Rats are very low maintenance pets to own. ... If you are the type of owner that is away for long periods of the day then pet rats may be a good choice for you. Make sure you leave them lots of food and water out and if you can afford it, try to buy another pet rat to keep them company as rats are very sociable animals.

Why should I not get a pet rat?

Rats can catch ringworm and staph infections from humans. They can also contract Bordetella (kennel cough) from dogs, which is almost always lethal to rats. Humans can get rat-bite fever and hantavirus from pet rats, both of which rarely arise as a problem within the rat fancy.

Are rats good pets to have?

Rats are intelligent and social animals that can make wonderful pets. They are also easily tamed, making rats especially great for someone who likes to handle their pets.