Getting a new pet - not a cat!!

I am going to pick up a rat from the rescue, i have liked them for a few years, but wouldn't have trusted the fosters, and with fostering, didn't have a separate room, but now I do very little fostering (and I have cats I can trust), I am in a position to have one, and there is one at the rescue. He has a sad story, he was dumped at a local business tied in a carrier bag, and it was a warm day, so he was a bit dehydrated and hungry when he got to us (he was lucky he was found, as he was put in a place that isn't checked very often). The rescue are going to lend me the cage he is currently in, but I will change it, as it wont fit in the front room, and it isn't very tall. We dont know how old he is, but he must be at least 12 months old. He is also having a name change, as he is currently called Clarke, and I dont really like it, so he is going to be called Clyde (unless he suits something else when he comes). He is very shy in his cage, and doesn't show himself, but loves to be handled, and is happy to sit on your shoulder while you are walking around!! I am also very lucky that I have neighbours who are happy to look after him when I go away in August, as I know at least 2 people who have said they wouldnt come to my house if I had a rat.

I am very excited, but am going to wait a week to do a bit more research, get provisions and have more time to settle him in. It will be the first pet since having my own house that isn't a cat.

How exciting! I've never had a rat, but belong to some forums with a rodent section, and from the things I've read, rats make wonderful pets.

They are however very sociable and most people recommend having two rats.

Keep us posted on Clyde!

I did ask the rescue about a friend, they think he would be fine with a female, but I would obviously have to get him neutered first!! I have never owned one before, but think I should be OK.

I know there are people who don't like rats but these are different than the ones running around outdoors. The rats that are put up for adoption are clean and free of diseases. I never had a rat but did have two guinea pigs and loved them and took very good care of them. At least that was two piggies I saved from the lab. I wish you the best of luck with your new adoption and hope he lives a long, healthy life.

Originally Posted by booktigger

I did ask the rescue about a friend, they think he would be fine with a female, but I would obviously have to get him neutered first!! I have never owned one before, but think I should be OK.

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Just a thought, maybe you should rethink getting a female. Why not another male, this way you wouldn't have to put Clyde under the knife.

or get a spayed female. Unspayed female rats seem to have uterus infection issues fairly often.

ooooh, how exciting!! rats are fabulous little pets, they are very, very smart. I really miss having rats, but with my cats, it's just too much too handle I hope you'll post some pics when you get him home and settled

Lots to think about re a friend for him - our chairman was interested, but he already has two males, and so it was thought it wouldnt be the best situation for him. I will let him settle in first, as although I know someone who breeds rats, I wouldnt want one from a breeder, so it would have to be a rescue, and I dont know any other rescue that has rats.

Ooh! I've always considered getting a rat, I've heard they are super smart! Congrats!