Sarah Shares 8 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Fancy Rats
August 14, 2024
Ugh, rats! That’s probably the first reaction many people have when they hear about rats as pets. But hold on a minute, because these misunderstood creatures deserve a much better reputation! Vet Sarah Aldridge implores everyone to ditch the negative stereotypes and join them as they delve into the reasons why fancy rats actually make fantastic pets!
Do you have a fancy rat or two at home? Share a photo or video and your favourite thing about them on our Facebook page and help us raise awareness of their awesomeness in Northamptonshire!
Show Off Your Fancy Rats on Facebook
Before we dive in, let’s answer a common question.
What is a fancy rat?
A fancy rat is a domesticated breed of the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) commonly kept as a pet. These intelligent and sociable animals are bred for their friendly temperament and diverse coat colours and patterns.
Do fancy rats make good pets?
Vet Sarah Aldridge loves fancy rats and having treated many of them over the years, wants to help wannabe pet parents in Northamptonshire understand their many qualities when considering a small pet for their family.
Sarah’s 8 reasons to get a fancy rat as a pet:
1. Brainy Bunch: Forget the image of a mindless sewer dweller. Fancy rats are surprisingly intelligent and can be trained to do tricks, navigate mazes, and even recognise their names! Sarah shares that fancy rats love mental stimulation and will thrive on interactive games and activities.
Check out the tricks that Fancy Rats Suki, Shadow, Paris, Raven and Famous can do on YouTube! Who is your favourite?
2. Cuddly Companions: Yes, you read that right! Fancy rats are incredibly social creatures who love to cuddle, groom each other, and snuggle up in your lap. They form strong bonds with their human companions and crave affection – we love this for the both of you!
3. Cleanliness Counts: Sarah shares that contrary to popular belief, fancy rats are actually very clean animals. They spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves and their cage mates. With proper care, their habitat can be surprisingly odour-free.
4. Low-Maintenance Lifestyles: Compared to other pets, fancy rats are relatively low maintenance. Their cage needs regular cleaning, but they don’t require walks, extensive grooming, or a dedicated outdoor space.
5. Pocket-Sized Pals: Fancy rats are compact and cuddly, making them perfect for smaller living spaces. Their playful personalities and curious nature are endlessly entertaining, all in a package that won’t take over your entire home.
6. Budget-Friendly Buddies: According to Sarah, fancy rats are a much more affordable pet option compared to cats, dogs, or even some exotic animals. Their food, bedding, and toys are readily available and won’t break the bank.
7. Laughter Guaranteed: Their playful antics and mischievous personalities are a constant source of amusement. Watching them explore, scamper, and interact with their environment is a guaranteed mood booster.
8. They are not nocturnal: Rats are active during the day unlike some small pets which are nocturnal and sleep during the day so are less interactive with their owners.
So, the next time you hear someone scoff at the idea of fancy rats as pets, Sarah encourages you to share the truth! These intelligent, affectionate, and low-maintenance creatures can bring joy, laughter, and companionship to any household. They might just surprise you and become your favourite furry friends!
Before you go, if you’re a proud keeper of fancy rats, share a photo or video and your favourite thing about them on our Facebook page. Together we can show everyone in Northamptonshire just how amazing they are!
