What is with all of these misconceptions and ignorance about rats as pets?

Question

Really, its irritating and superficial.  I've heard terms such as "terrible, disgusting, ugly, mean, dirty," etc... to describe them, by people who have never had them as pets.  I really wish people would at least contribute informed opinions and do a little bit of research once in awhile instead of buying into mainstream ignorance about such animals. 

ESPECIALLY before buying a pet, thats probably the most irritating thing about these pet questions, are those who are misinformed and own exotic animals.

I guess this is more of a vent than a question... but what are your informed thoughts about this?

pvpd73127 · Accepted Answer

I guess a lot of people think of sewer rats or Norway rats when they hear the word "rat", not the cute little rats some people keep as pets.  Wild rats--that sounds odd--do carry disease and they are dirty, but the same could be said of most stray or feral dogs and cats.  In actuality, rats kept as pets are clean and they're very intelligent.  (As you no doubt know.)  I agree, it is irritating and superficial, and those kinds of comments are made out of ignorance.  But cheer up--there are plenty of intelligent and well-informed people in the world.  Some of them are even rat owners!

scarfiespudsushi · Answer

I have 4 pet rats now, and work with the rats and other small animals at a pet store.  I find it very annoying for people to react that way however not as annoying as some of the "rat lovers" that keep their rats in 10 or 20 gallon aquariums and feed them rabbit or hamster food.  Even though I love rats I am glad they are not a "mainstream" pet because they have are very intelligent and too many people dont keep them properly so I prefer them to not want to keep them at all.

shortfrog · Answer

Two points about pet rats.....
1. Rats clean themselves just like a cat does.
2. While my pet rat was alive, there were no mice in the house at all...now it is a battle to keep them out. 
  
By the way, I agree with your vent!!

Krystle · Answer

Well i say let them be narrow minded, they dont know what they are missing out on.

I think my fav pets would have to be rats, they are very smart, affectionate, clean and can be real charactors.

People who dont do their research on a pet before they buy it are setting themselves up for diaster, and should not own pets they dont want to know anything about first.

myaddictiontofire · Answer

In my opinion, people watch too many movies :) I loved my rats, but most people didn't want me to come near them when I was packing them around. Now I have sugar gliders, and it is SO frustrating the misconceptions. I'm sure hundreds of us feel your pain! :)

zooba · Answer

I used to have a couple of rats.  I really enjoyed them.  They were fun to hold, fun to watch and very cute when they ate sunflower seeds.  They would always run up and stuff their whole mouth them as many as they could them run up the ramp and eat them one at a time.

peacocktrail · Answer

It is from the movies like 'Willard' and "Ben" and scary movies like that. Plus we heard about Rats carrying the plague in Europe in our history class. And they are seen at the dumps and garbage cans. So guilt by association.

Anonymous · Answer

People say rats bite and are dirty; they are VERY clean, do not bite, and are incredibly smart.  I have two girls: Sugars and Peek-a-Boo.  They are great pets!!! (also, u will need to get 2--1 will get very lonely by itself =(

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What is with all of these misconceptions and ignorance about rats as pets?

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