What Rats Can Be Pets
Rats make excellent pets for many reasons. They are intelligent, clean, and social animals. They are also able to learn tricks. They are great company and can play with their owners. In studies, rats have been shown to show empathy for their owners. They have brought their owners food when they were ill and shared favorite snacks. Some rats even dream.
The life span of a rat is generally two to three years. If you decide to keep a rat as a pet, it is important to remember that it is very susceptible to several diseases. Some of these diseases can be prevented or treated early. It is important to get your pet regularly examined by a veterinarian.
Rats are nocturnal animals and are most active at night. They are less prone to run away or fight than other pets. Rats are very social and may not want to be left alone during the night, so you should keep this in mind. Rats can be noisy, so make sure you have enough lighting and plenty of food available to satisfy your pet’s needs.
Rats need a lot of exercise and playtime outside the cage. At least one hour of playtime outside of the cage each day is necessary for a healthy rat. You can make enrichment materials for your rat with nearly anything you have around the house. Cardboard boxes, PVC pipes, fruit treat branches, and rope are common items that can provide enrichment.