Can pet rats infect their owners with diseases?
Yes. You can catch fatal illnesses from ANY kind of animal. However, rats are less likely to transmit diseases to their owners than other pets like dogs, cats, or birds. The good thing about rats is that once you bring them home, they are usually not at risk for picking up diseases. Animals that come in and out of the house, such as dogs, are more likely to bring diseases and parasites back home at any time. Rats live in your house in a secure cage, so any diseases they have are most likely going to be picked up before you get them. That means you can reduce your risk of getting sick rats by purchasing them from a private breeder instead of a pet shop. Pet shop rats usually come from large-scale breeding facilities where they are exposed to all sorts of diseases but are rarely treated. Private breeders and rat rescues take steps to ensure the health of their rats before they go home with you. In order to locate a rat rescue or breeder, join some of the online rat forums. Rats Rule at g
