Other household pets

Question
Hi, I'm seriously thinking about getting a rat. I also have two pugs (both blind), one persian cat (who could care less about anything) and a tabby - who would probably be the "hisser".  I haven't really come across much information in the way of other pets in the household - can you offer any insight on rats behaviors toward other animals?

One other question - I've read that an average life span is only two years - that is heartbreaking especially if your rat becomes your little buddy.  Is this two year figure accurate?

Thank you

Answer
If the rat is kept away from the other pets, there is no problem.  The rat should live in a cage of course, not with the other pets loose on the floor.  I keep the door shut to the rat room and my six cats have no access to the room at all.  I dont trust the other animals with the rats, its not the rats that worry me.


Also, rats bodies are made to last two years, but with proper care, they can live to be past 3.  Its not long, I know, and its heartbreaking to lose them.  Its not for everyone (rat owning) due to the heartbreak from short life spans, but if we accept the fact this is their life as they know it, they are not really robbed of anything since this is just the way nature intended, we will handle it better and accept it.  Just like when someone we love dies at the age of 80 years old. We are sad but accept it since they are 80. We have to do this with rats too.  

My oldest rat to date is 9 months past his third birthday and still looking pretty good for an old man!

Read my website on proper care, nutrition and health. Educate yourself best you can about their common ailments and spay your females at the age of 4 3 to 5 months old to prevent mammary tumors (see my page on tumors) and of course, find a good exotic vet,(I can help) and your rats can have a happy healthy life too!

Here is theURL to my site:

http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/index.htm