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Pet Rats

Rats make sweet pets. They are excellent beginner pets for children. Especially, kids during the stage where they need a trusted friend. Young children should be supervised around the rat. Rats are a good choice as a pet if you live in an apartment where you can't have a dog, cat, or even a skunk.

Tell us about your rat experiences - are they good pets?

Oh, I LOVED having rats! Of course we went overboard and had 12, which I do not suggest. They are gentle and smart, we even had one that would come when we called his name. Our dog loved them and would let them ride around on his back. The cats seemed to know they weren't normal rats and kept a curious distance. They are no harder to take care of than a hamster or gerbil, and in my opinion, are more fun. The one big drawback I found is their short lifespan.

Yes, their lifespans are too too short. I love pet rats. They are so intelligent and affectionate.

One of our pet rats was named Zipper because he zipped around quickly. Whenever my husband walked through the door, Zipper was the first one to reach him, and he would zip up my husband's leg and sit on his shoulder. We loved to feed him, pet him and take him places.

Rats make better pets than mice or hamsters because they do interact more. You can even train them.

The heart-breaking thing was that he zipped out of the house and one of the kids on the street found him. He wouldn't return him, saying that Zipper was stolen by someone who broke into his room.

To this day, I miss him. But I hesitate to get another rat because they don't live very long.

I'm madly in love with my little man, that's for sure. He's very cuddly and likes to hang out on my shoulder, but I think he may be allergic to me, lol! Every time he's with me, he sneezes! Its pretty amazing, really. He doesn't stop until I put him back in his tank. Is this a normal thing? And since I'm a new rat mommy, what IS their life span?

The lifespan is 2-3 years which is quite short. But, there is so much to gain, their love is immense, their nature kind and sweet. I wouldn�t let this deter me from having rats. I know for a fact I will be with my animals again someday anyway.

Do you wear hairspray, cologne, or lotion any number of things rats can be quite sensitive. 3-5 years is their lifespan. There is a lot of love in those 3-5 years though.

That is cute the way Zipper would greet. What a rotten little kid. I think I would have scared the pants off him by calling the police. Or at least would have told them the police were coming with a search warrant. Didn�t the parents of the kid notice the rat?? Do many parents care anymore if these kids grow up with morals?

I often thought about lifespans but got to the point realizing how fast my life was going by, why worry about it. They have so much to offer us - love.

Diana, when I'm at home, I don't usually wear any scent. I do use lotion, because I work with fabric and my hands get really dry, but I use a hypoallergenic type. I suppose that doesn't matter to my boy, though.... And I'm not worried about the lifespan. I'm glad to have him, so whatever time I get is golden. :)

lol maybe your hair tickles his nose What they give to us is no doubt golden - such precious little lives! Do you sit by an air vent? Just curious why he sneezes.

Diana, you make an excellent point about life. In fact, I just may get another rat. I am concerned about the new cat that just adopted us though.

Oh, about the sneezing. Check the type of bedding you're using. I once used bedding material that was green in color (chlorophyll) but learned that it was scented with pine. It nearly killed my rat. I felt wretched about my ignorance.

Only natural stuff for me now.