I need some advice.
For the past 5 months or so, I’ve wanted rats. I’ve done tons of research, and I believe the experience would be valuable and I’d love to broaden my pet-owning spectrum, for in the past I’ve had a dog, some hamsters, and we recently acquired a cat. I’ve also done quite a bit of pet-sitting in the past, rats included. However, my parents really don’t want me getting rats for myself. Aside from just not liking them, I’m apparently not responsible enough.
I have a job at a reputable pet store with several vet tech students. I’m a good student myself (not all A’s, mind, but teachers like me and I try very hard in school!), and participate in several extracurricular activities. I already own a fish, and he’s quite happy. However, despite my current workload, I still have more than enough time, space, experience, and money for two or three rats.
In my opinion, my parents are just annoyed that I don’t do my laundry and chores as often as they like me to, and my room isn’t spotless (quite the contrary!). However, I know that with rats, I’ll /have/ to keep my room clean if I want to let them play on my floor, and what with hammocks and level linings and such, I’ll have to do laundry /at least/ every other week. Besides, the cage will be in my room, anyway, where it won’t bother them. I have more than enough space for a large cage in my room, and I want female rats, who are much smaller and aren’t as likely to scent-mark as males, and don’t get greasy. Rats in general are very clean animals (it’s their urine that smells!) and they can be litter trained.
I’ve compiled a whole list of supplies I need, where I can get them, how much they’ll cost (since I plan to pay for everything myself) where they’ll go, and what I’ll do to care for them. I’ve only brought the matter up twice with my parents, but they’re still adamantly against it, though next time I plan to include the pros and cons of rats, ’cause they didn’t want to hear me out this time.
Is there anything else I can do? I know this question has been asked before, but I’d really like to know.
For starters, there are many articles online that will tell you how clean domesticated rats are. In fact, here is an example:
Specially bred rats have been kept as pets at least since the late 19th century. Pet rats are typically variants of the species Brown rat, but Black rats and Giant pouched rats are also known to be kept. Pet rats behave differently than their wild counterparts depending on how many generations they have been kept as pets.[3] Pet rats do not pose any more of a health risk than pets such as cats and dogs.[4] Tamed rats are generally friendly and can be taught to perform selected behaviors.
Info above taken from Wikipedia. Here is the link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rat
Anyway, look up said information, save it and/or print it out and show it to your parents. Explain to them that many rat owners prefer to use washable linens to line their cages in order to protect their rats from foot injuries and disease. Also tell them that you must clean your rat cage at least once a week or every three days, so this would only give you that much more incentive to do your laundry (especially since you have been wanting rats for a long time, now).
Honestly, I think you could probably make a lot of progress with your parents by making the necessary changes BEFORE you get your rats.. and be CONSISTENT about it. Don’t go back on your word, neglect your responsibilities and stop doing what is asked of you *after* you get your rats! Make a habit of regularly cleaning your room, and do it to their liking. Regularly do your laundry. If you show them that you are responsible enough to do all of your chores without them having to prompt, ask or remind you, AND you be consistent about it, they can’t exactly say that you aren’t responsible enough to own rats!
Most people think rats are dirty and full of disease.So that’s prob why they don’t like them.
If you plan to pay for everything yourself and you know how to take care of them,then there should be no reason (except the above) that they should say no.
Try to get a vet to talk to them and make them realise that rats are not dirty at all.
Perhaps they are trying to punish you for not doing chores?
Do your washing and clean your room,then see what happens.
Go online and print out some literature that explains something about rats, how clean they are, how smart they are, and show it to your parents. They might be impressed that you’ve done the research on how to care for the animals. I think you’re right; I’ve had 2 rats, and I think they make great pets. Just make sure you get females and handle them a LOT. Otherwise they can get mean.
Just to warn you, i was in love with my rat! She was the best! But, once they get older they become quite viciose. My cousin had to get stiches because of a rat bite. Now keep that in mind when you are picking out your rats because you will want to pick a good one. Also if you have a machure conversation with your parents, maybe make some graphs or charts on why you should have a rat then maybe they will ay yes. Also try working a little harder on your room and clothes. That way they will know that what you say your gonna do your really gonna do.
I had rats before. I even litter trained mine. They can be very sweet and affectionate.
Why don’t you ask them a question. If you did acquire rats somehow, what is their opinion of what would really happen? I mean, its a living creature and I don’t think anyone has it in their heart to just forget to feed them or live with an unbearable odor. Do they think that if you get rats your going to become some delinquent that is a burden on society? If anything, it’ll teach you a lesson. If you do take care of it properly, you’ve become more responsible. If you let it die, you’ve learned the feeling of guilt and what it is like to fail miserably.
its their house