Why Are Rats Good Pets For Children?

Rats are highly intelligent, social animals that can form close bonds with humans. They have a sophisticated sense of smell and touch. They are most active at dusk, dawn and night. They can live up to two years. Many of their needs are similar to those of humans. These traits make rats good pets for children.

Rats have three pairs of molars on each side of their mouth and two pairs of incisors. These incisors can grow too long, a condition known as malocclusion. Rats with long incisors are likely to die. It is best to spay a female rat when it is young.

Rats are highly intelligent, social and easily trained. They may not live as long as dogs or cats, but the time you spend with them will be well worth it. Rats are not poisonous, but they can contaminate food. In some cases, they can transmit salmonella, which can prove deadly for humans. Furthermore, rats can spread leptospirosis, which is a bacterial infection that can cause fever, muscle aches and bleeding in the lungs. In severe cases, it can lead to meningitis.

Rats are difficult to adopt, but if you have the time, they can bring you a great deal of joy. Even if you only adopt a few, it will prepare you for the next rat in need of a home. You can find rats for adoption at the Humane League or through petfinder.