Rats are the BEST pets. Be sure to get rats that are healthy and strong, from a reputable breeder. The ones in pet stores (especially big pet stores, or stores that sell them as feeders for snakes) are often sickly and prone to premature death from respiratory disease.

They are so smart and easy to care for. Be sure to keep the cage in a warm, draft-free part of the house, though, cause they catch cold easily and can die from it. And never, ever use pine or cedar bedding chips - aspen or newspaper only!

I recommend feeding them fresh veggies and table scraps. They are omnivores and a homemade diet is much, much better for them than premade pet food. They can get by just fine on healthy human food (rice, veggies, whole grains, meat), so as long as you eat healthy, you can just share your food with them.

Definitely get at least two, as they are social. Males are super-lazy and females are super-hyper. I thought females were more fun, but if you want one to sit on your shoulder and chill out, get males.

I miss having rats. But my dogs would probably get into trouble with them.