Why Do Rats Have Two Large Incisors? (Their Purpose

Wistar rat with red eyes, being held up to the camera

If you’ve ever looked at a rat up close, one of the first things you probably noticed is their teeth. Rats have two very large, very visible front teeth on the top and two more on the bottom. These incisors are impossible to miss, they stick out prominently and often have a yellowish-orange color that … Read more

16 Reasons Why Rats Make Bad Pets (Challenges Revealed)

Gambian Pouched Rat on a table

Rats often get praised as wonderful pets. You’ll hear people talk about how smart they are, how affectionate they can be, and how much personality they have packed into their small bodies. While all of that can be true, there’s another side to rat ownership that doesn’t get talked about as much. Rats come with … Read more

74 Reasons Why Rats Make Good Pets (Real Benefits)

Female albino rat with her litter

When most people think of getting a pet, they picture dogs, cats, or maybe a hamster or guinea pig. Rats rarely make the list, and many people are actually disgusted at the idea of keeping rats as pets. But people who’ve owned pet rats often say they’re among the best pets they’ve ever had, rivaling … Read more

20 Reasons Why Rats Are Bad (Damage and Disease)

Brown Rat jumping over a railing

Rats have lived alongside humans for thousands of years, and throughout history, they’ve earned a reputation as dangerous pests. This bad reputation isn’t just unfair prejudice or superstition. Rats cause real, serious problems for human health, property, food supplies, and the environment. So what are the reasons why rats are bad? Rats are bad because … Read more

20 Reasons Why Rats Are Good (Backed by Science)

Brown Rat in vegetation

When most people think about rats, they picture disease-carrying pests invading homes and spreading filth. But rats actually have many positive qualities that often get overlooked because of their bad reputation. These intelligent, social animals serve important roles in nature, science, and even as companion animals. So what are the reasons why rats are good? … Read more

What Diseases Can Rats Give You? (Risks of Dealing With Rats

Brown Rat jumping over a railing

Rats have lived alongside humans for thousands of years, and unfortunately, they’ve brought some unwanted guests with them: diseases. These rodents can carry and spread various illnesses that can make you seriously sick. Some of these diseases are mild, while others can be life-threatening if you don’t get treatment. So what disease do rats give … Read more

Why Do Rats Have Black Eyes? (The Role of Eumelanin

Brown rat next to a wire fence

If you’ve ever looked closely at a rat, you’ve probably noticed their small, dark eyes staring back at you. These beady black eyes are one of the most recognizable features of rats, but they actually serve some pretty interesting purposes beyond just looking a bit creepy. So why do rats have black eyes? Rats have … Read more