Intelligent and affectionate, rats, especially well-trained ones, can make wonderful pets for the whole family.

IN THE LAST THREE DECADES, RATS HAVE MOVED FROM the laboratory into our homes as beloved pets. This is because they’re easy to care for in many ways—they don’t cost much to obtain or feed, they don’t require as much time or financial commitment as a dog or cat does, and they are generally easy on people who might have pet-related allergies. Rats are interactive and affectionate. Rats are inquisitive and intelligent, making them easy to train. They interact well with other pets, if properly acclimated to one another. Rats can also be movie stars or star in their own “shows,” whether rodent challenges or beauty contests.

Regardless of what you do with your pet rat, the more you teach him, the more interactive and intelligent the rat becomes. Rat training is the key to developing this relationship and maximizing your rodent’s full potential.