Guest guest Posted April 14, 2009 Report Share Posted April 14, 2009 Rats are one of the most agreeable creatures on the planet. They are extremely intelligent, meticulously clean, and are capable of huge amounts of love and affection for their cagemates/friends and their humans. Many people call them miniature dogs, and their personalities are very similar. They do best in groups, or mischiefs, which have the same structure and dynamics as dog packs with alphas and omegas. You are always part of their pack. They are extremely loving and affectionate to each other and to people. They are as smart as a whip, and love to be challenged mentally. They will learn their names and nicknames with very little training. They are so kind to each other, and will most often take care of an ailing or recovering cagemate by grooming them, keeping them warm, and even bringing them food. I have seen some put themselves between a stern alpha and a newcomer to break up any disagreements when the alpha has decided to show their dominance - especially if the newcomer is very young. They will often quickly come to the defence of a weaker cagemate, even putting themselves at risk of punishment from the alpha. They are also capable of feeling deep sadness, and will grieve horribly at the loss of a cagemate. I have been afraid with some that they will literally pine away after the loss of one of their buddies, and have heard a couple of cases where people have had remaining rats die shortly after their cagemate passed away with no physical explanation. I try to avoid those situations by having larger colonies, instead of pairs, so I don't end up with a depressed lone rat. They are one of the most misunderstood animals ever, I rank them up there with the way people misunderstand pigs. And what we do to them on this planet is just as criminal. They might be small, but they have huge hearts and can teach people so much if people would let them.      --- On Fri, 4/10/09, drpatsant <drpatsant wrote: > drpatsant <drpatsant > OT: Rats and Cats / was Hello Everyone! > > Received: Friday, April 10, 2009, 9:51 PM > Yeah, these are questions I often > have Mind you, people acted/seemed amazed when they saw > photos of my two beagles (when I had two) cuddling on the > couch with the cat between them. But hey, I doubt if the > ratties cuddle with the kitty . . . . OK tell us about > it And tell us, please, about ratties in general as pets, > esp. domestic rat rescue. Good for you for rescuing them!! > > Best, Pat > > --- > http://www.vegandonelight.com/spice > http://beanvegan.blogspot.com > http://river-rambles.blogspot.com > " As long as you derive inner help and comfort from > anything, keep it. " Mahatma Gandhi. > > > > > ________________________________ > > I have to ask ‹ how does Anastasia get along with the > rats? > > Anna > > >    > ________________ > Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving > junk email the boot with the All-new Mail. > Click on Options in Mail and switch to New Mail today or > register for free at http://mail..ca > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2009 Report Share Posted April 17, 2009 Vanessa, Thanks for the OT info on ratties I have heard/read of so much about them as lovely pets, but you make them sound not only lovely but ideal. As for their grieving when a mate/friend dies, yes I can see that you would want to guard against that by having, as you say, colonies of them so that they need not be lonely. It's important for everyone to remember - and teach children - that animals are caring as well as loving creatures and deserve not only our kindness but also our sympathy. Strokings for your rat family, Pat - with Casey the little blind beagle and Misha the cat (MEEOOWW did someone say RATS?) --- http://www.vegandonelight.com/spice http://beanvegan.blogspot.com http://river-rambles.blogspot.com " As long as you derive inner help and comfort from anything, keep it. " Mahatma Gandhi. ________________ Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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