By: ASPCA Ani-Med

They love a good meal, can be taught to come when called, and readily bond with their human caretakers. If it's intelligence and curiosity you're looking for in a fuzzy companion, a rat may be just right for you.

Sure, you've seen the striking white rat, but did you know that these animals have been bred to boast five coat types--including curly Rexes, shorthaired Standards and shiny Satins? You'll find rats in all colors from chocolate and coffee to champagne and powder blue. Markings include caps, hoods and blazes. And some animals are prized for their eyes, which can be black, ruby or pink. Rats measure up at about 14-18 inches, including tail, and have an average lifespan of 2 1/2 to 3 years.

If you're thinking about getting a rat, you really should be thinking about getting more than one. Unlike Syrian hamsters, for example, who are solitary and must live alone, pet rats love to be with their own kind. Two or more ratties will keep each other company, which is especially nice if you'll be gone most of the day. If at all possible, get a pair of same-sex siblings when they are young. Note that a neutered male can live with females, or a spayed female can live with males. Don't keep intact males and females together or they will mate...and mate!

Rats aren't the type of pets you can just feed, water and passively watch through the bars of their cage. Rats are easily hand-tamed and will need an hour of supervised playtime out of the cage every day. These daily play sessions are not an option, but are necessary to keep your super-smart companions mentally stimulated and physically fit. If this sounds like more of a chore than a pleasure, it's best to consider another pet.

Rats have a bad rap as destructive chewers, and it's true that they will gnaw on anything in their paths. The fact is, chewing is perfectly natural and perfectly normal for these little guys. Like that of all rodents, rats' teeth grow continuously, so they need to chew--and chew!--to keep their choppers in good condition. Please ensure that your pets always have safe, appropriate chew toys to satisfy these needs. It's also important to remove all electrical wires and potentially dangerous items from the area whenever you let your rats out to play.

You may have also heard that rats, well, SMELL. They do have a unique odor, especially males, but there is a very easy solution to this problem. Simply clean the cage regularly, and be sure to change the bedding a couple of times a week.

Have these fuzzy guys met your criteria so far? Rats may be right for you, but how about the other members of your family? It's ideal if everyone is involved in the decision-making and caretaking. Because they're friendly and hardy, rats are touted as great pets for older children. Younger kids, though, are a different story. Sure, they may love your rats, but may express that love by squeezing the animals or otherwise mishandling them. It's smart to allow little ones to play with the rats only when supervised by an adult.


Still got your heart set on rats? We suggest getting yours from a reputable breeder or, best of all, adopting from a shelter or small-animal rescue group. Search on sites like Petfinder.com for rats looking for a second chance at a good life.