Rats

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The rat, bearing the scientific name Rattus norvegicus,

apparently also originated in central Asia.  Rats were

domesticated in the 17th century, and the process has continued

to the present, resulting in many breeds that are docile and of

excellent pet quality.  Rats, like mice, have been used

extensively in biomedical research.  Most of the tremendous

number of breeds and strains currently in existence have resulted

from intensive inbreeding efforts by research laboratories over

the years.



Wild rats are found in all kinds of habitats and nearly all land

masses of the world, an enduring tribute to their adaptability

and their long-time association with people.  They tend to be

omnivorous (feed on plant and animal material) but exhibit

tremendous opportunism in their feeding habits when living in and

around human dwellings.  Wild rats tend to be nocturnal

(night-active) animals but often use daylight hours to forage for

food.  Laboratory rats, like laboratory mice, on the other

hand, are not strictly nocturnal.



Mice and rats are both relatively short-lived animals, which can

be disconcerting to owners of these pets.  However, some feel

that having their children experience the relatively short period

of companionship and subsequent death of pet mice and rats is a

meaningful way to expose children to the ups and downs of life.