Some folks are dog people, others are cat people. Me? I cast my lot with the rat people.

"Why would you want a rat as a pet!?" you may ask. Give me a chance to explain. There is a wide gap of understanding and visibility when it comes to wild and domestic rodents, and while I won't deny that many of their wild cousins occupy unsavory spaces, that does not-- and should not-- reflect on the nature of our friendly pets.

Indeed, when one compares a rat to their feline counterparts, it may seem like two very different animals. Now, there are definite biological differences between a rodent and a housecat, but raising either as pets is not nearly so disjoint as one might suspect. Much like a cat, dog, or other more common mammalian kin, rats enjoy many of the same activities and expectations of ownership. They delight in running about, climbing, exploring, and chasing when motivated. Similarly, many domestic rats can prove extremely empathetic, sweet, and downright cuddly.

However, without experiencing this for themselves, many folks may also get hung up on their appearance. Teeth, tails, claws, and beady eyes: whilst endearing and adorable to me, I can understand where critics come from. However, regardless of their more unorthodox features, there is nothing inherently alien about the fuzzy little critters. Much like any other pet, none of their natural instruments pose any injurious threat to their owner. Texture aside, many of their unique traits are simply used for navigation or grooming. In fact, not only are rats relatively tidy in captivity, but they also keep themselves exceedingly clean and nearly odorless.

Dispelling myths does not necessarily guarantee ownership, but rats possess several advantages that, when observed, prove their mettle in the adoption ring. For one thing, they are perhaps the perfect size for a compact companion. Whether carrying them in your hands or on your shoulder, rats have a goldilocks proportion of portability that their smaller and larger counterparts just can't match. I confess, not every member of the litter will be as tame as some others. That said, I've seen many a case where a rat will calmly hang out with its owner for hours at a time, staking out on their shoulder-blades or lap with little fuss. Their dimensions also make feeding, relocating, and general maintenance quite easy.

At the end of the day, if you ask me whether there are boons to owning a rat, I will inevitably answer yes every time. No matter how much posturing I put out, I'm certain some people will read this and not giving their rodent cohabitants a second thought. On the other hand, for those of you even mildly interested in trying on a new frame of mind when it comes to pets, go give it a shot! Rats are abundantly full of surprises, and are a lot craftier than one might expect. Even today, experts strongly suggest that the little fluffballs are actually self-aware, a feat not often seen in nature. If you choose to give one a go, I promise it will be a uniquely rewarding endeavor. Over my years of raising them, I, for one, have never been dissatisfied.