Is a rat a good pet for a child?
No, your daughter’s pet rat is not a health hazard! I had pet rats from the age of 7 through 18. I took a rat break in college…and then began having them as pets again in my 20s and 30s. They are loving, healthy, clean, wonderful pets. People are ignorant about pet rats, so try not to listen to those who have no experience with them. Instead, educate yourself as much as you can. The rat (Rattus Norvegicus) most people know is the wild, street rat. This is not what your daughter has. Pet rats are domesticated and are actually becoming a different species, slowly but surely. Think of the difference between wolves and pet dogs. Yes, street rats can carry disease – they are wild. But so can wild dogs and feral cats. Rest assured, Charlie is a an animal that has a long history of being a great pet! Some things to know about pet rats: their life expectancy is very short, usually less than 3 years. Pet rats are prone to tumors (cancer). Usually the tumors can be safely removed in surgery, a
