Rats are much more vocal than most people realize. Beyond the obvious squeaks and squeals, rats also make chirping sounds that can be confusing for owners. These chirps can sound surprisingly bird-like and might make you wonder if you’re actually hearing your rat or a bird outside. So why do rats make chirping noises? Rats … Read more

Scientists have discovered something amazing about rats that most people never knew. When you tickle a rat in just the right spots, they make high-pitched chirping sounds that are similar to laughter. It sounds bizarre, but research has proven it’s real. So why do rats laugh when tickled? Rats laugh when tickled because tickling triggers … Read more

Most people picture rats as sewer-dwelling creatures that just tolerate water out of necessity. But if you’ve ever watched rats around water, you might’ve noticed something surprising. Many rats actually seem to enjoy it. They’ll play in shallow water, groom themselves with it, and some even swim for fun. So why do rats like water? … Read more

Rats have a reputation for eating just about anything they can get their paws on. But if you’ve ever watched a rat around chocolate, you’ll notice they go absolutely crazy for it. They’ll pick chocolate over almost any other food you offer them. So why do rats like chocolate so much? Rats like chocolate because … Read more

Cities are full of concrete, cars, and millions of people, yet they’re also packed with rats. In some cities, it’s estimated there are nearly as many rats as people. While most urban dwellers try hard to avoid them, rats have become permanent residents of almost every major city on Earth. You might see them scurrying … Read more

When most people think of rats, they picture them crawling around in dark, smelly sewers. This image is everywhere in movies, cartoons, and urban legends. It’s become so common that “sewer rat” is practically a standard phrase for describing something gross or unwanted. But why are sewers such popular homes for rats in the first … Read more

If you’ve noticed your rats sneezing more than usual, it can be pretty concerning. A sneeze here and there is normal, but constant sneezing usually means something is bothering them. The tricky part is figuring out whether it’s something minor that you can fix at home, or something serious that needs a vet’s attention. Rats … Read more

If you have multiple rats, you’ve probably seen them wrestling and chasing each other around the cage. Sometimes it’s just playful roughhousing, but other times it can escalate into real fighting that leaves you worried about their safety. Seeing your rats go after each other can be really stressful, especially if you don’t know whether … Read more

Rats are one of the most hated animals on the planet. In most cultures, they’re seen as disgusting pests that need to be gotten rid of as quickly as possible. People set traps, use poison, and call exterminators without a second thought when they find rats in their homes or properties. This hatred is so … Read more

When you tell someone you have a pet rat, you’ll probably get some interesting reactions. Some people think it’s cool, but others can’t understand why anyone would want a rat in their home. After all, rats have a pretty bad reputation as dirty pests that live in sewers and spread disease. But people who actually … Read more