Feel free to re-read the post headline as many times as you want. It's still going to say rats make great pets. Unusual, yes. But that's only because the general population is suffering under the illusion that hamsters and gerbils (just as rodenty as rats, by the way) are somehow better pets.

In fact, hamsters are actually a bit loopy, thinking that fingers taste much better than seeds sort of way. Besides, the rats of the world have sent out a formal apology about the plague. They promise not to do it again. 

At any rate, checking out the possibility of making a place in your family for a couple of these friendly little critters could lead to a beautiful friendship. If you are averse to the idea of buying pets from pet stores, then you can go the route of the rattery. Ratteries are businesses that specialize in the breeding of rats for pets.  You'll probably learn a lot more about these animals and enjoy a much greater choice.

Take Ratz Realm, for instance. The better ratteries have plenty of updated photos of their litters and the parents on their website, as well as offering information about the care of rats.  Good ratteries also have an adoption policy. Ratz Realm also has a, "Are You Ready To Own Pet Rats?" page on which they advise potential pet rat owners to introduce all members of the family to someone else's adult rats to check for allergic reactions. 

Domestic rats come in so many colors, from fawn to cinnamon to blue to black - and of course, the classic white. They even come hairless and Dumbo-eared. 

Pet Rats

Posted by Rhonda.

Rhonda is the editor of Unique Or Unusual and Latest Greatest Gadgets And Gizmos.