Chapter 1: The Charm of Rats

It’s hard to believe just recently we welcomed the sweltering heat of summer at our home, only to find ourselves facing the reality of a malfunctioning heater. A quick $100 service call revealed that a family of rats had made themselves a nest right above the pilot light.

“Empty, right?” I inquired, worried about the little creatures. Earlier this summer, we had discovered signs of their presence and had gone to great lengths to capture and relocate them, hoping they would find safety elsewhere—perhaps as a meal for a hawk, as nature intends.

Despite causing an estimated $20 billion in damages annually across the U.S., I find myself rather fond of these creatures. Their intelligence, cleanliness, and undeniable charm have made them increasingly popular as pets, and they are recognized for their valuable skills, from detecting landmines to demonstrating empathy.

There are 56 rat species, but the two that often invade our homes are the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), commonly known as the brown rat, and the roof rat (Rattus rattus), or black rat. As their name suggests, roof rats prefer high places like attics, while Norway rats are more likely to nest closer to the ground.

The domesticated version of these rodents is known as Fancy rats. My brother Robert and I had our own pet rats when we were younger. Robert named his Willard, while I affectionately called mine Baby, a reflection of our unique personalities. Baby and Willard were irresistibly cute, with delicate ears, shiny black eyes, and sweet pink noses and paws. They were curious and calm, showing just as much interest in us as we did in them.

My close friend Dana soon decided she needed a rat companion as well. Before long, Baby had a new buddy named Ratmaroff. Dana and I took joy in carrying them around, including them in our endless Monopoly games, allowing them to perch on our shoulders during Jacks, and bringing them along on our weekly trips to Zippy Mart for candy. Just like dogs, rats thrive on social interaction and require plenty of engagement with their human companions.

Now, as parents, Joe and I felt our daughters would benefit from having a pet rat, leading to the arrival of Susan the Rat. Thankfully, Aunt Susan the Human understands that naming a pet after someone in our family is a sign of great respect.

Susan the Rat had her own cage, but she enjoyed roaming the house freely. Every evening, she would join us on the couch for storytime, then magically appear on the downstairs couch for movie nights without ever using the stairs. She'd occasionally return to her cage for food and water but mostly preferred to hang out with us.

While they make wonderful companions, I acknowledge that wild rats can be a nuisance, and it's wise to prevent them from nesting in our homes. Let’s discuss some methods for rat control. Glue traps are completely unacceptable; they are inhumane and excessively cruel. Please, for the love of all that is good, avoid using glue traps.

Rat poison is also a cruel method, inflicting a slow and painful demise as the rat's organs begin to fail. The repercussions of using poison extend beyond the affected rat. As they weaken and seek water, they become easy targets for predators who may also ingest the poison, disrupting the ecosystem, especially affecting birds of prey.

It's important to note that children and pets can also be harmed by rat poison, and depending on the literature, misguided husbands might too. California has already banned rat poison, with other states likely to follow.

For those who are able to handle the thought of killing rats, snap traps can be an effective and relatively humane option. However, we prefer kind traps, as we cannot bear the idea of killing these creatures. The risk, however, is that you might grow attached to them while transporting them to a more suitable location.

The most efficient method for controlling rat populations is something we often overlook: rat snakes. These creatures are not only harmless but also beneficial to the ecosystem and highly effective at keeping rodent numbers in check. They can locate vermin hiding under debris or in basements, and the silver lining is that if you have rats, you likely have rat snakes nearby—just let them be.

With the rat nest cleared, the pilot light ignited, and Daylight Savings Time behind us, I am ready for winter. Bring it on, Alabama; this heat is wearing me down.

Mary Dansak is a writer and a retired science education specialist based in Auburn, AL. She can be reached at [email protected]. This essay originally appeared in The Auburn Villager on November 10, 2022.

Chapter 2: The Bond Between Rats and Cats

In a heartwarming video titled "Cat And Rat Love Each Other SO Much - GALAXY & BERNIE | The Dodo Odd Couples", we witness the unique friendship between a cat and a rat, showcasing their affectionate bond that defies the odds.

Additionally, "Cuddly Rat Can't Stop Giving His Cat Sister Hugs And Kisses | The Dodo - YouTube" captures a rat showering its feline companion with love, further illustrating the remarkable connections these animals can form.