Let’s be honest: rats don’t always have the best reputation. They’ve been unfairly linked to smelly alleyways and unwanted infestations, but that may be a hasty judgment that’s best reserved for rats of the un-fancy kind. Many consider these friendly and highly-intelligent rodents treasured pets, and in some instances, they can actually be quite stylish.
Although the idea of dressing up a rat may be challenging for some people to grasp (not unlike the idea of dying a miniature poodle pink), it’s not as uncommon as you would think. As pet fashion designer Ada Nieves explains, “The rats look very cute and seem to like wearing [outfits]. Rats are very popular these days and the owners love to dress them up.”
Sometimes, you have to let your rat put on a hat and strut down the runway.
Many people believe that rats are naturally dirty creatures, but these balls of fluff are exceptionally clean and groom themselves several times daily. Only when their living quarters are unkempt and unclean do they begin to absorb and emit foul smells? Rats, being the social creatures that they are, also like to groom each other. It’s their way of bonding and showing each other affection. Next thing you know, they’ll be helping each other pick out outfits from tiny closets.
Rats are incredibly friendly and enjoy spending a lot of time with their human counterparts, even when they decide to dress them in slightly silly (albeit adorable) outfits. But, owners, beware. If you notice that Whisker’s hair begins to stand on end when you attempt to put on his new knitted sweater, it’s a surefire sign that he disagrees with your fashion choice. When angry, rats will exhibit certain behaviors such as hissing, slapping their tails and bearing or chattering their teeth. We’ve all had those days when nothing looks right, and we must be left alone. Rats, too, can have a fashion crisis.
However, it’s essential to make a distinction between pets and pests. Having an unwanted rodent invasion is a serious problem. When left to their own devices, wild rats can cause severe structural and electrical damage, spread disease and contaminate food. As cute as they can be, undomesticated rats can mean trouble.
This isn’t a recommendation to make your furry friend your new shopping buddy because you may seriously freak out the girls at the benefit counter. But, hopefully, you have a newfound appreciation for rats as fun pets. However, facing a rodent infestation is an entirely different scenario that should not be ignored. Contact us for pest/rodent control at ABC Home & Commercial Services if that rat you saw scurrying across the floor is a pest, not a pet.