National Pet Month - WORLD RAT DAY: COULD RATS BE THE IDEAL CITY PET?

Today (April 4) is World Rat Day so we are shining a light on these fascinating animals.

Highly intelligent, clean, sociable and easy to care for, rats are being celebrated today, during National Pet Month, for their potential as brilliant pets for busy people.

Only 0.5% of UK households currently keep rats, according to our latest statistics, compared to over 34% with dogs.

So why consider a rat?

For starters, they are incredibly intelligent, with problem-solving abilities and metacognition (the ability to think about what they know and don’t know), something rarely seen outside humans and primates, says London Pet Show Live.

They’re also trainable and affectionate and can recognise their names, learn tricks and bond closely with their owners.

Exceptionally clean and tidy, they’re known for their meticulous grooming habits and can spend more time cleaning themselves than the average cat. 

Rats are wonderfully sociable, thriving on interaction, which makes them ideal for people who work from home. They also do best in pairs or small groups to avoid loneliness.

They are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet of fresh fruit, vegetables and occasional cooked meat.

Rats also have their quirks. When they’re content some emit soft giggles or purrs and happy males may sing ultrasonic songs after mating (inaudible to the human ear, but audible to their fellow rat friends). 

With their compact size, low-maintenance needs and engaging personalities, London Pet Show Live team believe rats are a natural fit for modern living - particularly for city dwellers with limited space or time for larger pets.

“Rats are often underestimated, but they are incredibly intelligent and social creatures,” says a show spokesperson. 

“They bond with their owners in much the same way a dog does. And with the growing trend of city living, they offer a loving alternative for people who can’t commit to the demands of a larger pet.”

If you’re curious about rats and want to learn more, the London Pet Show Live on September 20 and 21 at Olympia London is a great place to start.

For more information and tickets, visit London Pet Show Live. 

Do you share your home with a pet rat? What makes them a good companion? 

Share your photos and stories with us and you could feature in our #PetPawsitivity series of images during April. 

With thanks to London Pet Show Live for our wonderful World Rat Day facts.