please give your thoughts on rats I mean I need some back up on this one cause when I tell people I have rats they freak ut and yell EEEEWWWWW
2007-05-19 16:20:19 · 13 answers · asked by Christian W 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I think rats are very cute and they're very smart. Rats learn faster than some people I know. They are fast and intelligent learners, have super memories, adapt quick, they're real survivors and for pet rats, they are very attached and loving to their owners.
For people who comment that rats spread diseases and carry many diseases, why don't we look at our own species first before saying such things. As if we humans don't carry diseases and spread them as well!? As for the person who commented that rats rummage through trash, don't the homeless people do that too? Don't war victims do that too? When you see severely food deprived third world countries e.g. Sudan, many people are so desperate, they would drink their own urine and eat cows' feces to save themselves from starvation. Why don't we look at the our own species first before commenting about another species.
There are many people with looks and characters far worse than a rat's ***.
2007-05-19 17:26:10 · answer #1 · answered by Asia 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People tend to associate rats with disease and dirtiness. That's probably why. Plus, they are hard to control if they invade an area. Being unable to control the situation really frustrates people or freaks them out.
There is a temple of rats in India where they are worshipped. People literally share their food with the rats and drink out of the same water bowls.
So.. sometimes it's a matter of culture.
2007-05-19 23:34:06 · answer #2 · answered by Contemplate Silence 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sewer rats are dirty little animals that carry dangerous viruses, such as Honta (sp?) virus and bubonic plague.
Sewer rats are not tameable and people should not attempt to train sewer rats.
The proper term for pet rats (I have had the pleasure of having 3 pet rats, thus far in my life) is either "lab rat," or, more commonly, "fancy rat." These rats are born in captivity, are clean and free of disease, and are usually handled while young to make sure they are tame pets.
In the past, when I had pet rats, the friends who were grossed out by them told me that it was the ropey tail that bothered them. Personally, I found the velvety tail to be an endearing factor.
I think that if you explain that your pet rat is a fancy rat, or a tame rat, your friends might be more understanding and more willing to get to know your pet.
Here is a link to the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association http://www.afrma.org/membership.htm
You might find more like-minded rat-lovers there.
2007-05-19 23:30:38 · answer #3 · answered by scruffycat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I own some rats and my dad hates them. Some people find the naked tail gross. Others its the beady eyes. For some it's that they associate them with filth, disease, and poverty (this is the reason my dad hates them). They had a movie called "Ben" that was about rats and that freaked a lot of people out about them too. It's a shame that people don't like them, they are such intelligent and sweet animals and make awesome pets.
2007-05-20 00:22:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry but I think the creatures are ugly and alot of people think of sewers when they think of rats, because rats like to hang out in sewers and rats are about the dirtiest rodent\creature\animal you will ever come across. Now hamsters are cute.
2007-05-19 23:25:59 · answer #5 · answered by pixeydust77 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have no idea!! I think they are super cute and really smart!! I think it comes from fear of the unknown. People get taught to be afraid of things most of the time for no reason at all. In the media they are always portrayed in a negative light, and unfortunately in "the wild" are kinda dirty and known for carrying disease. Not so with our pets. I know some people get weirded out about their tails, their feet, their eyes. Who knows, I think they are great! Some people are just missing out on a great pet! AND OH MY GOD THEY DO NOT HAVE POISON IN THEIR TAIL!
2007-05-19 23:36:11 · answer #6 · answered by flygirl 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Why some people think rats are gross is probably because they relate them to lurking in the sewers or dark damp spider webbed places...
I personally like rats!!!!!!!
2007-05-19 23:59:46 · answer #7 · answered by Iamvampire 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just be yourself, if you like rats thats totally cool ! some people might not think so .. they think of the diseases wild rats spread or, ou might not know this, but they have poison in their tails, that could be another reason. but i think they are totlally adorable !
just say well i think thyre cool :)
hope that helps !
2007-05-19 23:26:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
People think rats are gross because they could spread rabies. Also, they rummage through your trash sometimes.
2007-05-19 23:25:47 · answer #9 · answered by arsenioleyesa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably because they helped spread the bubonic plague way back in the old days they scare people
2007-05-19 23:24:57 · answer #10 · answered by Willy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋