RATS MAKE GOOD PETS: OR DO THEY?
Are you thinking of getting yourself a pet but are wary of the hassles of walking a dog or putting up with a cat’s ever-changing moods? Why not try a rat?
Yes, those furry animals you are scared of and disgusted with can serve as pets. Of course, we are not talking about the vile, dirty and property-damaging food thieves you see scampering in dark streets and alleyways; we are referring to the kind you see on animal laboratories, which scientists and doctors perform experiments with. Smart and agile, domesticated rats make a wonderful kind of pet. However, having a pet rat does not just involve getting a rat from the store and putting it in a cage. Here are some of the things you need to know about keeping …show more content…
Also, rats are very clean animals that spend a considerable amount of time licking and cleaning their coats. 5. Rats do not live long. While there are some species that can live up to five years long, most rats last for only two to three years. This is another thing you should keep in mind: will you be ready to lose your beloved pet after a couple of years? 6. Rats need vet care, too. Although pet rats are generally healthy and do not require constant visits to the vet, they could contract diseases like scabs caused by their sharp claws, abscesses from infected bites or cuts, broken and deformed teeth, respiratory diseases and weight loss. If your pet rats experience any of these, it is only right and fitting for you to bring your rats to a good vet who will treat them accordingly. 7. You need to watch your pet rat’s diet. Keep your pets healthy by giving them a diet that consists of rat or rabbit pellets with dry dog biscuits. You can also give them fruits and vegetables, but in moderation. They must have water all the time, and must not be overfed, as obesity can cause health issues. Junk food and sweets can only be given as occasional
Are you thinking of getting yourself a pet but are wary of the hassles of walking a dog or putting up with a cat’s ever-changing moods? Why not try a rat?
Yes, those furry animals you are scared of and disgusted with can serve as pets. Of course, we are not talking about the vile, dirty and property-damaging food thieves you see scampering in dark streets and alleyways; we are referring to the kind you see on animal laboratories, which scientists and doctors perform experiments with. Smart and agile, domesticated rats make a wonderful kind of pet. However, having a pet rat does not just involve getting a rat from the store and putting it in a cage. Here are some of the things you need to know about keeping …show more content…
Also, rats are very clean animals that spend a considerable amount of time licking and cleaning their coats. 5. Rats do not live long. While there are some species that can live up to five years long, most rats last for only two to three years. This is another thing you should keep in mind: will you be ready to lose your beloved pet after a couple of years? 6. Rats need vet care, too. Although pet rats are generally healthy and do not require constant visits to the vet, they could contract diseases like scabs caused by their sharp claws, abscesses from infected bites or cuts, broken and deformed teeth, respiratory diseases and weight loss. If your pet rats experience any of these, it is only right and fitting for you to bring your rats to a good vet who will treat them accordingly. 7. You need to watch your pet rat’s diet. Keep your pets healthy by giving them a diet that consists of rat or rabbit pellets with dry dog biscuits. You can also give them fruits and vegetables, but in moderation. They must have water all the time, and must not be overfed, as obesity can cause health issues. Junk food and sweets can only be given as occasional