How can I convince my parents to let me get a rat?

Question

I have been wanting a rat for a long time and my family friend, Sherry, said that she would give me one that she raises. It's black with white feet and is so pretty. My mom says no and my dad says whatever my mom says goes.

Answer 1

One way to try to convince her is to do loads of research about rats (pet rats that is) and give her facts, not emotions. Find out how long they live, what kind of health problems they can have (I know they are prone to some kinds of tumors), if they can have parasites or other diseases you would need to worry about. Then, ask her what her concerns are... is she like me and phobic about them? I was deathly afraid of rats and would have said no too, until I met one in college... I still wouldn't want to own one myself, but that rat was pretty cool, and won me over to not thinking other people who had them were nuts!

Answer 2

Here are a few facts to help you get started at convicing them.

Rats are extremely clean.

Rats cages generally don't generate that much of a smell even if its filthy.

Rats are smarter than most animals. Meaning they can be trained easily. They are the only animal other than a chimp that can distinguish the difference between human language. Basically they can tell when a person speaks english or dutch or any other language.

Rats become very loving of their owners if treated right.

It is also impossible for a human to contact anything from a rat.

Over all people's misconception or phobia of rats is usually what stands in your way. You need to educate you parents on the finer things of rats. I currently own 2 rats and I can easily say they are 2 of the best pets I have ever owned. I wouldn't give anything in the world for either of them. Unfortunately rats do only live about 2 to 4 years. So with such a short lifespan you could use that as your selling point for your parents.

Over all if you wanted a dog your parents would probably say yes but because you want something like a rat they have a problem with it. But I can garuntee you can take an average rat and it will end up being so much smarter than your average dog.

Why do you think they use them in pshycological studies.

Answer 3

I had rats when I was a kid. They make WONDERFUL pets. Be sure not to get a male and a female or you'll have too many (I ended up with 63!) With all the rats I had I was never once bitten. They are friendly, smart and clean. They're happy to be held and petted. They're low in cost as far as the rat and food. The cage you can make as elaborate as you want or just use something roomy and basic. I would highly recommend a rat if that's what you want and as long as it would not be in house where a dog or a cat could get to it. Like I said, I had rats and I have nothing bad to say about them. They can be great friends and very funny. You'd have to change their cage bedding, give them fresh water and feed them (pellets) so their care is easy too. Good luck..I hope you get your rat. Tell mom that she would have to handle it and that you'll take care of it. Pet rats and street rats are different critters. Maybe it's street rats that give your mom the creeps. Go online and find some cute rat pet photos. You might try Flickr.com and type pet rat in the seach.

Answer 4

Go to www.guite.co.uk/rats.com the title is pet rat information sheet. It tells all you need to know to keep and raise a rat-Housing,food,and Social life.Befire I show you how to convince your Mom-please be aware that rats are highly social animals and need the company of other rats. Usually if no litter wanted the 2-3 rats of the same sex. even males can be housed togther for not territorial-that how social they are. Although rats will interact with humans NEED other rats esp when rats are active at night. A rat raised alone will live but will not be a good pet for animal that are forced to live alone when their nature is to live with others of their kind can become aggressive for stressed,neurotic and even self destructive.Ther is more to having a rat just because its pretty. To convince Mon 1-draw plan of the home with all the necassary items like water bottle,food bins, EXERCISE Wheel-Large Tunnels. 2. Gather written information that domestic rats are not like wild rats and do not carry disease for do not live in places where can pick up germs/disease and spread 3-You will Care-Convince you are mature and reponsible enough to always care and also 4. Convince by telling her HOW you will not let rat(s) escape from home-if its a secure cage only way is through neglect of owner.5.have a plan-solid -of what can be done with rat(s)check with Petsmart/Petco if they take rats from owners or only breeders ,Chek if Rats rescue groups in your area. Once you have drawn the plans,gathered all the material present to your Mom-in the meantime be a very good kid-do chores if required=do not give Mom reason to scold or get after you-Perfect behaviour-Life Lesson is that if you want cooperation from another person be in their favor before you ask it.

Answer 5

A lot of people seem to shudder whenever they even hear the word "rat", but considering all many people have to go on are various references to how filthy, dangerous, and unpleasant rats are, that's not surprising. I think your best chance would be to learn as much as you can about pet rats and try to talk your mom and make sure she doesn't have that stereotypical image in her head. It might really help to get her to meet a pet rat and see how cuddly and nice they can be- a lot like rabbits, and not many people mind them!

If it isn't the species that's the problem and you're just having trouble trying to be allowed a pet in general, think of an approach that suits the particular situation. Show your parents how dedicated you are, maybe by pet-sitting for other people's animals or just spending time learning about rats. Sometimes it can just take time to convince them that you're in earnest. Good luck :-)

Answer 6

I know how you feel. RAT is a bad guy. Really there is so
much that they can do as pets. The best item is to volunteer
with a pet show, kennels for dog shows, AKC, AAA,ABC can
tell you where to visit the rats. Your friend could use your help.
Do not take on the fact that rats are highly social, and like to
play with other pets. Obviously customized with cats, dogs,
other pets has to be done well. Get some literature and study
for becoming a rodent studies person. They are in a tough
unique problem and need your help, if you follow the guideline
you will see that there is a good life , heaven for rats.

Answer 7

When i was a teenager I had hamsters, rats, and a guinea pig. Rats are way better pets. they will sit on your shoulder hang out and unlike unsocial hamsters they don't usually bit you and won't kill there mate.
I would agree that you need to prove to your parents that you can be responsible. keep your room clean, do chores when asked, seek out other things that you can do to help out. Maybe see if you can volunteer at the local pet shelter. It is good to do research to show your parents that they can make good pets.
but i don't know your age and If your parents are set in there ways or your mom is afraid you may just be out of luck. My mom grew accustom to my pets. but they were my responsibility and there upkeep was frequent and could get stinky.I cheated on cleaning and ruined my mom's vacuum. ahh live in learn.

Answer 8

I hate to tell you this, but it is your parents' house, and they know you best. If they don't want a rat in the house, or don't think you will take care of it, then you are out of luck. Sorry. When you get old enough to have a job and your own place to live, you can have all the rats you want. Good Luck!!

Answer 9

I just brought my rat home even when my mother said no. Now I have 3 and she loves them. But I don't know hw your mother is so I wouldn't suggest doing it unless you know she won't get that angry.

Answer 10

tell them you promise to be responsible for it and only let it out when they're gone.be sure to tell her how pretty it is with it's little white feet.if that doesn't work just don't tell her i'm sure she'll figure it out when it's running around the house.