As someone that lives in the city, I've seen my fair share of rats (though not in my apartment, thankfully).
They lurk in between subway tracks and trickle out of dumpsters, occasionally, they may even scurry by on a back street.
Though touching them would likely not be the best idea, they are harmless for the most part and just trying to find some food, like this rat trying to carry along a huge slice of pizza.
Many people even own rats and mice as pets, though they likely didn't get them from the streets.
Domesticated mice and rats are just like hamsters, gerbils, or ferrets: they have cages filled with bedding, they need you to feed them, and they loved being played with.
Many people have a hard time separating domestic rats from their wild relatives and would cringe at the though of owning one.
But a clever little photos series on the Internet is hoping to change people's minds about rats.
Check below to see the cute pictures.
[H/T: Imgur]
Rats are definitely not the most conventional pets.
In fact, many people are afraid of them, claiming that all are dirty or disease-ridden.
But rodent-lovers are speaking out in the name of their furry friends with the help of these photos posted on Imgur.
In the photos, fuzzy pet rats hold up signs, dispelling rumors about why they shouldn't be kept as pets.
The tiny sings explain how rodents make equally as loving and cuddly pets as cats or dogs.
They also dispel the idea that they are all scary.
They are just like their domesticated doggie and kitty counterparts: totally lovable if you let them be!
And for anyone with rodent-phobias, the little sign-holders encourage them to give rats or mice a try.
They could turn out to be the perfect pet!
And for anyone who immediately writes them off as dirty: they clean themselves as much as cats do!
Unlike their wild relatives that live in fields and subway stations, indoor rodents are perfectly hygienic.
And for anyone who wants a more active, responsive furry friend, rats can satisfy that too. They can learn tricks just like trained dogs.
They even give a special shoutout to rats that live in research labs.
Without them, many different medicines and medical breakthroughs would not be possible.
Many rat lovers have reposted the photos since, which echo what the already know to be true.
One user even explained that he was gifted a baby rat and was at first skeptical, then grew to love the furry little pal.
“Now one week after getting him I understand that rats are pretty chill pets.”
So it would seem, rats may actually be our greatest untapped pet resource; maybe give one a snuggle the next time you are at the pet store!
If you think animals of all shapes, sizes, and breeds deserve our love and respect, make sure to SHARE with friends and family on Facebook.
