooperative behaviors and mutual care. Pet rats retain this social nature. They engage in playful interactions, share food within a communal space, care for their sick or older companions, and frequently sleep together in a “rat pile.” In contrast to more solitary pets like hamsters, rats thrive on social interaction.
While rats need the companionship of other rats – humans cannot fully replace rat-to-rat interaction – they also form strong bonds with their human caregivers. It’s remarkable how rats seem to understand the size difference between themselves and humans yet still treat us as part of their social group. They show affection by grooming human hands with gentle licks and nibbles, playfully pouncing on feet, and effectively communicating their needs. If they want to be picked up, they will reach upwards; if they want attention, they might tug on sleeves; if they are in the mood for play, they’ll playfully nip at hands; and if they desire solitude, they will gently push hands away. A distinct squeak signals strong displeasure.
Their gentleness is also noteworthy. Rats possess sharp teeth capable of inflicting damage, similar to dogs or cats. However, their teeth are also highly sensitive and used for exploration as much as for eating, akin to how humans use their hands. When a rat uses its teeth, it is constantly assessing pressure to avoid harm. It’s consistently surprising how delicately a rat can take a tiny sesame seed from between human fingers, barely making contact with the skin. Friendliness, communication skills, and gentleness are crucial for animals living in close-knit family groups, which is why rats excel in these areas.
Alt text: Two pet rats snuggling in a hammock, illustrating their strong social bonds and affectionate behavior towards each other.
3. Incredibly Intelligent and Trainable
Numerous behavioral experiments using lab rats have consistently demonstrated their high intelligence. Beyond social intelligence, rats are adept problem-solvers and thinkers. Research has indicated that rats exhibit empathy and regret, experience dreams, reciprocate favors, strategize, and quickly adapt to new environments. In fact, their neurological, physiological, and psychological similarities to humans are a primary reason they are frequently used in scientific research.
Due to their strong food motivation and eagerness to learn, training rats to perform tricks is a rewarding way to strengthen your bond. Rats typically learn to respond to their name quickly (especially when treats are involved!). Some owners have successfully trained their rats to fetch, jump through hoops, operate miniature scooters, pull drawstrings, and navigate obstacle courses. While extensive training may require time, teaching basic commands like “spin,” “up,” and “walk” (on hind legs) is readily achievable. Rats enjoy showcasing these tricks, especially when rewarded with treats. Sometimes, the mere sight of a treat bag will prompt rats to excitedly perform all their known tricks!
Alt text: An intelligent pet rat standing upright and reaching for a treat, highlighting their trainability and eagerness to learn.
4. Playful and Entertaining Companions
Playfulness is a natural consequence of rats’ sociability and intelligence. Unlike hamsters, guinea pigs, or even mice, rats actively engage in play simply for enjoyment. They chase and wrestle with each other, interact playfully with toys, and engage in games with their human companions. Studies have even revealed that rats emit “laughter” during play, although these sounds are too high-pitched for human hearing.
Individual rats have distinct personalities; some might prefer chasing a feather on a string, while others enjoy games of “tag,” and some may favor cuddling over active play. Rats are generally most playful when young, becoming less boisterous as they age. However, if you are seeking the playful interaction of a dog or cat in a smaller, pocket-sized pet, rats are an ideal choice.
Alt text: Playful pet rats engaging in a wrestling match, illustrating their energetic and entertaining personalities.
5. Surprisingly Clean and Easy to Maintain
Domesticated pet rats are significantly different from their wild counterparts, much like the difference between a well-groomed dog and a wild coyote. Pet rats are not scavenging in sewers or rummaging through trash.
Rats are, in fact, very clean animals. They dedicate a considerable amount of time to grooming themselves and each other (and sometimes their humans!). They prefer a clean living environment and often establish designated areas within their cage for waste. They can even be litter-trained. Interestingly, rats often perceive humans as being somewhat unclean and will groom themselves extensively after being handled (which shouldn’t be taken personally!). Maintaining a clean cage ensures your rats are as clean as, or perhaps even cleaner than, a dog or cat, especially since they remain indoors and avoid outdoor dirt.
Alt text: A pet rat carefully grooming its face, emphasizing their surprisingly clean nature and dedication to personal hygiene.
Addressing the Cons of Rat Ownership
Despite the numerous advantages, it’s fair to ask, “If rats are such wonderful pets, why aren’t they more popular than dogs or cats?” Beyond the societal biases mentioned earlier, rats are not suitable for everyone. Alongside their pros, there are cons to consider before deciding if a rat is the right pet for you.
Their intelligence and playfulness necessitate ample space. Since allowing rats to freely roam a house unsupervised is unsafe, they require a large, multi-level cage. A general guideline is that each rat needs approximately two square feet of floor space. Depending on the number of rats, the cage size can become substantial. For example, owning four rats may require a cage that is taller than an average person with multiple levels. While affordable cages can sometimes be found, the size and cost of an adequate cage can be a significant expense.
Regarding expenses, rats might initially seem inexpensive pets, but veterinary costs can be surprisingly high. As they are considered “exotic” pets, finding a veterinarian specializing in small mammal medicine is essential. This specialized veterinary care can, at times, exceed the costs associated with dog or cat veterinary bills. Rats are also prone to health issues, particularly respiratory problems and tumors, especially as they age, requiring veterinary attention at some point in their lives.
For many rat owners, these expenses are justifiable. Budgeting, utilizing resources like CareCredit for vet bills, buying food in bulk, using fleece bedding, and creating homemade toys can help manage costs. Often, rats are just as content with simple items like cardboard boxes as they are with expensive pet store toys.
However, the most challenging aspect of rat ownership is their short lifespan. The average lifespan of a domesticated rat is only around two and a half years. They begin to show signs of aging around one and a half years old and become noticeably older by two. While some rats may live to five or even nine years, most have shorter lifespans. For some, this brevity can be emotionally devastating. Forming a deep bond with an intelligent, social animal only to lose them within a few years can be a significant deterrent for potential rat owners. Some former rat owners have shared that the heartbreak of loss was too difficult to endure again.
The loss of a pet rat is always difficult. Yet, many rat lovers believe that the immense joy and affection rats provide during their short lives more than compensates for the eventual heartbreak. Furthermore, this shorter lifespan can also mean being more prepared to offer a home to another rat in need sooner. There is always a need for good homes for rats. Rat rescues are often at capacity, and adoptable rats can frequently be found through online pet finders.
Rats are indeed fun, friendly, intelligent, and can be a drain on the wallet… but isn’t that part of what makes a pet so rewarding? Coming home to a group of rats eager to greet you with affectionate “snuffly little kisses” is, for many, the definition of a perfect pet.
