If you have ever had a pet rat you know what face people make that accompanies this statement. The majority of society just doesn't understand these marvelous creatures. I always tell people that fancy rats are just like the difference between dog and wolves. Fancy Rats are domesticated They haven't ever been in the sewer and they don't have the plague. Many people begin to defend their pet but I find this a great time to educate others.

It is a big decision to choose a rat as a pet. Even though they are a “pocket pet” they require just as much love an attention as a new puppy. They have and show emotions, they need care and they need routine maintenance. It is easy to think that by buying a pet that lives in a cage that it does not require as much attention and time but ratties do.

Rats do make wonderful pets even for children (with parent supervision, of course). Their gentle and sweet personalities make them wonderful pets and friends. They are also intelligent. Pet Fancy Rats can learn their names, their surroundings, to be litter trained and even do some tricks. It is not in a fancy rat’s nature to bite or be aggressive towards people.

• Rats are intelligent, social animals that can make wonderful pets.
• Easily tamed.
• Relatively easy to care for, but are not low maintenance pets.
• Require a fair amount of attention and exercise time outside of their cages (at least an hour a day is ideal).
• Rats are very social and do best if kept with other rats. Same sex pairs or groups are ideal. Males usually get along fine with other males especially if introduced at a young age or they are littermates. Keeping rats in groups does not make them more difficult to tame if they are handled from a young age.
• Rats are very curious.
• Many owners compare the companionship of a rat to that of a dog.
• As a rule, males are larger and somewhat lazier than females, and have a coarser coat. Females are smaller and tend to be more active and playful.

The most important part about choosing a rat as a new pet is doing your homework. Everyday there are more and more web sites and books available for rat information. Make sure to check out our site and especially the portion on helpful tips.

Breeders Vs Pet Stores

Unfortunately I do not buy rats from pet stores. Even though I would love to save them all I cannot. By purchasing a rat at a pet store it shows the suppliers that their “product” is selling well and they breed more rats to end up in with the same fate. It is also very risky to even take a trip into a pet store. Many people with many different pets go in and out of a pet store everyday. There are no vaccines for ratties. So, by going to a pet store and going home you could very likely bring home a virus or disease. There are so many unknown factors. You do not know it’s temperament, it’s pedigree or it’s family health history. There is always a chance of health related issues when owning rats but by adopting a rat from a reputable and moral breeder you are limiting your chances.

• Pet stores: only if the store/staff are knowledgeable about caring for rats and keep them in appropriate, clean housing with a good diet, and handle them regularly. Look for stores that house males and females separately, to avoid a surprise litter.
• Breeders (ratteries): probably the best option for finding a well socialized young rat. A good breeder will make sure the babies are socialized and handled from an early age. Also probably your only option if looking for a particular coat type or color.
• Shelters: consider rescuing a rat in need of a home - check with local shelters or rescue groups. Choose a rat with a good temperament; rescued rats may be a little skittish or shy at first but you can probably overcome this with patience. Avoid rats that are aggressive though, as this is harder to overcome and most rats are not aggressive.
• Whichever source is chosen, make sure the rat appears to be in good health and condition, and is well socialized.
• If buying an older rat, try to make sure it has been handled from a young age.

General Rat Knowledge

• Average life span of 2-3 years.
• Length: body 9-11 inches; tail 7-9 inches.
• Nocturnal, so will be most active at night.
• Males are called bucks, females are does, and babies are pups or kittens.
• Rats are social so do best if kept with another rat (or group of rats).
• Rats reach puberty very young - at 6-8 weeks of age. They shouldn't be bred this young, though, so make sure males and females are separated before this age.
• Females go into heat every 4-5 days (for about 24 hours) and may seem agitated or restless during this time.
• Wide range of markings, as well as varieties (e.g. standard/smooth, rex, satin, hairless, tailless).