Dolly and Bindi

Rats--

• are very sociable and friendly to people.
  
• are the most intelligent of the small animals.
  
• don't bite.
  
• are very clean.
  
• don't require much care, just lots of love.
  
• are friggin' adorable.
  

If that's not enough to convince you, I don't know what will.

Nutriphase Rat and Mouse Food is an excellent staple. It has tons of variety, making for a balanced diet and something even for the pickiest eaters. I always make sure Dolly has some in her food dish, and that her water bottle is full.

Rats can also have treats such as...

• fruit
  
• vegetables
  
• whole grain pastas
  
• whole grain bread
  
• unsweetened cereal
  
yogurt

• cheese
  

About 2-3 times a week is recommended. This is definitely a case of "do as I say and not as I do", because I personally am unable to reject her when she heads for my beef jerky.

Try to stay away from junk food, as excess sugar, fat, and caffeine are obviously unhealthy for your pet. But if you have a male rat, keep him away from ORANGE JUICE! It contains cancer-causing agents that only affect the male of the species.

I first became acquainted with rats in a pet therapy program. I'm pretty sure there were also some guinea pigs and rabbits or something, but instantly I fell in love with these pulchritudinous little vermin and all other animals were ignored.