Pet rats are truly domesticated animals that have been selectively bred in captivity for hundreds of generations. They have been bred to be gentle and affectionate. Pet rats are as different from wild rats as dogs are from wolves. They rarely bite and stay clean by grooming themselves like a cat several times a day.

Rats are extremely social and personable animals that bond strongly to their owners. They are smart enough to learn their names and will come when you call them. They beg to come out of their cage to play and interact with their owners. Rats love to be petted. They enjoy being rubbed behind their ears or scratched on their shoulders. Some rats will roll over on their back so their owner can rub their tummy. Many rats will lick their owners to show affection just like a dog. Rats are very playful and will wrestle with your hand the same way a kitten will. Rats will play games with their owners, including tug-o' war, hide-n-seek, and peek-a-boo. Rats can learn many tricks just like dogs. They can learn to sit up, fetch, walk a tightrope, pull up a basket on a string and jump through a hoop. Some rats are smart enough to learn a trick after only two lessons!

Each rat is an individual with his or her own personality. Some rats are very intelligent (more intelligent than most dogs and cats!) but some rats aren't so smart, just like some other cats and dogs (and people.) But even these bumbling blockhead rats are affectionate and make adorable loving pets.

Rats make great pets for both children and adults. Because they are nocturnal animals, they are happy to sleep during the day while their owner is at work or school. Then they are ready to come out to play in the morning or evening. They are especially good pets for apartment dwellers with limited space, and busy people, as long as you can spend at least 1/2 to 1 hour a day with your rats.

Here are some unsolicited comments made by adult rat owners: "Four years ago I started with one rat. Then I bought another one a couple months later. The second one is still here with me now and I have another that had 12 babies with two that I kept. Then, yesterday I just bought another one. I love these animals with all my heart. Everyone says I'm crazy but I don't think I could live without them here with me!" Stephanie Chacos, Arnold, MD; August 2006   "It was love at first sight when I saw this little sweet white baby rat. I went to the pet shop for guinea pig food and I came home with my best friend Precious. She is so smart already; she knows her name and throws her ball in her cage. It is so amazing how smart rats are. I just love my little Precious." MaryEllen P. , New York; Jan. 2006   "I've had 14 rats in my lifetime (I'm only 20, so that's a lot of rats!) and I have loved each and every single one of them. Rats are such great pets because they are smart, funny, loving, and completely devoted to you!! My rats know me by sight, smell, and sound, and are always clinging to the cages waiting for me to take them out and cover them with kisses. Each one has unique characteristics, no two rats, even if they look very similar, are every alike! "Every time I think about my 'babies' I get a smile on my face. They can literally brighten any day with their sparkling personalities. Every time I tell people I have rats, they all cringe with disgust...but those who have met my babies have fallen head over heels in love! I cannot imagine my life without my ratties, and even though it breaks my heart when one of them leaves this world, I know that I have been blessed to have known that rat and to have been given the honor of loving it and giving it the wonderful life it deserves! When I start to talk about my babies, I cannot make myself stop because they are constantly doing new, amazing things to please and entertain you. I sport my rat love with pride, and know that those who think rats are 'gross' are really missing out on one of the best friends a person could ever ask for!" Ashley Hatheway, Sacramento, CA; March 2006   "I just got my first rat about 2 months ago. I too have had many pets throughout my life, but I must admit I am bowled over by my girl, Lucky. She is without a doubt the kindest, smartest and most affectionate animal friend I have ever had. I just got her a playmate, Balzy. Balzy is not quite the genius Lucky is, but makes up for it easily with her funny antics and her licks on my face. I love my girls, and am so happy I have them!" Janie-Lynne Osborne-Polacek, Bradenton, FL; March 2006   "I grew up on a game farm near Chingola, Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), close to the Belgian Congo. My father was a big game hunter who spent months in the forests. Needless to say, I had every small animal imaginable as a pet. Where other little girls carried their dolls in their prams, mine always had my pet duiker Cora. "Today I'm a 52-year old woman living in a apartment in Pretoria, South Africa. I got my first pet rat 15 years ago. I had to 'baby-sit' my sister's son pet rat when they went to the Kruger National Park for twee weeks. Needless to say, when my sister's son wanted his pet rat back, I would have none of it. I convinced him that his pet rat was spoiled rotten now, and that he was dearly attached to "Auntie Rina" now. Martin (my sister's son) grumbled a bit, but decided to hand over his pet rat (as if he had a choice - smile). "Since then, I had countless rats. They are simply the most cutest, lovable, smartest little angels imaginable. I love them to bits. They are like a drug. Once you had them ... you simply can never live without them!" Rina van Coller, Pretoria, South Africa; March, 2006   "I first got 2 female rats, Platter and Mousey. Then Platter had a litter of 8 kittens 1 week after we got her. We kept the 2 females and named them Toffee and Rocky. Then we acquired 2 more females from a friend who was allergic and named them Sonic and Ash. Not long after this we were asked if we would take a male who needed a home, we did. He’s a big bear of a rat, and so we called him Bear. We then got 3 more males, Bruno, Brody and Baby. What can I say, they are the best pets you could ask for, so loving and affectionate. We live in a flat so they are perfect. We will have pet rats for the rest of our lives, and I don’t know what I did before we had them. My life is complete." Joanne, England; June, 2006   "My rat Boots is THE BEST pet ever. I love him very much. His favorite pastime is curling up in my lap to sleep." -Ginnie P, TX   "I bought two rats for my partner's birthday, Tinkerbell and Travel Tarcy. I was dead against them, but after a while I grew to love them. We now have added 2 more: Tess (who was anti-social) and Terri. Our lives have changed; when we come home they are waiting for us and when we wake up they are eager to get our attention. Rats make the perfect pets." D. Williams, Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom   "When I saw the 'mouse' on my son's desk, I told him he had to return her. My son, (16), with tears in his eyes, said he already had her for 2 weeks, and that he had been taking care of her. Well, I realized he had, and reluctantly changed my mind. Mousie is actually a rat, and you guessed it, she is my cutie. So is Little Girl, the companion I insisted we get for her. I would spend more time telling you how intelligent these two are, and how they stole my heart, but I am busy right now looking at new cages and toys for them. Oh, and I need to go out and get them fresh fruit and salad, because they are out. Oh, yeah, and they ate up all their teething biscuits, so they need more. And..... well, if you keep ratties, you know!" Jane Paquette, Las Vegas, NV   "Our home was an 'animal shelter' when I was younger. We rehabilitated a hawk, a mockingbird, baby ducks, a fox, baby chicks, a squirrel, numerous cats, a couple dogs, and countless litters of opossums...so I have grown up with a love of animals. I always had a special love for the opossums because they were so darn cute. Same thing with rats! Rats are always happy to see you (especially when you have food)! I have 3 of my own, Sandy White Beans, Moon Pie, and Charlotte. Our dog likes them too...but sometimes the rats take her toys! They make my day and I love them with all my heart!!!" Amy Jones, Baton Rouge, LA   After years of hamsters, mice, rabbits, dogs, cats, fish, frogs, etc., I brought home a "fancy rat" for my 12 year old son. Immediately, our family fell head over heals for this precious, dark grey, loving creature! She is the most affectionate, playful, SMART, and darling little critter we have ever had. We will have pet rats forever after the privilege of having Sweetie join our family. She has NEVER even attempted to bite any of us. She loves us to hand feed her treats and nap on our shoulders. I would highly recommend a pet rat to anyone thinking about it. You won't be sorry. They are wonderful companions. Heather King, Red Bluff, CA   "I never truly thought about having rats as pets until last year. My oldest daughter has asthma so we aren't able to have larger animals in the house. An online friend suggested rats because of their mild temperment. I made the decision to purchase a pair. From the day I brought them home, I was in love. They are so sweet and so intellegent. Their names are Abby and Zoey and are my little babies. I will forever be a rat person. They are truly amazing pets/friends." Jill V. , Oklahoma City, OK   One day I was in the pet store getting food for my hamsters, when I saw a book about pet rats. Now, 7 months later, I have had 2 adorable rats for about 6 months. I love them dearly, and even after so long, I'm amazed how smart and loving they are. Ben and Nutmeg are my favorite pets I have ever had even though I have had: 5 cats, 6 hamsters, lots of fish, 3 bearded dragons, 2 hermit crabs, and lots of frogs. I won't be able to love any other small pet as much for as long as I live (and I'm only 13!) -Becky Charles, Sterling, VA   "I am a cat person, but I also have had the pleasure of living with a male rat for about eight months. He is smart, sweet, affectionate, playful, etc. I love him dearly. My cat is very curious and a bit jealous, but he tolerates Yod fairly well." -Gina Wimer, Charlottesville, VA   "I had a pet rat when I was about seven to ten years old. We now have Misty. My husband and I had a rhesus monkey from 1961 to 1975 and a snow monkey from 1975 to 1991. We got a guinea pig...and after a while I talked my husband into a rat. He is perfectly silly over Misty. 'I never would have believed a rat was so smart. She's the best pet we've ever had.' This is what he says about Misty. This is a perfect pet for older people (we are 73) as she is easy to care for and fun for us." -June P., Fountain Valley, CA   "I have only owned one rat so far in my lifetime but have found her to be one of the best pets I have ever had. I am, of all things, a zookeeper....a number of my fellow zookeepers also have rats as pets and are as enthusiastic as I about what wonderful pets they make." -Kathy L. Wood, Watertown, MA   "I was so glad to see the article [about The Rat Fan Club] in the [newspaper]. I was beginning to feel strange - a 42-year-old woman in love with two sweet, cute, silly rats. Everyone I know must endure the latest tales of my little guys' follies. My two teenaged kids are embarrassed by me when I try to convince non-believers that rats are totally lovable and loving." -Mary Beth Broderson, Monterey, CA   "I'm a city dweller who shares his one room efficiency with a six-month old rat. My rat's name is Sherlock and I've found him to be a great pet. Most of my friends and acquaintances who have met Sherlock have responded positively, though at first they thought...ugh!" -Richard W. Nason, Boston, MA   "I'm one who really enjoys the company of my pet rat, Puddin. If someone would have told me three years ago I'd have a pet rat, I would have cringed and said they were crazy. My husband and I have no children, but have always had dogs. Well, our apartment is too small for a dog and we both work. So, a rat is - The Perfect Pet!" -Cindie Virden, Gardiner, ME   "My husband and I never thought we wanted rats but two years ago a friend who worked in a pet store introduced us to two rats that needed a home. We were amazed at how affectionate, personable and obviously intelligent they were. Since then there have been seven other rats in our family." -Margaret Field, Aurora, IL   "I got my first two rats only a year and a half ago and now I have five. A true animal lover, I've had dogs and small pets like hamsters, mice, birds, fish, salamanders and such; but as far as smaller pets go, rats are the most worthwhile. I'm not entirely sure what it is about these creatures which has made me such a fan, but I know that I will have rats as pets throughout my life. The only other animal I can say that about is dogs." -L. Burton, Carmichael, CA   "I'm 42 years old, married and we have a son, Christopher who will be three. My girl rat Timmy has had a new friend for 6 months now. The new girl is sweet, very affectionate and loves to be played with. I find myself staying up after my husband and little boy go to bed - sometimes I'll play games with the rats for one to two hours." -Sarah Snyder, Palo Alto, CA   "I've had just about every pet imaginable at sometime or another - birds, hamsters, ferrets, snakes, cats, etc. But shortly after bringing the little rats home I fell completely in love with them. I was amazed how special, personable, -right there with you- they were. I never encountered a rodent who reminded me so much, with their presence, of an intelligent cat or dog. Actually, I'm convinced my rat Isabel was smarter than the average cat or dog." -A. Newkirk, Chicago, IL   "[Our rat] Crusty, I must admit, has turned out to be the best pet we ever had. This is even despite my early hesitations. She's a part of the family now!" -Cindy Tuttle, W. Sacramento, CA

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