Advantages
Rats, when raised properly, are friendly, love to be handled, and do not bite.
They have a low odor compared to other rodents.
They keep themselves very clean, and tend to urinate in one corner of the cage.
Rats can easily be trained to come when called, as well as other tricks.
They are an inexpensive pet to care for.
They come in many different colors, coat types, and body types.
They are a good pet for children.
They are readily available from breeders and pet stores.
Disadvantages
They chew on anything within reach.
They are prone to respiratory infections and mammary tumors in old age.
They have a short lifespan, averaging 2-3 years.
They require time and attention that not all pet owners are able to provide.
They require a large cage compared to other small rodents.
They do not always come when called.
They can easily escape if taken outside or if the cage bars are too wide.
Other Considerations
To own a rat, you must have enough time to clean the cage, provide food, and spend time with your pet rats. You need to have a good, safe location to put their cage, away from temperature extremes and out of reach of small children and other animals which may harm them. You will need enough money for food and bedding, the most common recurring expenses, as well as medical bills should they occur (note that there are pet insurance plans that cover rats and can cost as little as $8 per month).
Rats and Other Pets
Rats should never be allowed to live in the same cage as another animal of a different species, as they would not be compatible and would very likely fight, resulting in injuries to the rat or the other animal. Though most rats enjoy cats and dogs and are not frightened of them, it is never a good idea to allow them to interact, as even the nicest tempered cats and dogs are still predators and it is their natural instinct to prey on creatures like rats. Even if they would only play with them, it is possible they could hurt your rats by accident. A dog or cat's sharp teeth and strong jaws can easily injure or even kill a rat with a single bite.
Rats and Small Children
Very young children, generally younger than 6 or 7, should be very careful when handling a rat, and should only do so with adult supervision. Rats are small and fragile and can easily be injured if they are squeezed too hard, hit, dropped, or stepped on. Children also often have food residue on their hands, or drool in the case of very young children, and rats may find this appetizing and may nip at their fingers thinking it is food. Children also like to poke their fingers through the cage bars, and can be bitten as a result by rats who cannot tell at first glance if it is a finger or a treat.
