"They're so gross".. "Don't they carry diseases?".. "It's just the tails"..

These among many statements are all things that I can guarantee any rat owner has heard in their time of ownership. While I understand your concern for my health, or others that may live with me, let me stop you right there. In a few hundred words, I want to teach you a few things about rats that I have learned in my experiences.

They are not gross. In fact, they happen to be very cleanly pets. Like cats, sometimes even more so, they groom and clean themselves thoroughly about every five minutes. You pet them? They groom. You give them a treat? They groom. You breathe in their general direction? You guessed it, they groom.They do this by licking their paws, similar to a cat, and running them over their fur multiple times. Often this is a little process of its own including the face, neck, ears, all the way to the tail and backside. I've even seen my rats, who tend to be a little plump, roll over trying to reach every little area to clean. By ways of their habitat, if it is cleaned regularly, like any other small animal cage or large animal domain, it will remain fairly sanitized and odorless.

Now, do they carry diseases? Well, to be very frank, we all carry diseases. However, I'm going to assume you are referring to the type of diseases that really can impact a population such as the Black Plague, which has been blamed on poor rats for quite some time. The thing about that is, that particular plague was caused not only by the rats co-inhabitance with people (yes, that did in fact play a role), but also (and primarily) the fleas who not only parasitized the rats and ultimately carried the disease but also parasitized humans, the uncleanliness of peoples living and eating conditions, and finally the underdeveloped health care system they lived with.

"It's just the tails.." and any other generalized statement about their appearance. That one I can't really fault you on. Rats are rats. They have beady eyes, long scaly tails, weird little feet, sharp claws, and sometimes sharper teeth. Yes, while that is true, some of us find these odd little creatures to be quite cute! It's the same as someone saying that they don't think your dog is cute at all, well it might be because they just don't prefer dogs. And you know what? That's okay.

What I will tell you is, in my experience, I have found rats to be some of the most entertaining, caring, compassionate, smart, and downright personable little pets you could have. It really is true when people say they are like mini dogs. You can teach them tricks upon tricks, including fetch! They do in fact learn their name and they remember who you are. They care about each other as well and really show their love by mutual grooming. They'll groom each other and you! Each and every one that I have had the pleasure of owning has had it's own personality. Some were more feisty, while some were more calm. They are truly fun to have around. I even had one that would chase a cat around grabbing at his tail when he ran! Another I had would cuddle up with my dog! They are also great with kids! They are often very patient and forgiving, and quite frankly they won't die if your child accidentally squeezes them or drops them.

Rats truly are a great pet to have. Whether you are starting your kid off with their first real responsibility, you're a freshman in college, or maybe you're in your retirement looking to have a low maintenance type of pets, there is a rat or two for you. In all my experience and my comparisons with other rat owners/lovers, we really can only think of one true vice.. and that is these little creatures simply don't live long enough.