Why Rats Make Better Pets Than Squirrels
The decision to choose a pet is a significant one, and many factors come into play. Two common candidates often considered for domestication are rats and squirrels. While both are small, agile creatures, rats are often preferred as pets compared to squirrels. Understanding why rats make better pets involves examining their traits, history, and behavior.
Domestication and Origin
Domestic Rats: Origin and History
Domestic rats, often referred to as pet rats, have a rich history dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Their journey into the realm of pets began with rat catchers, who selectively bred albino rats for 'rat baiting'—a now outdated and controversial practice that involves trapping and selecting rats for their fighting prowess. Over time, selective breeding has led to a range of desirable traits that make rats wonderful pets today.
Squirrels and Pet Culture
In contrast, squirrels have not been widely domesticated or bred for pet purposes. While some squirrels have been kept as pets, such cases are usually limited to young squirrels that were rescued from nests or illegally taken from the wild. Unlike rats, mainstream efforts to domesticate squirrels do not exist, and the need for such efforts is relatively minor.
Behavior and Character
Rat Character
Rats exhibit several characteristics that make them appealing as pets. They are highly intelligent and adaptable, making them easy to train. Rats are also affectionate and enjoy human interaction. Because of these traits, rats can build strong bonds with their owners and provide companionship. Engaging in games and activities with rats can be a fun and rewarding experience for pet owners.
Squirrel Behavior
On the other hand, squirrels often display less predictable behavior. While they can be affectionate, they are more likely to be startled or respond irrationally to new experiences. Squirrels in the wild are known for their agility and quick movements, which can make them less suited for close interaction. Furthermore, even hand-raised squirrels can become unpredictable as they approach maturity, making them less ideal as companions.
Organization and Rationality
Organizational Differences
Another key difference between rats and squirrels lies in their organizational behavior. Rats are much more organized, which aligns well with their domesticated lifestyle. They tend to establish routines and interact consistently with their human caregivers. Squirrels, however, are more sporadic in their behavior, often showing a wide range of emotions and reactions. Their wild nature can make them less predictable and thus a less stable pet option.
Training and Interaction
The ease of training and the rationality of rats further set them apart from squirrels. Rats can be easily trained for various tasks and tricks, making them enjoyable pets to interact with. For example, rats can be taught to use a litter box or fetch items. On the other hand, squirrels are generally quite flighty and can quickly shift from being docile to becoming aggressive, which can be jarring for pet owners.
Conclusion
While both rats and squirrels are small mammals with unique qualities, rats are generally favored as pets due to their trainable nature, organized behavior, and more stable personality. Choosing a pet is a personal decision, but for those seeking a well-behaved and engaging companion, rats stand out as the better choice.