Why would someone want a rat for a pet? Arent they naturally filthy?

Answer 1

That's a common misconception. Rats actually behave much more like cats than most other small animals. They groom themselves many times a day, as well as groom each other. Even a sick or older rat which may have stopped taking as much care of itself will likely still be fairly clean as the others will help take care of it. As with any small pet, as long as the owner takes responsibility and makes sure to clean the cage regularly, rats are a perfectly clean pet to have.

In the wild rats get such a reputation simply because they are so versatile. Yes, they can live in damp, dirty places, but often that's because humans have made it such an easy place for them to find food. Also, wild rats and the ones kept as pets are so different that you cannot even compare them. Pet rats have been selectively bred for such a long time, and have developed a calmer disposition and a natural tendency not to bite. I have had rats for years now, and can tell you that you're more likely to get bitten by a hamster than a rat, and even guinea pigs make more of a mess than a pair of rats would.

Answer 2

Fancy rats and wild vermin are completely different.
A rat in the wild lives on average for 9 months, a pet rat, lives 2-3 years, are VERY clean and VERY sociable, mine are loving as hell, and very people orientated, they get a bad rap, much more fun than hamsters that are boring, all they do is sleep and spin on a wheel, rats are clever, interesting and personalitys can be hilarious. males tend to crap all over the cage, females use one corner and keep everything clean. They groom themselves constantly and dont smell unless the owner is careless.
... rabbits hamsters, and cats n dogs stink way more

Answer 3

I had a pet rt in high school. It was no different than having a gerbil or a hamster. They aren't filthy when you provide them with a home. But in the "wild" they have learned to subside on waste we leave behind - so they live in alleys where they can get to trash, and YES they do carry disease. But your pet rat isn't in an alley picking up illnesses to give to you.

Answer 4

Rats have a bad rap because of that whole plague thing. They have a reputation of spreading diseases (the plague was spread by fleas living on the rats) and being disgusting because they are scavengers. I wouldn't want one as a pet but if their environment is kept clean, they will be clean.

Answer 5

Rats as pets are actually very clean. They spend a lot of time grooming and cleaning!! They do make great pets!!

Answer 6

i respect rats! I had a black hooded rat at the same time as i became 9 and some months in the past i got here around the sweetest woman blue rat at a puppy save and had to have her. She is quite tame and loves her treats:) i will let her run around the homestead and he or she loves to face on my ft. lol

Answer 7

Their only filthy in the wild because thats how they've taught themselves how to survive. But in your cage it's not like you have trash in there or anything.
Rats are actually smarter than hamsters, guinea pigs, and other rodents.

Answer 8

rats also make a great pet,,
they're rather clean than dogs and cats..
and also they're not that aggresive compared to other animals..
and most of rats are very intelligent and easy to train like dogs..

Answer 9

Domesticated ratties are only as dirty as the cage you have them in..in fact, they are cleaner than cats. I have had a cat. Rats are always grooming something. I love to watch them go from head to toe and especially groom their tails..cute!

Answer 10

They're naturally very clean animals- otherwise they wouldn't survive in such dirty environments- they'd get ill.