Templeton: You’re a pig! Pig equals slop. The rat is happy!
Wilbur: My name’s Wilbur! Do you have a name or is it just ‘The Rat’?
Templeton: Did you say ‘just the rat’? For your information, pig: The rat rules! We were here long before your kind and we’ll be here long after. So, you just keep that in mind next time you feel like reducing me to just ‘the rat’.
Wilbur: You called yourself ‘The Rat’.
Templeton: I can call me that. You can’t. (From Memorable quotes for Charlotte’s Web, 2007, IMDB.com)
For some reason, today I’ve been thinking of Templeton the Rat, from the book Charlotte’s Web. So I thought I’d have some fun and do a little research – here’s what I found:
- Rats are extremely clean animals
- They are very intelligent and curious
- Their long tails give them a great sense of balance, making them good climbers
- The rat is considered good luck in China
- Their lifespan is 2-3 years
- Many rats enjoy swimming
- They are very social animals and do better with other rat companions
- Rats bond as much with humans as dogs do
- Their natural curiousity makes them easy to train
- A sign of a healthy rat is a well groomed one
Some quotes I found from people who have/had rats as pets:
“Rats are fantastic pets. I’d absolutely have one, but I fear the cats wouldn’t see it as a member of the household.”
“I’ve known people who’ve had rats as pets since I was a kid-what’s the big whoop?”
“Rats make lovely pets.”
“We never had a rat bite a kid, but did once have a 4 yo girl bite a rat.”
“Best little pet I every had. Very sweet and affectionate.”
Next time you’re looking for a pet, check out your local humane society for a pet rat!
Harmony,
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I am gettng a rat. Can somebody tell me what a healthy rat looks like?
Hi Megan,
You’ll get the most complete answer to your question by checking with a small animal vet. You can also check some of the online rat sites for information. Good luck!
Harmony,
Janet
I used to be afraid of rats. but I’ve been lucky enough to befriend a breeder and have had dozens of rats. They are like people in they each have a unique and distinct personality. Some are grumpy in the morning, some are ticklish, some are sweet and loving and some are plain jerks. If you are looking for a ‘Lap Rat’ get a buck. The older males will gladly hop up your sleeve and go to sleep in your sweater while you read, play video games, or watch movies. If they really like you they will groom your hand, gently nibbling off hang nails or pruning hairs they don’t like. They are gentle, sweet, intelligent animals.
Hi David,
Thanks for the comment and for sharing your experience with rats. It is true that as we get to know animals better, we begin to connect with them on a deeper level, just as you have done with the rats. Kudos to you!
Harmony,
Janet
Hi, my daughter has a pet rat which she got because a class in school was going to send it to the zoo as …. well just say the snakes would have liked him. Anyway, he is kinda growing on me but I can’t seem to hold him yet. He just wants to run all over and not be still. He climbs all over her and I am not sure I could take this. Any suggestions on how to calm him down? Thanks
Hi Rose,
That’s great that you are connecting with your rat! Kudos to you. Just like it takes time for other people to warm up to us, get to know us and trust us, same with animals. Let Rat come to you on his terms. Meanwhile, tell Rat how exactly what you have expressed in your comment, and thank him for helping you get to know and appreciate a different species. He will pick up on your intent, the vibrations (feelings) you are projecting. Keep me posted!
Harmony,
Janet
I have two lovely rats that i call my girls and my male rat who i call the stud he is very handsome my son and i both love rays and we have a rat room wicth is set up just for them i would recomened a rat to any one as a pet they are just wonderful