Are you looking for a pet small enough to fit in a cage, yet social enough to play games with you and your family? Look no further. Though once considered strictly a child's pet, the active, intelligent rat is rapidly growing in popularity with adults.

Rats have had much to overcome to gain acceptance with the adult crowd. Say the word "rat," and many people immediately picture the wild version of the animal known for its pestlike qualities. Toward the turn of the 19th century, however, people began breeding rats for a number of purposes, and new strains of domesticated rats developed.

Today's domesticated rats are quite different from their wild ancestors. Like other domesticated animals, pet rats have been selectively bred for calm dispositions and rarely bite. They are clean and do not carry diseases that can be transmitted to people. Some people tend to feel squeamish about their long, naked-looking tails, but rats' tails are actually covered with short hairs and have a smooth, silky texture.

Author(s): Debbie Ducommun

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