Having a pet rat may seem like a strange idea to many. However, these charming and enchanting pets are becoming increasingly popular in Brazilian homes.
Fun, cute and intelligent, domestic mice have many qualities and can be great pets. So, we answer 5 questions about these pet rodents!
1. Do you have a pet rat?
Yes, and of different species! First, you need to understand that having a rat does not mean that you will hunt rodents around the city and bring them home.
Like other pets, some species of mice have been domesticated and adapt perfectly to different environments. Today, we can find different types of pet mice with different characteristics and personalities.
Certain species, such as hamsters, chinchillas and guinea pigs, are very popular. But other lesser-known pets can also charm you with their charm and personality! They are:
Twister
A little more unusual, the Twister Dumbo rat is a charming pet!
Much larger than a hamster, it can reach up to 30 centimeters. It has short, fluffy fur and a long tail.
Twisters are fun, playful and very interactive. Extremely intelligent, they can even learn little tricks.
Gerbil
Another very cute pet, the gerbil is slightly larger than hamsters, reaching up to 15 centimeters.
It is also known as the Mongolian squirrel and is native to Asia. With large, bright eyes and a long tail, it is a very docile and fun pet rat.
These pet rats of different breeds still arouse curiosity due to their different appearance and great personality. It is worth remembering that each rat requires specific care, so seek out a specialist.
2. Do pet rats transmit any diseases?
No! This is a myth that harms the image of these cute rodents. The confusion arises because many people only think of rats as those that live in sewers and streets.
Pet rodents are domesticated animals and do not have a high chance of transmitting diseases. Of course, like any other pet, they can be vectors of some diseases.
However, experts say that the chance does not vary much between rodents, cats or dogs, for example. Just look for your little friend in safe and specialized stores. Also, never forget to wash your hands well after playing with your pet.
3. Are rats dirty animals?
Another myth. In fact, rats are very clean pets and love an organized environment. Just like cats, rodents value their own hygiene and are always cleaning themselves. This way, they keep their fur fluffy and beautiful.
These furry friends also don’t like a dirty environment. Therefore, it is recommended that the owner performs periodic maintenance on the cage for pet rats . Dirt can stress the pets, in addition to facilitating the contamination of diseases.
4. Are pet rats independent?
Yes. The pet rat is a very independent pet and does not require as much care as other animals. For this and other reasons, rodents are excellent pets for first-time owners.
Products for pet rats tend to be inexpensive and, as they are small, cleaning them is very easy.
But be careful: this doesn’t mean that having a rodent friend doesn’t come with responsibilities. The owner will still need to care for, feed and play with their pet. However, these tasks are simpler when compared to larger animals!
5. Are rats loving pets?
Yes! This is one of the most striking characteristics of rodents. A pet rat creates deep bonds with its family and will show its love in many ways.
They often seek to settle on their owner’s lap or shoulder. They also ask for affection and respond very well to petting. In addition to being loving, pet rats are also intelligent and clever!
He can recognize family members by their appearance and voice, and acts differently depending on each person’s personality.
If trained, some pet rats can even learn tricks! Pretty impressive, right?
Now that you know the answers to some questions about pet rats, it’s easier to know if this is the ideal pet for you.
Remember that, like other animals, rodents need care and lots of affection. Don’t forget to take your friend to the vet regularly, and give them affection, food, and lots of playtime.