RedGage

Rats as pets? This surely makes some people raise their eyebrows as the animal known for carrying the plague is suggested as a cuddly, lovable, pet. In truth rats are often kept as pets, but to say that they are a good pet for everyone is wrong.

Laws

Some areas, such as the province of Alberta, in Canada, have laws against keeping rats as pets. As such keeping of such an animal as a pet is not ideal. The owner will have a hard time finding proper food and an even more difficult time finding veterinarian care. If caught with the pet the owner may be fined, and will have the pet removed (possibly destroyed).

Lifespan

Rats have a much shorter lifespan than many pets, and certainly one shorter than most pets of its size. The average lifespan of a pet rat is only 2 – 4 years, far shorter than most pet owners would like.

Health Concerns

Rats are prone to cancer and other health concerns. This is one of the reasons they are so often used in laboratories, however, as pets this is not such a good thing. Owners with pet rats may find themselves burdened with many vet bills, particularly if they care at all about their pet. In addition to cancer, rats are also prone to skin diseases. They have specific diet needs and there are some foods, such as chocolate, which are unsafe for them to have.

Biting and Chewing

Rats, being rodents, love to chew. They need enough time out of their cage to get exercise but while out may find things worthy of chewing. This can be anything from electric cords to shoes. They might also bite the hand that feeds them, particularly if they are startled or not use to being handled. If caged too much they may start chewing on the bars of their cage as a response to boredom and frustration.

Smell

Like most all pets, rats do have an odor. This can be controlled by keeping the cage clean, keeping the animal on a good diet, and by having them neutered. A crowded cage will soon smell very bad.

Intelligence

Rats are very smart, and as such require a good amount of mental stimulation. For a person who does not have a lot of time to allow the pet out of the cage, this would mean in the end the animal suffers. Rats enjoy going for walks and can be leashed trained, but few people who want rodents as pets are willing to put in the time to train their pet.

Fear Factor

Finally we must remember there is a fear factor about rats. Some people hate them, and fear them for some deep instinctual reason. As such they may not be a good pet for people who are social with friends, or who are still living at home with parents who might not agree with such a choice of pet.

Summary

None of this is to say that rats are awful pets, many people have pet rats and love them to bits. It must be noted that, like any pet, rats are not a good pet for everyone and have many considerations in regards to ownership and care.