By Julia Zichello
Julia Zichello is an evolutionary biologist living at 10025, the zip code with the highest number of rat complaints in Manhattan.
On April 1st, the time that trash bags are set out on the street changes to 8 p.m. to control the rats. So, it’s the perfect time to come clean. Through a series of circumstances, which involved two sons, an ex-wife, and a familial propensity for contrarianism — we inherited two pet rats (“fancy rats”) to care for. They are in a cage in our apartment, while just a few floors below on the street—well, you know that part already.
Once I got over their tails, and that their brethren ate my car, it’s just like having hamsters or guinea pigs — except that they are many times smarter, more curious and engaged with the world. They live an examined life. And are clearly very sensitive to our presence, to smells, and especially, to sounds (of which there are many): radiator pipes plinking, the steampunk symphony of the garbage truck, the street cleaner, doors opening and closing all day long. And when I grind the coffee, the white one sometimes does a little twirl in the cage, but I don’t think it is a coffee dance. It’s more like a stress spin. Poor thing.
Rats have been used in scientific research since at least the 16th century and alongside mice and fruit flies, there are no other organisms on Earth that have contributed so much to scientific knowledge about human biology and disease in neuroscience, genetics, cardiovascular research, psychology, and pharmaceutical research. And it is not a coincidence that rats are typically used (instead of mice) in experiments which require complex learning tasks. I can see why.
Once I put them both in a newspaper-lined bathtub, while I cleaned their cage in the other room. One is white with dark grey markings, and the other is unmistakably, just brown (technically ‘agouti’ say the rat purists). When I went back into the bathroom, they were rearing up on their hind legs to sniff the sweet air of freedom, their dark eyes shining. It was cute. And then bam! The brown one jumped onto the edge of the tub. I grabbed him, my heart raced (his probably did too) and I pushed him back down. I can’t let them roam freely in the apartment because there are too many nooks and crannies, like behind the stove, where I was afraid he might disappear, into rat Narnia. But with an admirable persistence and agility he jumped up to the edge again. I felt for him. I did. And I rooted for him to get out, philosophically, if not actually.
The rat species on the street is Rattus norvegicus, the Brown Rat, which originated in Asia—and it is the same one we have in the cage. Fancy (domesticated) rats have radically different personalities than wild rats. Pet rats aren’t aggressive. Instead, they are sweet and social. Like a pug, not a wolf. Our two rats have different personalities from each other. Sylvie (the brown one) is bolder and clings to the cage bars with his tiny hands unabashedly begging for food, while Pelé (the white hooded rat) is more secretive and when we feed him, he immediately hides the food for later.
As for the bedding, mostly we buy it from the pet store, it’s just soft paper scraps. But a few times I have ripped up a receipt from the West Side Market and thrown it in the cage. Funny enough, they love it. As soon as the lightweight paper flutters to the bottom of the cage, they immediately get to work. They grab it and frantically stuff it away into this little plastic box we have for them to hide in. There is something instinctive, feverish, and kind of adorable about this behavior — like they desperately need to know the price of milk and lemons these days.
Over the last few months, I have really grown to appreciate these two other mammals in our midst. Most people would. We joke about no longer using the “derogatory” term “ratty” to describe something worn out or shabby. And for now, they are the perfect pets for us: less work than a dog, more present than a bunny, and kinder than a cat. Rats live only about two years, and ours are about 18 months old. So, I hope they are happy, otherwise – what’s the point?
Rats don’t love the light of day. They are crepuscular, active mainly at dawn and again at dusk, which sounds almost — romantic. And it’s why I wait until the sun sets to vacuum now, so as not to wake them. But mostly, it reminds me that the movement of the garbage time probably isn’t going to change anything, except the time the rats inevitably join the garbage. So, if you are walking on the street at 7pm, you won’t see them feasting and rushing around piles of garbage anymore. How lovely. But absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. They will still be there, just a little later. Dinner at 8, for two (million).
Wondering how the author obtained these pets. Do they sell them at pet stores?
Yes, originally from a pet store.
…or rather, how did the first owner obtain them.
Li appreciate your perspective in this well written piece but still don’t want one in my apartment or on the street!
My uncle had a pet rat.. The rat was so lovely. Extremely intelligent .. more so that most other animals that are classified as ‘pets’ ..Too sad that rats are automatically hated.
I always appreciate your WSR articles, Julia!
Thank you!
Sweet. Have any of you seen the animated movie, “Ratatouille”, which is about a rat who becomes a chef in Paris?
We have 4 lovely pet rats who have stolen our hearts. We had 6, but 3 were elderly and 2 have passed. Our 3rd eldest is almost 3. They have changed our lives and they have us wrapped around their fingers. Their big personalities make me feel I have a strong and different relationship with each of them, as you mention. They come out for a few hours a day on the bed to play, cuddle, and forage. We also are too afraid to let them roam the apartment but thankfully ours have been too afraid of the floor and we keep them entertained with various boxes and climbing activities on the bed. I personally find them way more work than a dog in order to satisfy their intellect and endless curiousty, and to keep them healthy given their sensitive respiratory tracts. (But you don’t have to take them outside for potty breaks when the weather is bad.) They smell way better than a dog and pride themselves on keeping clean, which surprises most people! Sadly, I think this will be our last group of rats though because it is way too heartbreaking when they pass away. The 2 we have lost so far have left holes in our hearts. We will remember them always. Thank you for sharing your story. P.S. We now say “Hi little ratty,” when we see one on the street. And surprisingly, they will sometimes look back as though to say, “You’re being nice to me?”
Lovely that you have bonded with a rat. But to say that rats are kinder than cats? Cats (kitties) are all love.
Or is this an April Fool post?
I know each cat has its own personality, and all are not equally affectionate, but please don’t say rats are “kinder than cats.” That’s simply not true. My cats were the embodiement of pure love. No one could have asked for more affectionate, funny, smart pets/family members, and I’ve many cat loving friends who would undoubtedly join in this comment.
You should meet my cats and my rats then. My three boys show me more love and affection than either of my husband and my cats do on a regular basis lol not all cats are lovey dovey.
My niece is a vet outside of Philadelphia, and she loves rats. She says they’re very smart and cuddly. Just sayin…
Nicely written, Julia.
My son had a pet rat years ago. For those who wonder, we got it at a pet store where they were being sold as either pets or snake food. (Our little guy lucked out)
He was a really good pet! My son used to watch cartoons with him tucked into his shirt pocket (he did tend to chew through it) and we made obstacle courses for him to run.
If you’re thinking, ew, a rat: do you feel the same about guinea pigs and hamsters? They’re rodents, too, and not nearly as intelligent or fun.
They are very good training for big animal care. If you want your child to prove they can take care of a dog or cat, try starting with a rat. And since they only live about three years, it’s also a good life experience in love and loss.
Honestly most people who dislike rats just don’t like their tails or have bad experience in the city.
Your article is wonderful. I’m thankful you helped shine the brighter side of rats. They are intelligent, curious, funny and loving little individuals. Just like humans, they each have their own personalities and likes and dislikes. I started with two girls and ended up with eight. With each addition, they were welcomed like a long missed sister. They’ve added so much joy into my life and my daughter and grands lives. They are definitely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Mine have always free roamed, starting on the couch, making their way to total free roam. As soon as they started coming to their name when called, they earned the whole apartment. It’s cute as heck to see them come running just like a pup when called. I love them deeply and dearly.
Wow about free roaming and answering to their names! so cool, thanks for sharing. and glad you liked the article!
A friend of mine bought a rat to feed to a snake and he liked it so much he kept it as a pet instead.
We had pet rats years ago. We received them when they were babies from a woman in NJ who had hand raised them. They were the most adorable, intelligent and cuddly pets. I miss them so much.
That was so much fun to read, thank you!