by Stephanie Cameron

Stephanie Cameron is a volunteer with Rattie Ratz Rescue in the bay area of California. Each month KRL will be featuring a column from Rattie Ratz.

Rats make wonderful pets. The concept of rats as pets is not a new one; in fact, rats have been domesticated for hundreds of years. But the idea of rats as a loving domestic companion is one that many people still struggle with. Thankfully, there are plenty of rat ambassadors ready to show the world how amazing they are. There are so many aspects of their behaviors and personalities that draw people in, and you can’t help but fall in love with them––these small beings know just how to curl their little tails around our hearts.

There are a few rat ambassadors in particular who have been doing a very good job of changing old opinions and making new friends. Potato, Mocha, and Latte were adopted from Rattie Ratz Rescue in February 2024. The boys were born within the rescue after their pregnant mother was surrendered to volunteers. Once they were old enough, they quickly found a home with Caspian.

Caspian describes how: “When we first adopted the boys, they were extremely energetic and playful! It was a big jump in energy compared to the previous rats we adopted from Rattie Ratz. For a while, it was even hard to supervise just one of them on the couch! Of course, as they got older, they mellowed out and became the sweetest love bugs.”

Sadly, Potato passed away from unknown causes after only five months. Potato’s family remembers him as “incredibly sweet and affectionate––we all wish we had more time with him.” Even though Potato’s time with his brothers was cut short, he had found a loving home with Caspian, and his last days were filled with love.

Brothers Mocha (a beautiful mink) and Latte (a lovely fawn) are doing well and have turned into wonderful ambassadors. According to their doting owner Caspian, “I’ve even been able to change some people’s views on rats by telling them how sweet and loving they are-and showing off my boys snuggled up in their many hammocks!”

But worry not! These hard-working boys get lots of downtime full of cuddly rat piles and rides in hoodie pockets. Latte is often found sleeping directly on top of Mocha or trying to steal his snacks. When Mocha is not being smooshed by his brother or defending his treats, he often endures rigorous grooming sessions by Latte.

It turns out Mocha is quite the determined rat, and will take any opportunity to wriggle into a hoodie or pants pocket––though now that he’s an adult it takes a little more work to fit. When Mocha is not being ferried from place to place in soft pockets, he can be found “running on his wheel and tearing up boxes and paper” inside his playpen. “When he’s calm or sleepy, he’s always up for a cuddle––complete with boggling and bruxing!”

While Mocha may enjoy the more secure pocket as his preferred mode of transportation, Latte is “especially fond of sitting on [Caspian’s] shoulders so he can sniff the air and survey his domain.” Even though he likes to steal his brother’s snacks, Latte is described as a sweet pea who adores tunneling under towels on the couch and snuggling with his humans.

It seems Mocha and Latte have developed a taste for fine foods over the past year and a half. “Mocha and Latte have definitely become little food connoisseurs! While they’ll eat most things, their favorites include egg, chicken, wheat bread, broccoli, and of course, fishing for peas in their playpen.”

While Mocha and Latte hold many official titles; Food Connoisseurs and Rat Ambassadors to name a few, Beloved Companions is by far the most rewarding title. As the recipient of such wonderful companionship, Caspian praises the boys: “Rats make amazing pets. Although I wish they lived longer, I truly cherish every moment with my boys.”

If you would like to know more about Rattie Ratz Rescue you can visit their Facebook page. If you are interested in adoptable rats or volunteering for Rattie Ratz Rescue you can visit their website: www.rattieratz.com.

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section & watch for more stories from Rattie Ratz every other month. You can also keep up with our pet articles by joining our KRL Facebook group. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to Rattie Ratz.