Rats often get a bad reputation.
When people think of “rats,” many conjure images of large creatures scuttling through New York City sewers, leading to associations with infestations and frightening encounters. However, this perception stands in stark contrast to the joy and affection that pet rat owners experience.
Our family has welcomed several pairs of pet rats over the years, starting with a pair we got from a fellow we affectionately dubbed “Weird Al the Rat Guy.” He had an entire breeding operation in his basement dedicated to fancy rats, and once we brought our first pair home, we were hooked.
“Fancy rats” and Dumbo rats are among the breeds of domesticated rats that differ greatly from their wild counterparts. These pets are smaller, cuter, and known for their intelligence and sweet nature. Yes, they do have those unique hairless tails, but once you get used to them, you’ll see they are truly wonderful companions.
Have you ever watched a rat eat a Cheerio with its tiny hands? It’s an unforgettable sight!
Rats were our children’s first furry pets and made for ideal starter companions. They are relatively low-maintenance, especially when you have at least two, as they thrive in social environments. They are affectionate, rarely bite, and can even be trained to respond to basic commands. Remarkably, rats have been trained for tasks such as detecting landmines and participating in search-and-rescue operations.
While their cages can develop an odor if not cleaned regularly, female rats are generally less smelly than males, and rats themselves are quite clean animals. Watching a rat groom itself is just as adorable as seeing one munch on a Cheerio.
Our first rats were babies when we got them, and they were irresistibly cute. Just look at these little ones:
Baby rats, Cinnamon and Midnight.
How could anyone resist those faces?
Recently, a heartwarming video has gone viral, showcasing a mama rat gently bringing her babies to her human for safe keeping. Interestingly, rats typically have litters of six to twelve babies. This particular mama seems to have about nine, carefully delivering each one to the crook of her owner’s arm.
The video, originally posted by Whispering Grove Rattery in Atlanta on YouTube, has amassed nearly 6 million views. It resurfaced on Reddit this week, sparking renewed interest.
Who can resist such a charming scene? A devoted mother rat and her tiny babies, placed in the care of a trusted human—it’s pure magic. If you find yourself feeling squeamish about rats, I encourage you to reconsider. They truly make fantastic pets!