World Rat Day: That’s right, there is a day set aside to celebrate rats
While many of us cringe at the sight of them, there are those who see past stereotypical views of these animals and appreciate them for their intellect and ability to thrive in harsh environments.
POLOKWANE – Today is a special day for rodent lovers across the globe as it is World Rats Day. While many of us cringe at the sight of them, there are those who see past stereotypical views of these animals and appreciate them for their intellect and ability to thrive in harsh environments.
Happy #WorldRatDay to #rat lovers everywhere 🐭❤ pic.twitter.com/ZQuMEWaCu0
— Elena 🇮🇹🇫🇷🇬🇧 (@followthemynx) April 4, 2017
Linda Pieterse is one such person and says that rats are the most intelligent animals in the world.
“I buy all of the rats at the pet shops that are meant for snake food and then keep them in a cage. They are lovable and especially the males are very good natured,” she tells Review.
The most common myth about rats is that they are dirty animals. Linda says this is not true. “They are clean animals and love to groom themselves. Their cages will only smell if their owners do not clean them often enough.”
Happy #WorldRatDay folks 😘🐀🐁 pic.twitter.com/nK8T4Fei4L
— Rambling Ratz🐀 (@RamblingRatz) April 4, 2017
Healtypets.mercola.com offers a few interesting facts about these creatures, including:
Fact #1: Rats have touchy tummies and whiskers. Rubbing a rat’s belly like you would a dog’s isn’t recommended until the rat trusts you and is very comfortable with you. And if you stroke your rat’s face, make sure to rub in the direction the whiskers grow (stroke back toward the ears) – pulling them forward is very uncomfortable for the rat.
Fact #2: Rats can sense moods. It’s always best to interact with your rat when you’re in a good mood and feeling calm. Rats can sense tension, fear and other negative emotions in the people who handle them and may respond in kind. Try to give off only good energy when you’re hanging out with your rat.
Fact #3: Rats grind their teeth but not during sleep, like humans. Rats grind their teeth when they are feeling content. Interestingly, they also do it when they’re feeling stressed. The grinding keeps their tiny choppers at the proper length.
Fact #4: Rats have poor eyesight. Especially pink eyed rats. Rats will often sway while standing still – they do it to detect motion.
Fact #5: Rats thrive in the company of other rats. Rats are social and do much better with other rats around. I recommend you have at least two rats so they can keep each other company. Same sex pairs or groups are best. Male rats are generally not aggressive with one another if raised together from a young age.
Linda says that rats will eat almost anything, but she does not feed them food that will give them gas. “My rats love bananas, custard and yogurt.”
It's #WorldRatDay! They are intelligent & social animals, but sadly millions are used in research experiments every year. 😞 pic.twitter.com/g7ZMWzIrYK
— The Humane Society of the United States (@HumaneSociety) April 4, 2017
“People think that hamsters are cuter, but I advise everyone to rather get a rat. They have the best personalities ever!” she concludes.
Celebrating #WorldRatDay, meet our tour rats Ripley and JoJo – giving the wardrobe team a hand. We love having them as part of our family! pic.twitter.com/SmvSqnS0CW
— Curious on Stage (@curiousonstage) April 4, 2017
Next time you see a rat in your garden or catch one rummaging around in your garage, take the time to get to know them, who knows, you could become best friends; just like Linda and her furry friends.
