The rest of our critters *pics*

[Garter_Gertie]

'Ster... Today is the yesterday of which you spoke...

SPILL!!!

I saw "Fancy Rats" today, $10/each. Would I be better getting a male or a female? And just how much attention do they need to be happy as a singlette? Can they get along with cats? Or, can cats get along with them?

How big is the hole I'm digging for myself here?

[Topaz]

'Ster... Today is the yesterday of which you spoke...

SPILL!!!

I saw "Fancy Rats" today, $10/each. Would I be better getting a male or a female? And just how much attention do they need to be happy as a singlette? Can they get along with cats? Or, can cats get along with them?

How big is the hole I'm digging for myself here?

I'd never, ever, recommend anyone get a single rat to live by itself. It can be very torturous for such a social animal to be kept alone. However, if you absolutely have to have only one, the ideal minimum time for human interaction is at least 4 hours per day...that includes playing, "grooming," cuddling, etc.

the Rat Report

Some cats/dogs get along with rats, many don't. We have one dog that thinks they're her puppies, and another that sees them as squeaky toys. Better safe than sorry, keep the cats away from the rats.

More info here: rattyrat.com
goosemoose.com
ratfanclub.org

And "fancy" rats are no different than "feeder" rats aside from color and markings. They have no different health problems or behavior problems. Our best, most friendly and lovable rats were "feeders"