Pet Forum / Mammals / Rats / June 2007

Yep, this is why I avoid telling anyone about my rats.
The other day, I was waiting in my vet's clinic with my dog. The young
lady across from me had a tiny dutch bunny and Jax didn't try to go
after her. The young lady told me she was impressed that my dog was not
going crazy. I told her he's used to small animals. Then she tells me
all the animals she had, mentioning two rats. I said to her, did you say
rats? She pauses and goes into what seemed like a rehearsed speech about
how excellent rats truly are. I smile and said, yes, I know, I have 26
of them. It was funny but it just goes to show you that most rat lovers
are prepared for and in fact expect a negative reaction.

Every day. I'm not always nice and am most likely to ask the "would you rather
damned rock pigeons or rats? I ask because I'd just as soon make those damned
birds extinct" The irony is that they never clue to the fact that I mean it. I'd
rather rats all over the place like a Hindu temple than even ONE damned filthy
disease spreading pigeon were left alive on this planet. 8^) Sorry to the pigeon
lovers out there but that's how I feel and it's with good reason. Over a pint or
two I'd tell you the tail.

P.S. Feral cats are vermin...they kill song birds and game birds.

I am also very selective with whom I talk too about my rats and other
pets for that matter. When I do discuss them I will always say my "pet
rats" just to make it clear and to hint to them that I don't wan't to
discuss how bad rats are.

I can only remember one occasion where someone went on and on about
how she hates rats. This was at a wedding. So I pretty much gave her
the cold shoulder in the end and started talking with others at our
table about how great rats (and cats) are.

Actually I've gotten more negative comments about cats!

Dewi

no, but one of my friends badmouthed my rats once and threatened violence
against them so i threatened to do the same to his cat. since that time he
has been much better . the guy's not really much of a friend now that i
think about it.

I've come across ignorant people throwing unkind remarks at me for years
because of my love of rats!  Most of have them have been strangers whilst
waiting with my ratties at the vet's surgery or when talking about them at
social functions, when people get chatting about pets.  You do come across
the odd refreshing person who is genuinely interested in them and think they
are sweet.  It's been good to change some of my friends' and relatives'
minds about rats - some of them recoiled in absolute terror when they first
saw my ratties but soon came round as they got to learn what friendly and
clean animals they are.  One of my friends was petrified of them at first
but fell in love with one rat in particular who was so loving towards all
humans even the biggest rat-hater couldn't help but like him.  Everytime my
friend visited if Oscar was out of the cage he'd poddle over, jump on the
sette and snuggle up to his neck and fall asleep.  Oscar turned my friend's
views of rats around and he always sings their praises to anybody now, and
often reminises with me about sweet little Oscar :o)

Tracey

For me its not friends (as most of them either have rats, or think they are
pretty stinkin awesome), but my family.  I have been pushed aside by my
parents and siblings because they dont understand that rats are the perfect
pet for someone who has a life outside of the house.  Its hard to have those
you care about think you own a 'rodent', 'pest', or worse!  Anyone have an
idea on how to handle those who look unfavorably on our beloved babies?

I get the same reaction all the time. When I mention my rat.... people
usually scrunch up their faces and say "how filty and disgusting rats
are". So I tell them that rats are the most lovable pets I've ever
owned. I also have a rabbit.... but she acts more like a
princess....prances around and thinks shes adorable :-) I love all my
pets.... but I prefer my rat.

                           Cheryl

I hate the pet store employees who are just as freaked out about it.  When
will it end?  Of all people, the employee's should be at least toleratable.
I hate that!

Jenn