Pet rat

It's a fucking rat.

>>2465051
Rats are intelligent charming creatures that crave love and attention. It isn't an emotionless little robot you can just throw in a corner like a cat, rats need proper care.

OP check the "pocket pets" thread

>>2465052
I've posted there thanks! I've been reading about rats and how clever they are. Do you think returning them or giving them to a friend (who owned rats before) would be cruel or really upset them? Would it upset them more living in the environment I described? I would definitely spend time looking after them - but I don't know if that would make up for the environment

>>2465071
Honestly, rats are some of the most adaptable mammals around. If you think it really is too loud for them and want to find a friend to take them you could do that, but I wouldn't roll the dice on a shelter. It's even more cramped and smellier in there.

I don't get rat people. Why all the fuss over an animal with a life expectancy of two years due to cancer

>>2465075
Thanks - the friend couldn't pick them up till Friday so I don't know if that would still upset them. They'd be returned to a national chain pet store (my SO bought them from there) - I got him to phone them and they said there's no issue with returning them but we need to do it by Monday. I feel awful because I worry that they might get split up and sold to different owners - but is two nights enough time for rats to bond? If it's the pet shop return they will go back first thing tomorrow.

You are really ungrateful. If I was your partner, you'd get a face full of fist

>>2465115
>you don't like getting responsibility over living beings forced onto you? ungrateful asshole!

>>2465076
It's called compassion. Societal rejects lack it & therefore can't grasp the concept.

>>2465115
I'm not too fussed about being grateful. I'm more worried about making the rats suffer. I did explain to my SO that it was a nice thought but that generally living animals are not good gifts. He understands

>>2465080
fuck pet stores. they dont get the love they need there and lots of times will get split up. rats can take time to bond on to people and they will bond with others just as well. you dont need to worry, i used to have a pair of rats that came from another owner unable to take care of them. they bonded even quicker than my store rats. one even became my first shoulder rat and loved to sleep in my hoodie.

>>2465076
I don't own them anymore but I think they are oddly unique. Very smart, very cuddly, trainable and always happy to see you. They're like dogs and something about them crawling around you and having them chill in your pocket makes them all the more appealing.

Unlike other small animal pets like gerbils, hamsters, sugar gliders, etc. Rats are just much more interactive and aware.