Hi all,
FYI, we got my 9 year old a pet rat a couple of months ago as a
test to see if he'd take care of a pet before opting for a dog, and I
thought I'd share some findings:
My wife, who was disgusted at the very though of a rat in the house, now
plays with the Peanut (that's the rat's name) all the time (she saves
the little guy table scraps!!).
Rats are very clean little critters (they preen all the time), and as
long as you keep their cages clean (changed at least 3 times a week),
there is no pet smell.
Rats do NOT BITE....even when a six year old has them by the tail, and
is dragging them across the kitchen floor (they will let out some loud
squeaks, though).
Rats are really, really smart (and yes, they come when you call them by
name). My 9 year old has taught the little rat how to stand on its hind
legs with it tail straight out, and paw for food (it loves bar-b-q
chicken and popcorn the best).
Rats are very, very affectionate, and just love to play games (Peanut
will wrestle your hand and act like he's about to tear your finger off
(bearing teeth and claws) only to end up licking your finger several
times before escaping under the couch pillow until the next pounce).
Why am I telling you folks this? Because I, too, was really
apprehensive about a rat as a pet, but after having one, I'd recommend
them to any household that either can't have standard pets, or to any
household that is remotely considering a hamster, guinea pig or
gerbil....believe me, a rat is a hundred times more a family pet than a
hamster, guinea pig or gerbil (I had all three when I was a kid, but
never a pet rat).
Hope all had a great holiday weekend!!
Ray Shahan
Life is not a journey to the grave with the
intention of arriving safely in a pretty and
well preserved body, but rather to skid in
broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out,
and loudly proclaiming:
-- WOW!!! What a Ride
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