Rats and mice don’t really have the best reputation, but they’re actually pretty great. Today we’re here to tell you a few interesting things about probably the most misrepresented animals on earth:
Studies have shown not only that rats and mice can feel stuff like fear and joy, but it also shows on their faces. Rats actually emit a high pitched sound when being tickled or while playing that’s the equivalent of human laughter.
Mice and rats are highly social animals. They like playing together, wrestling, and love sleeping curled up together. They become sad when separated from their family and friends and can become lonely, anxious, depressed, and stressed If they don't have companionship. They also have complex systems of communication and can communicate by touch, smell, and by sound, at frequencies that we can’t hear. Isn’t that cool?
Mice and rats are really clean animals and they groom themselves several times a day. In fact, they are less likely than dogs or cats to catch and transmit parasites and viruses.
Many rats and mice who have been rescued from animal shelters “groom” their human companion’s hand as a sign of affection. Cute!
Rats and mice are highly intelligent and can recognize their names and respond when called. They can also solve problems as quickly as dogs. Rats also have great memories, and once they learn a navigation route, they never forget it.
Rats have clearly demonstrated empathy and chose to help other rats even when they had the opportunity to help themselves instead.
Mice are choosy eaters! They like variety, eat the tastiest parts first and separate out what they dislike.
So yeah, if you wanna adopt a pet but cats and dogs are just too much, a rat or a mouse might be perfect for you! It’s also time to mention that according to some estimates, tens of millions of rats and mice are experimented on each year in the U.S. alone. You can help protect mice and rats and other animals by purchasing only products that are not tested on animals.
