Posts tagged "rat"

They say that you're not actually supposed to bait mouse traps and rat traps with cheese, because mice and rats don't actually like cheese. We know we may have just blown some of your minds with that bit of information, but it turns out that not everything you learned from watching cartoons is completely true.

So yay Paw Nation, you ask, what does my fancy rat pal want to snack on if not a bit of cheddar? They want what we all want, according to Daily Squee bakers: cookies! That's why Violet the rat here looks so content while snacking on her first holiday cookie of the season.

For this video, we're going to have to ask you all to look beyond your initial reactions and try to see the cuteness inherent in a sewer rat eating garbage.

Nobody likes the idea of sewer rats even existing. They aren't the clean, tame, fancy rats that people keep as pets; they're the rats that people think of when you says "rats." But, c'mon, this little fella is still pretty cute! And at least he's below the street instead of running free on it. Plus: ice cream. It's the great equalizer. Everyone loves ice cream. You're not going to stop eating it now just because sewer rats like it too, are you?

Name: Rebel

Location: Tinley Park, Ill.

Age: 3 months

Breed: Male rat-blazed variegated mink

Favorite Toy: Fuzzy cat toy

Favorite Treat: Frozen peas and Ensure

Likes: Rebel loves to play "catch me."

Dislikes: Going back into his cage

Weird Quirk: He loves to visit Raphie the rabbit's cage.

Fun Fact: 3 months in rat age is equal to about 15 years in human age.

If you'd like to submit your pet for a chance to be featured as Paw Nation's Cute Pet of the Day, upload your favorite pet photos to our Flickr pool!

More Cute Pets

Cute Pet Name: Jane

Breed: Rat

Location: San Diego, Calif.

Age: 1 year, 9 months

Favorite Toy: Hammock.

Favorite Treat: Yogurt drops.

Likes: Peas, chewing on her hammock, hanging out in the carry sack.

Dislikes: Cage changing time.

Fun Fact: She enjoys riding around on people's shoulders.

Congratulations to our submitter, trekkiebath. If you'd like to submit your pet, upload your favorite pet photos to our Flickr pool!

Were this an actual picnic of ours, the arrival of a rat would be ruinous, a definite wrap on the day. Stop eating, grab your blanket, leave the peaches, and skedaddle. But as a moment frozen in time, a beautiful photograph as shared from our friends at Daily Squee, Mr. Rat is really quite charming. Adorable even. Maybe if we have an uninvited guest at our next picnic, we won't be so quick to judge.

Why use your own four feet to get around if you can get a piggyback ride from someone else? These darling animals have figured out how to get around in style. Precious, precious style.

Personality: One of the most intelligent and social of all small animals, rats are considered some of the easiest pets to train and tame, and they tend to quickly bond with their owners. In fact, most rat owners we've spoken to compare owning a rat to owning a cat or dog in terms of companionship.

Grooming: Rats are active groomers, cleaning themselves, one another, and even their humans, according to CuriosityRats.com. And it's not just a way to stay clean -- social grooming helps rats bond.

Common Health Issues: Rats are more prone to certain serious illnesses than other small pets, according to Ratsauce.com. Though their lifespan is generally just two to three years, many rats experience tumors and abscesses, while some may carry mycoplasma, which is a bacteria that can be deadly. Because of these health concerns, rats can end up being pricier to own than, say, hamsters.

Beware the squirrel! Those fluffy-tailed, acorn-loving rodents aren't all sugar and spice. Squirrels were among the top five animals to attack and injure companion pets in 2008 according to a survey released by the Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI).

VPI reviewed reports of more than 500 wounded pets to figure out which wild animals are most likely to attack cats and dogs as they roam the 'hood.

Top 10 Animals To Attack Pets
1. Snakes
2. Coyotes
3. Raccoons
4. Squirrels
5. Scorpions
6. Javelinas
7. Porcupines
8. Groundhogs
9. Skunks
10. Rats

Pets ambushed by wild critters typically need treatment for lacerations, bite wounds, and soft tissue trauma. Poisonous snake bites can require treatment with antivenin to counteract the toxin.

Attacks by javelinas (pig-like mammals also known as peccaries) and scorpion stings were isolated to the state of Arizona, but between snakes, skunks, rats and raccoons, curious pets can get into trouble with wildlife just about anywhere.

"Whether in urban or rural areas, pet owners should be aware of the danger posed by wild animals," Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI, said in the report. "Always make sure that a pet's rabies vaccine is up to date. And if you know that potentially dangerous wild animals are present or you're in an unfamiliar area, take extra care to keep your pet close and secure."

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