Rats: they're popular on many people's "worst fears" list. These animals always seem to be associated with feelings of general disgust and abhorrence: calling someone a "rat" is definitely not a compliment.

But, what if I told you that rats make wonderful pets? What if pet rats actually aren't disgusting at all, but are cute, fat roly-poly-ollies who love to play with and show affection towards their human? My pet rat, Jarl Balgruff, actually acts as my emotional support animal at school.

Yes, my fellow gaming nerds: Jarl Balgruff as in the Jarl of Whiterun from "Skyrim."

Rats are adorable and make great pets. Do you believe me yet? Maybe not. Let's see if I can change your mind.

1. Despite the association, rats were probably not Black Death carriers.

Many scientists speculate that gerbils, not rats, were the main carriers of the bubonic plague. Don't get me wrong, gerbils make great pets, too; but the association between rats and virulent disease needs to stop. Pet rats do not carry any more diseases than a domestic cat or dog might. Besides, we all know that the plague was the fleas' fault anyway.

2. They are very clean animals that groom themselves quite often!

Watching the Jarl groom himself never fails to make my day. He wipes his little face and ears, then reaches around to clean his flank and stomach.

3. They are super easy to take care of.

Rats are pretty laid back. All they need is a nice, comfy cage with clean bedding, food and water, toys to chew and climb on, and a hidey hole. I clean the Jarl's cage once a week, and the whole process takes less than 15 minutes. The most rat-oriented time I spend per day is playing with him.

4. They are extremely intelligent creatures.

You can actually train your pet rats to do tricks! I'll admit, as far as rats go the Jarl happens to be a bit of a blockhead; but many rat owners have managed to train their pets to do pretty amazing things. They can ride a little skateboard, run through a maze... even put a mini basketball through a hoop. Take that, Kobe Bryant.

5. They are REALLY playful.

Rats love to play. They are very social creatures and are pretty much always down for a rousing game of "see if you can grab me and tickle my belly" or "let me try to steal your food and make a run for it." In fact...

6. They especially love hide-n-seek!

Not that they're very good at it. The Jarl likes to run under the comforter on my bed and poke his little nose out every once in a while to get my attention. It's like... I know you're in there, silly goose. You happen to be a very noticeable lump moving around under my blanket.

7. They're goofy.

They're masters of silliness, and don't seem to take themselves too seriously.

8. Their list of favorite things to do include eating...

9. Sleeping...

10. And giving their human lots of kisses!

I mean, who isn't totally into those things? Speaking for myself here, rats and I have a lot in common. Maybe except the licking part.

But finally, and most importantly...

11. They love their human unconditionally.

Best friends forever!

Seriously. Your rat will idolize you. The Jarl runs to the cage door every time I come back from class and very much enjoys riding on my shoulder while I go about my business. He nuzzles me when I cry and has a happiness overload when I bring him some veggies from the dining hall. It feels so good to be loved by such a darling little creature.