More common than not, when people think of rats they think of little, nasty, disease carrying rodents. In reality they are quite the opposite of that.

1. For starters, rats are actually very clean. Honestly, cleaner than a dog.

Yep, you heard it right. Rats are very clean and in fact they clean themselves up to six times a day. The rumor that rats carried disease I'm sure can be traced back to Medieval times with the Bubonic Plague. However, just to point this out, the flees that were on the rats were the true disease carriers. Just saying.
They don't even smell. If they do smell, it's time for a cage clean out and problem solved.

2.Rats are probably smarter than your dog.

Rats are sweeter than most dogs.

When you're having a rough day, your pet rats know. They are so full of love and affection and can't wait to unleash all of it. They will actually give hugs and kisses, too. You'd think their tongues would feel weird, but really they just feel like teeny-tiny dog tongues. Usually after they've explored some and made sure you have been properly loved and groomed, they'll curl up with you for a snuggle session.

4.For the most part, they just make better pets in general.

The don't take up a whole lot of room and they're not terribly needy. Just give them a wheel, make sure they have food and water, and give them plenty of love and affection and you have a happy rat. You don't even have to buy them toys! You can make them (recycling at it's finest) out of just about anything from toilet paper rolls to empty boxes.

5. You can do a lot with them.

Like dress them up, and share snacks.

Get homework help from them. And they will always love you.