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Kids Want a Pet? Get a Rat!
November 5, 2009 at 4:04 PM by Cafe Cynthia - Comments (16)
Photo by mystica97
After reading what CafeMoms in the Advice for Moms group said, I'm seriously thinking of getting my children a rat for a pet. They really want a dog, but I only like big outdoor pooches like huskies or sheepdogs and we're not set up for that.
Plus, we are right in the middle of reading Charlotte's Web, and we all think Templeton is so cool.
I never in a million years would have considered a rat until I read this post, in which moms give reasons why rats are the ideal pet:
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Rats are the best especially if you get them as a baby, and hand raise them. You can train them, and they are self sufficient.
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I trained my rat to go potty only in her cage only, to come, eat out of my hand, and not to bite. She also knew how to go in and out of her cage.
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Easy to care for, sociable, and smart. They also have good balance and eyesight, which hamsters don't. A dropped hamster can be seriously injured, while a rat is tough to drop.
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Rats will adjust to your schedule, unlike a hamster, which is nocturnal.
Growing up I had a hamster named Spices. He was the best; he'd sleep in the crook of my arm, crawl over my head, trusted me so much that he even took food out of my mouth (TMI). I could have done without the munching and running wheel all night long, however.
He didn't live very long and I was heartbroken for months. On the day he died, "Hello, Again," by Neil Diamond was playing on the radio. I still get all misty when I hear it.
So hamsters are a no go. Too many memories.
Many moms swear by guinea pigs, though some say they can be loud, tough to tame, and skittish.
They also like gerbils, because you only have to clean their cages every couple of weeks.
As for rabbits ... even the country girl in me still cannot forgive my pet rabbits as a kid, named Salt and Pepper, for eating their babies.
Would you ever consider getting your kids a rat for a pet is the stigma just too much for you?
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Comments:
I love that photo, too clever!
no way for us
My neice has a rat. A really cute thing. She lets it sit on her shoulder while feeding it baby carrots. The rat takes it from her hand gingerly and munches. She has been through many pets and I think the rat is the best for her.
As a parent, you really need to know what kind of animal you want. Research...research....RESEARCH! That's really all I can tell you. Just like all animals, some could have a really sweet disposition, and some could be mean. If you have one you like...watch it awhile in it's cage at the store, or at your friends house...wherever you choose to buy one.
Also learn how to take care of one. What all it entails. Some animals need more things than others do. Andddddddd.....my husband's not here at the moment so I can't make sure if this is true, but...he told me that the ONLY problem he ever had with any of his rats was that they were susceptible of getting (if I can remember right...) tumors.
Best wishes on the animal you choose *S*
Some of the sweetest pets I've ever had were rats. Of all the rodents that are popular to have as pets, rats are the least likely to bite you. I had hamsters when I was younger, and always hated how nippy they were.
When Kingston is older (he's only 17 months), if he expresses a desire to keep a pet rodent, my husband and I would happily get a rat. The only sad thing with rats is they have such a short lifespan (2 to 3 years on average).
we have a guinea pig we adore, shes very sweet with the kids and has never bitten.. but she can be loud. When they are hungry, or want attention, they squeal at you. We love the noise but I can see how some wouldnt. She never does it unless we are in the room though.
My husband had rats growing up that were cage trained, he left the cage open all the time.. he would go into the cage to poo and pee, and come out to play. He was very smart!
I did a journal about guinea pigs for anyone thats interested: http://www.cafemom.com/journals/read/1503959/They_are_animals_NOT_TOYS
I love rats. They are intelligent, affectionate, and actually very clean. I would totally have one as a pet. I think a lot of people get freaked out by them because they think they are dirty and gross and because they have no hair on their tails. lol If you can get past the scary movie rat scenes and the bald tails, you might find a great little pet. :)
My cousin had rats and she loved them. The only thing I can throw your way (although being a previous hamster owner I am sure you are aware) is that if their cage is not cleaned regularly....it stinks. Also handwashing is a MUST after playing with rodents (whether hamster or rat) so if you think that your children are up for those two things...why not? They could be a nice addition to any family.
The only other thing I might mention is that you go to a pet store or a friend who owns a rat to get a little hands on for the kids before commiting to one of your own. Each pet (no matter how small) deserves love, but more importantly attention and you want to make sure you'll get a pet that you can all commit to!
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My son has wanted a rat for quite some time. We have a Pekingese house dog and I don't know if he would be willing to give up the top spot but I have considered getting my son a rat. When I was in high school a friend of mine had a rat. It was well behaved and clean.
KerriAnnie Nov. 5, 2009 at 4:17 PM