Radical Rodents by Aliza Rudinski

It is not hard to notice the intelligence of rats, especially when you spend as much time around them as I do. Sure, some of you may be squirming in your seats at the thought of even nearing such a critter, but I assure you they are not so bad. Rats are some of the most clever and loyal pets there are to (legally) own.
My love for rats began two years ago, when I adopted my first. Zoe, as I decided to call her, would grow to defy so many of the misconceptions there are about the species. Since the adoption of Zoe, I have gained three more precious rodents. Each rat has a noticeably different personality and temperament, creating unique relationships between them and myself.
Rats make such great pets, because of their persistence in pleasing their owners. Similar to dogs, rats will pick up new behaviors and tricks fairly easily. They enjoy having power over things, and will often hoard food or take charge of a specific space within their confinement. Rats are also extremely social, and have very complex relationships with their cage-mates. Their relationships, not only with their mates but with their owners, are such an important part of their lifestyle that they can actually die from social stress. If there is a drastic change in social surroundings, say, the death of a companion,
a rat will often starve itself to death. They are also extremely affectionate animals. They show their affection towards people and their cage-mates with their persistent licking and grooming. When they are especially content, they will grind their teeth until their eyes appear to be vibrating. This is called "bruxing". Rats love to be petted. They enjoy being rubbed
behind their ears or scratched on their shoulders. Some rats will roll over on their back so their owner can rub their tummy. When feeling playful, they will wrestle with your hand just like a kitten.
Rats are some of the cleanest animals there are.
They can be seen constantly grooming themselves and each other, and will typically bathe themselves more than six times a day. Believe it or not...they don’t smell, either! I have been fortunate enough to have rats that will actually do their business in a litter box, with very little training. The absolute best part about them is that when it’s time to come out and play, they tend to hold off on the excrement until they are back in the cage. This is because rats are very private animals, and prefer to go in their own personal area.
In the two years I have owned rats, I have never been bitten. In fact, rats rarely bite, especially if they are handled regularly and properly cared for. Typically, when a rat bites, it’s because it presumes you are holding food. Rats will bite when feeling threatened, obviously, as any animal would. Rats really aren’t such nasty vermin after all. They deserve the love and respect that any other animal receives, and it’s a shame that they are looked down upon in the manner that they are. More people should get to experience owning them as pets, and get to see what amazing creatures they really are.