History has described them as dirty creatures that caused the Black Death of the Middle Ages. Hollywood has portrayed them as ruthless killers ready to attack humans at the slightest provocation. Is it any wonder that most people are afraid at the mere mention of his name?

How can such a small animal cause such a big reaction? But more importantly, do they deserve their reputation?

Before judging rats, it may help to understand a little about them. Everyone knows that rats are rodents, but did you know that a male rat is called a buck, a female is a doe, and babies are called puppies or kittens? Rats reach puberty at an early age, between 6 and 8 weeks. Their bodies are 9-11 inches long, with a tail as long as 9 inches, and they come in many different colors and varieties. Rats have an average lifespan of 2-3 years and are most active at night.

Now that you know more about them, let’s take a look at some of the myths people believe about rats as pets. Maybe you’ll see them in a whole new light.

Myth #1

Rats are mindless creatures.

Could not be farther from the truth. Domesticated rats are intelligent with a natural curiosity that makes them highly trainable. They can be taught simple tricks relatively easily and they love the interaction of learning. My son has a three year old Blue Fancy rat named Samantha. She quickly learned her name and will come when called. He also learned to play fetch and catch, chasing a small plastic ball as it rolls away on the floor and then rolling it again.

Myth #2

Rats are vicious and dangerous creatures.

Rats are very friendly and social animals. They are easily tamed by simply handling them from a young age. Rats enjoy spending time with their owners; bonding with them much as a dog bonds with a person. They love to be petted and to be around their family. Our rat loves to sit on my shoulder while I type on my computer, sometimes she falls asleep while she’s there.

Myth #3

Rats are disgusting rodents, carriers of disease.

Rats are actually very clean creatures that groom themselves on a daily basis. The sign of a healthy rat is a clean, well-groomed coat. They are not a low-maintenance pet, but they are much easier to care for than a hamster or larger pet. Replacing the bedding in their cage weekly and making sure they have fresh food and water every day will go a long way towards making your little furry friend happy. I have discovered that rats are tidy animals. Every time Samantha’s cage is cleaned, she rearranges it to suit her needs. She likes her house, bowls and toys to be where she wants.

Myth #4

Rats are not playful.

Rats enjoy interaction with their human owners, which requires daily playtime. They need at least an hour out of their cage every day to play and socialize with their family, as well as toys to play with when you can’t be there. The best toys I have found are those designed for cats. Choose the ones that your rat can’t chew, because they will chew. Samantha has two plastic balls with bells inside that she plays with. You can hear her at night, rolling those balls to ring the bells.

Myth #5

Rats are only nocturnal creatures.

While this is mostly true, it is not set in stone. The rats will get up when they think you are. Yes, they are awake at night, but they are awake during the day as well. They will wake up if they feel you are ready to play. Taking them out during the day is a great way to teach them that the day is a good time to play. Samantha sleeps day and night, but she is always willing to come out during the day and spend time with me or my son.

Rats can make a great first pet. They are easier to keep than a dog or cat and friendlier than a hamster. With a little understanding, your family too can reap the benefits of having rats. Give rats a chance. You’ll be glad you did.