The Rat as a Perfect Pet?
by Neil Lypton
http://www.firats.com
Whenever we talk about pets the first image that comes to
our mind is that of a dog or a cat as these are the most
common and popular pets that people like to keep and relate
to. But remember that there are other choices for pets
available and one for these choices is the rat. Rats make
great pets and are easy to care for and more fun than you
may think possible.
Generally, a rat's life span is about two to three years,
much like that of a hamster or a gerbil. The rat, which is
slightly larger than the hamster, will grow to be ten inches
long, not counting the length of the tail. The rat's tail
will frequently grow to be as much as nine inches long.
There are several different varieties of rats, including
hairless rats, long haired rats, or smooth haired rats.
One thing you need to consider when buying a rat for a pet
is that rats are a nocturnal animal. This means that while
you sleep at night, the rat will be up and moving around.
This might work for most people, but if you're a light
sleeper, and are in the same area as the rat at night, you
many want to consider how this will affect your sleeping
pattern.
You may want to think about getting two rats rather than
just one. This is because rats are a very social animal and
like to be with other rats. You'll find that your rat will
be very social with you as well, so be prepared to interact
with it often, especially if you're just getting one and not
two.
Rats are very intelligent animals and are easily trained.
Rats, however, need a lot of care and attention. A rat needs
social interaction and exercise, you'll need to plan for the
rat to be out of its cage for at least one hour each day.
Because they are such social creatures, plan to socialize
with your rat on a daily basis.
Rats are by nature very inquisitive and curious, therefore
you need to pay close attention when you let them out of
their cage. If not, they may get into a lot of trouble if
left on their own. They can get into some very cumbersome
places in just a few moments if not properly supervised.
Rats are inquisitive and curious animals, therefore you will
be required to pay close attention to them when they're out
of their cage. Else they are likely to get into trouble.
They might get caught in unlikely and cumbersome places.
Do watch out for certain characteristics of rats when out to
purchase or get the pet rat for your self. The rat should
not be nervous or panicky, at the same time it should be
alert and curious in nature. Also the rat you choose should
not mind being handled. He should be active ad move around i
the cage and not just cower in the corner of the cage.
A healthy pet is generally what one looks for. So make sure
that the pet rat you pick up has clean and clear ears, eyes,
and rear. Any discharge from anywhere is unhealthy and
indicates sickness, so it would be better to look for
another rat. An unkempt coat is another sign that the rat
isn't healthy. The coat of the rat should be clean and shiny
which will indicate that the rat grooms itself.
Check the ears, eyes, and rear of the rat that you are
Thinking about taking home -- they should be clear and
clean. If there you see any discharge from the eyes you'll
want to choose another rat since discharge is sometimes a
sign of an unhealthy rat. Check the coat of the rat to make
sure it's sleek and clean. An unkempt coat is another
indication that the rat may have some health problems. Your
rats should have a pink tail and ears. The rat should also
relax in your hands and breathe calmly. Take some time to
select a rat that you want to take home - you definitely
don't want to find that you've made the wrong choice. If you
have young children you may want to consider a different
pet; rats are not always good around young children but are
great pets for older kids.
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