1. Rats have touchy tummies and whiskers.
Rubbing a rat’s
belly like you would a dog’s isn’t recommended until the rat trusts you
and is very comfortable with you. And if you stroke your rat’s face,
make sure to rub in the direction the whiskers grow (stroke back toward
the ears) — pulling them forward is very uncomfortable for the rat.
2. Rats love to be petted in certain spots.
Your rat probably likes having the top of his head stroked and gently
scratched. He also appreciates it if you pet him along his back, from
his neck to about the middle — the area closest to the tail can be
sensitive. Rats usually enjoy having their ears rubbed.
3. Rats can sense moods.
It’s always
best to interact with your rat when you’re in a good mood and feeling
calm. Rats can sense tension, fear and other negative emotions in the
people who handle them and may respond in kind. Try to give off only
good energy when you’re hanging out with your rat.
4. Rats have a wild side.
Your pet rat
will keep his wild, wary nature — including a tendency to bite — without
frequent, gentle human handling. Talk to him and interact with him
regularly in a calm, gentle manner so he learns to trust and depend on
you.
5. Rats grind their teeth.
... but not
during sleep, like humans. Rats grind their teeth when they are feeling
content. Interestingly, they also do it when they’re feeling stressed.
The grinding keeps their tiny choppers at the proper length.
6. Some rats are hairless.
Hairless rats
are bred from breeding two Rex rats (rats with soft, curly coats). They
are often referred to as Double-Rex. These little guys should be housed
with furred rats if possible. Their skin is a bit thicker than normal,
but it’s safe to assume they get cold quickly due to lack of a coat.
7. Rats have poor eyesight.
Especially pink-eyed rats. Rats will often sway while standing still — they do it to detect motion.
8. Male and female rats differ in both appearance and personality.
Female rats are
smaller than their male counterparts, and their fur is usually softer.
They are also quite a bit more active. Your male rat is more apt to sit
contentedly in your lap while you pet him.
9. There are adoptable rats at animal shelters.
Most people
interested in getting a rat don’t think to visit their local animal
shelter to adopt one. The fact is pocket pets are dropped off at
shelters regularly. Most never find new homes and are euthanized. If you
decide to have a rat as a pet, I urge you to check for adoptable pets
at your local humane society or animal shelter first.
10. Cedar and pine shavings are unsafe as bedding for rats.
Cedar and pine
are soft woods, and the shavings contain phenols which are toxic to
rats. The caustic compounds in phenols can cause respiratory problems
and kidney and liver damage in pocket pets. Also avoid using clay-based
or clumping kitty litter. Shavings from hard woods, like aspen, are
preferable for your rat’s habitat. You can also use shavings made from
paper.
11. Rats thrive in the company of other rats.
Rats are social
and do much better with other rats around. I recommend you have at
least two rats so they can keep each other company. Same sex pairs or
groups are best. Male rats are generally not aggressive with one another
if raised together from a young age.
12. Baby rats play fight.
You may notice
your young rats chasing and jumping on each other, and pinning one
another to the ground. The babies are trying to get at the other’s nape —
that’s the object of the game. If they can contact the nape, they
gently nuzzle it. This is play fighting, and it starts at around 18 to
20 days of age.
You’ll probably
notice the youngsters really going at it when they get to be 30 to 35
days old, and then the behavior will start to wane.
Source: huffingtonpost
Wow! Good to know
ReplyDeleteInteresting
ReplyDeleteLolz.. The rat post tho.. Rat is a nuisance to me
ReplyDeleteHOW ROASTED CORN LED ME TO EUNICE
Lol! Still can't stand rats though.
ReplyDelete