'Give a rat a home' call by RSPCA

Rats can make great pets, says the RSPCA

Two RSPCA centres are offering pet rats to good homes, to mark World Rat Day on Friday, 4 April.

The Ashley Heath Animal Centre in Ringwood, Hampshire, has rats of all shapes and sizes on offer.

Their carer, Linsey Millburn, said: "Rats make fantastic pets and are more intelligent than people imagine. They can be trained like any other animal."

The Taylor's Animal Rehoming Centre, in Higher Dairy, near Dorchester, Dorset, is also offering rats to good owners.

'Nest box'

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said: "To mark World Rat Day we are appealing for homes for some of the many rats that come into the care of the society every year."

She added: "Rats need a stimulating environment, toys to play with, a roomy indoor home with a nest box, and a constant supply of food and water.

"Like any other pet, potential owners need to think about whether they can afford veterinary costs for their animal, and who will look after their pet if they go on holiday.

"It's also important to keep male and female rats apart to avoid unwanted breeding - females can have a litter of up to eleven young every month!"