They're very social animals, so fancy rats need humans and/or other rats for companionship and affection.

Dude they're one of the sweetest pets you can own, and smarter then most dogs! Rat's are adorable, they are a bit of work to take care of tho

Sadly no, but there is a MOLE rat, which live for about 30 years, and act like rats but are uglier

Most rats are lucky to make it past two. That's just all the longer they live. People say to avoid pet shop rats because they are bred by the hundreds or thousands. But most of the local breeders I've encountered are just as bad and lie about breeding for temperament and handling the pups. My four boys all came from a feeder bin at a local pet shop, $3.50 each. I got them at about 5 weeks old and they are just over a year now. All of them are very friendly. Rats are clean, smart, friendly, and make great pets. Just make sure you get at least two of the same gender as rats are social and need friend, and make sure to get a big enough cage. You also really need to be able to spend at least an hour a day with your rats in a free roam environment outside of the cage.

@@outspokengenius Thank You, you obviously care about your rats and the species and their care. Good you rescued them from the feeder bin !

Sadly, rats have a very fast metabolism. They are just not build to get very old. Having a three years old rat is a huge blessing. Of course, there are reputable breeders who try to eliminate tumors and other genetic predispositions for diseases from their lines. It might help, but I honestly can't tell from experience because I only ever had rescues. My oldest boys I have right now are two years and three months old, they are still happy and enjoy life, but they do already show signs of aging (like one has hind leg paralysis). The oldest rat I have heard of from someone I know and trust to tell the truth was five years old. Of course, good care, little stress, a good vet, healthy food etc. helps, but is not a miracle. It really is a choice if you want to go to a breeder (after doing lots of research if he is a good one!) and maybe have a healthier rat or rescue those in need and live with the heartbreak of losing them earlier - probably.

@@awetistic5295 Thanks. They make such good pets, it's a shame they don't live longer.

Domestic rats aren't harmful and make great pets. They are actually very clean, smart, and friendly.

Our fancy rats are a true domesticated species, like wolves and dogs. You can't compare them to wild rats.

@@awetistic5295 Rats are rats, it just that they like to be in dirty places like sewers because it is their nature. But there is no fancy rat or dirty rat they’re the same. Excluding the artificial breeder ones.

​@@Chlrintruc Wrong, that's like saying dogs are the same as wolves. The scientific name for our pet rats (or fancy rat, that is just another term for them) is rattus norvegicus forma domestica. That means: Domestic version of the (wild) Norway rat. Our pet rats actually have a different anatomy, different behaviour and brain structure than wild rats. It doesn't matter if they come from a breeder, a pet shop or a feeder mill, they are all the same species of rattus norvegicus forma domestica. Rats are actually very clean animals, they spend a lot of time cleaning themselves. Rats don't like to live in dirty places, just like wild dogs don't like to be dirty and get rabies. They do it because they evolved to live close to humans to get food, but they don't have much places to hide and be safe in our modern day environment. Even wild rats can be tamed if they are for example hurt and rescued as babies. Rats are exceptionally social and will be just as clean as any other pet if you keep their environment clean. This is not meant to be rude, there are just many misconceptions about rats when they are actually great, friendly, loving and intelligent pets. :)

@@awetistic5295 I see you. Thanks for clearing the confusion