Is Owning A Pet Rat Right For You?...

When you tell someone your contemplating obtaining a rat for your family generally folks's first reaction is this weird look on their face and they say "Yuck! Why?" "Their tales are scary looking!" They are frequently linked with scary and filthy things.

Here you can read and choose for your self if possessing a rat is ideal for you and your family members.

Unfortunately folks are poorly educated when it comes to these extremely clever critters . They only know what history has claimed them as being, a disease infested, nasty, annoying rodent that eats all your food and bites people for fun. When in reality, the domesticated rat (a.k.a. Rattus Norvegicus) are physiologically and psychologically different from their untamed relatives. Domesticated rats have no more health risks to humans than any other common pet.

Their tails might not be the cutest thing to look at but they help the rat to balance themselves. Speaking from experience, you don't actually notice them or pay attention to them mainly because you're to busy looking at those cute faces and big dumbo ears!

Dumbo/fancy rats are basically the same thing. Well these two breeds are basically the same except that the dumbo rat has bigger ears, hence the name dumbo. You should, for the rats sake, buy them in same sex pairs so they can keep each other company when your not around. Of course you should buy same sex pairs, unless you want a cage full of baby ratties!!

Typically a rats lifespan is approximately 2 years but of course that can change if treated properly and they are maintained well. Size: 7-10" body, plus 6-8" tail.

Rats are very smart.They are the smartest of all small pets!!! If you take the time and practice with them, they can learn to come to their own name! Unfortunately, rats do have an odor to them. They need their litter changed every couple of days or once a week. This does not just pertain to rats it's with any caged animal.. So if you don't want a critter that has natural odors then you do not want to own any caged animal for that matter.

Rats can be very inexpensive to maintain once you get all the essentials. You will need a rat habitat to house your furry critter, bedding, food bowls and sipper style water bottle, fortified fancy rat diet, chew toys, exercise ball and wheel. Rat training books are great to have too. Please look under the buy rat supplies tab to see everything you need to maintain your new rat.

All in all rats make great pets! They don't bark or screech, they don't need midnight walks in the freezing cold and rain. Rats are fairly cheap and inexpensive to keep. They will fit into any house big or small. They're big on personality and real people pleasers! They have a good memory and great problem solving skills which makes them excellent candidates for training.

R.J. Jones is an online author based out of Michigan. Her site talks about deciding if obtaining a pet rat is right for you and your family members. Come check this out if your interested in but still have questions about purchasing a rat, http://www.my-pet-rat.com she will put your mind at ease.