Do Rats Like Cheese?
WouterOne of the most popular myths about rats is that they don’t like cheese. While rats do eat cheese, not all types are safe for them. Specifically, cheeses that are made with spices and dyes are not safe for your pet. Also, a lot of cheeses have a high fat content, which are bad for rats. However, plain cheeses are safe. Rats do not have a taste for sour or creamy cheeses.
The myth that rats like cheese was born because the animals were eating cheese in storage. While this isn’t a completely correct explanation, it’s a reasonable explanation. Rats are likely to eat cheese because it’s easy to reach and provides them with a large amount of food. Rats don’t need cheese to survive, but if they do, they may not be as healthy.
In the Middle Ages, the myth about cheese and mice first gained prominence. The people in that time tended to store meat and grains in jars to keep them safe. However, cheese was a much easier pick and was often left out until it was ripe. In most cases, the discovery of a rat was caused by someone accidentally nibbling on the cheese supply. As time went by, this quirk in supply and demand became an ironclad association between cheese and mice, and the myth spread through folklore, cartoons, and books.
In addition to cheese, rats can eat other foods. Lentils, which are part of the pea family, can be fed to rats raw, cooked, or sprouted. They provide protein and are especially good for young rats. Corn is another tasty treat for rats. They can eat individual kernels as well as the entire cob, though it is best to cut the cob into small pieces.
