Clean and smart, domestic rats make great pets
When most people think of animal shelters, dogs and cats come to mind.
But at many shelters, including Marin Humane, there are lots of other critters looking for their forever homes. One of the more misunderstood animals — which actually makes for a great pet — is the domesticated rat.
Before you non-rat fans stop reading, here’s a gentle reminder that contrary to the image of dirty street animals, domesticated rats are some of the cleanest, smartest and most affectionate pets.
“I’ve had pretty much every kind of pet you can imagine and by far, rats are my favorite,” says Marin Humane animal care manager Samantha Winegarner. “They’re smart, social — with both cage mates and people — they’re incredibly fun to watch and quite fastidious.”
According to an article in the Washington Post, studies suggest rats dream when they sleep, giggle when tickled and grind their teeth (called bruxing) with pleasure when stroked, similar to when cats purr. Rats are also empathetic, according to a study in which lab rats rescued other trapped rats that previously helped them.
Keeping a pet rat is just as easy as keeping other small pets. Ideally, they should live in large, vertical cages because they love to climb. They love habitat enrichment: little ladders to climb, as well as hidey places like hammocks and igloos. Creating mazes and tunnels are an easy way to make your rat happy (and a delight to watch). There’s no shortage of creativity in the rat lover’s world, that’s for sure. Just check out the miniature rat furniture on Etsy.
Since they’re very social, it’s best to get rats in pairs.
Be sure they’re of the same sex, or if you have a male and female that the male is neutered (an easier surgery than spaying a female).
Sadly, like many other animals, rats sold at pet stores often come from rodent mills. And just like puppy mills, these businesses put profit before the welfare of the animals they’re selling. They’re born in terrible conditions, shipped with little regard for their health and safety (many arrive dying of starvation or are severely injured), and when they finally arrive at the pet store, they’re kept in housing which is substandard. It’s not uncommon for rats bought at pet stores to quickly become ill with upper respiratory infections due to the conditions they were kept in before they even made it to a home.
Fortunately, many animal shelters have pet rats for adoption, and there are dedicated rat rescues which also serve as a resource for information about these cute little critters.
Marin Humane recently took in 25 rats from another shelter and these little guys and girls are looking for homes. To check them out, visit marinhumane.org/adopt.
Lisa Bloch is the director of marketing and communications for Marin Humane, which contributes Tails of Marin articles and welcomes animal-related questions and stories about the people and animals in our community.
Go to marinhumane. org, Twitter.com/ marinhumane, or email lbloch@marinhumane. org.