Why Rats Make Great Companions
Hey everyone, my name is Juicebox and it is so nice to meet you! My friend Fizzlepop and I are a pair of rats looking for a new home, as well as our fellow rats Flapdoodle and Whiskerwobble. Our names are funky, and so are we! You see, you may not think of us as common house pets, but we make great companions. So, for this week’s Pet of the Week, learn why rats make great companions!
1. Rats Are Social and Affectionate
One thing that may surprise you is that we are social and affectionate! We really enjoy the companionship of our people and other rats. Hence why adopting us in pairs is so important, as we thrive in social environments. This allows us to express ourselves and be happy with our friends! Us rats also enjoy being held, gentle pets, sitting on shoulders and even some light cuddles from time to time!
2. Rats Are Very Smart
Along with being quite social and affectionate, we are pretty smart as well! We may not know sit or shake, but we are known for being great problem solvers! Rats like us can even learn our names. With treats and positive reinforcement you could have Fizzlepop and I mastering fun tricks and navigating small obstacle courses! Our curiosity keeps us engaged, so we appreciate fun, enriching experiences with our people.
3. They Take Up Less Space
As many apartments don’t allow for our canine and feline counterparts, us rats are a great option for smaller living spaces! With a properly sized enclosure, we fit perfectly into an apartment and make for great, quiet companionship. Along with daily snacks, play and some time spent outside of our enclosure we thrive in apartment living! Being small comes with great perks, but Fizzlepop and I hope to make a big impact on your heart!
4. Rats Are Low Maintenance
Another great part of taking up less space is that rats like Fizzlepop and I are more manageable to care for! We don’t need to go out for walks and use the bathroom, or a large amount of space to roam. We just ask for a clean enclosure, fresh food and water, regular interaction and some fun time with our people! Keeping us happy and healthy is a commitment like every pet, but we like to think we take less heavy lifting!
5. Lots of Fun and Play
We are very curious and playful animals who love an interactive environment. From climbing to exploring tunnels and solving simple puzzles, there’s so much fun we can have! Having supervised time outside of our enclosure to explore and adventure is very exciting for us, and a great way to bond with our people. Us rats like to stay mentally active, so exploration and playtime are a great time for us to put our brains to work!
So, now that you know why rats make great companions, let’s make that a reality! If you or someone you know is interested in adopting, come by the Adoption Center or give our friends at AWS a call at (207) 985-3244 and ask for us!
