If you’ve been researching pet rats on TikTok, Reddit, or Instagram, you’ve probably heard them being called Pocket Puppies! The reason why is not really a mystery… it’s because rats behave a lot like dogs, but they’re so much smaller and more portable!
- They both get the zoomies! Rats often experience bursts of energy where they run around quickly, jump, and squeak excitedly. This zoomie behavior is reminiscent of when puppies get the zoomies and run around in a hyperactive and playful manner.
- They lick you and groom you. Rats naturally groom themselves and each other, which includes licking their fur. Some pet rats also like to groom and lick their human owners, similar to how puppies and dogs lick their owners in a show of affection.
- They loooooove treats and leftovers. Most rats are extremely food oriented, though like dogs, they also respond to clicker training, positive reinforcement and praise. Rats get excited for treats and human food just like dogs do, and will definitely come running when they hear you snacking! Fortunately, rats are omnivores, so their little mini digestive systems can handle just about everything we can – with a few exceptions.
- Some rats like to mouth you with their teeth, just like dogs when they’re playing. While not all rats do this, some will mouth and nip their owners with their front teeth as a form of play. Also like dogs, you can also train them not to do this by gently saying “no!”
- They get super excited to see you when you come home. Rats will definitely take notice when you come home and jump up at their cage bars to greet you. Some rats even just enjoy gazing at you.
- Most rats hate baths! Like doggos, most rats don’t love bath time. Rats do a great job of keeping themselves clean, but if you find they get stinky or have something stuck to their fur, try giving them a gentle wipe down with a damp wash cloth.
- They can be trained to walk on a leash. With patience and training, rats can learn to walk on a leash. Though they’re probably better off on your shoulder or inside of a bag.
- Rats can even be toilet trained. Rats are animals of habit, and tend to pick a corner of the cage to go to the bathroom in. You can take advantage of their natural instinct, and teach them how to use a litter box, similar to how puppies can be housetrained.
- Rats can do all kinds of tricks dogs can do, like “shake a paw”, chase your tail, fetch, weaving through cones, agility courses, and more. Rats are clever animals and, when motivated by treats, can be trained to perform many of the same tricks that doggos do.
- Rats have amazing sniffers, like dogs. Rats possess a highly developed sense of smell, on par with dogs and bloodhounds. They rely heavily on their noses to explore, forage for food, and communicate with other rats.
- Both rats and dogs are social animals that crave interaction and companionship from humans and each other. They can form remarkably strong bonds with their owners and actually seem to care about you when you’re upset.
- Rats and dogs both communicate through body language, vocalizations, and scent signals. They use facial expressions, posture, barks/squeaks, and marking their territory with urine to convey information.
- Like dogs, rats have prey drives towards certain animals. In the wild, rats will hunt other small animals like mice and even birds.
- Rats and dogs both possess a keen sense of hearing. They are easily alerted by high-pitched sounds, and recognize their owners’ voices.
- Both rats and dogs require regular mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They benefit from toys, puzzles, training, and activities.
- Rats and dogs have similar sleep cycles with periods of activity and rest. They both love to nap through the day, but will happily wake up to play with you.
- Both rats and dogs exhibit dominance hierarchies and jostle each other for social status. They have alpha, beta and subordinate members of a group or family. In a way, they both sort of view you as a member of their pack or mischief!
- Rats and dogs both come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Rats can have wavy coats, and even be hairless. Unlike dogs, though, rats don’t have any specific grooming needs, and can happily clean themselves without any help from you!
- Like dogs, rats can be spayed or neutered so that they can happily live with the opposite gender without reproducing.
- Unfortunately, like dogs, vet care can become quite expensive for rats. Just because they’re smaller, doesn’t mean they’re necessarily less prone to injury, illness, or expensive vet fees! On the plus side, rats don’t need any vaccines.
