Awww Rats! (and mice too!)

January 20, 2012

I'm sure a lot of people aren't exactly thrilled to celebrate the AFRMA Fancy Rat and Mouse Day (that's the American Fancy Rat & Mouse Association), but as a proud owner of both fancy rats and mice, it's one of those bizarre holidays I'm all about celebrating.

First of all, when I say rats and mice, people often think of the dirty critters that invade sewers and houses. While those might be some of the pet rat and mice kin, that's no reason to hold it against them! Plus, like most rodents, rats and mice are actually very clean animals. They clean themselves a lot and will even clean their cage buddies as well.

Rats, especially, are really great pets, as they are highly intelligent and compassionate. Certain types are even considered heroes because they help search out land mines! They laugh when they're tickled and are very friendly towards both owners and other pets. My hairless rat, pictured above, is my desk buddy. He sits at home right next to my computer, and fusses over me like he was my stand-in mom. If I'm having a bad day, Tony's right there to give me "rattie" kisses and snuggles. If I'm sick, Tony seems to know it before I even get the thermometer in my mouth. And, if I just can't finish the crust off my pizza, Tony is more than willing to take the leftovers.

Although smaller and therefore harder to handle, mice are just as nice. They're very expressive and love to run and poke about. And, an experienced owner has no problem picking them up and giving them little pets on the head without any trouble.

For those wanting to learn about rats, a fun and creative take on it is Your Friend the Rat, the short film attached to the amazing Pixar movie Ratatouille.

Anyone thinking that perhaps rats or mice would make great pets, we have lots of books on the subject that might change your mind about the critters. As a proud owner of five fancy rats, three African soft-furred rats and three mice, I can tell you there's a lot about them to love!

Jennie V.
South Independence Branch