I've heard of cat scratch fever, but, rat scratch?
HERE is an article about it. A little boy died of it after being infected by a pet rat he got at Petco. Petco didn't test for the disease. I didn't even know there was a disease. My rat was from Petco. I still miss my rat, BeeBee LaRue. Her little tissue box house full of the stuff she pilfered is still here in my desk cubby. A tribute to her amusing personality and loyalty. Rats make awesome pets, they're very smart and can come when you call, be house trained and love you back. The bad part is, they don't live long. An average of two years and they die in a horrible way that looks like an aneurysm. But, it's quick. If you can take that, knowing, they do make the greatest pets. I can't do it again. That rat got to me. I guess you should look for a place that tests for rat scratch fever though. That's scary. They always accidentally scratch you a bit while playing. They can't help it, they have needle sharp claws. They love to wrestle your hands while you tickle their belly.
5 comments:
i had a rat too. mine was the runt of one of 2 litters. my son thought it would be a good idea to bring home 2 males & 2 females, well very soon after one female had 13 babies & the other had 10 but one didnt survive. runt just stuck out too me so i kept him & the rest had to go. i could have killed him! runt used to sit on my shoulder & walk around on my desk while i was online. he loved treats & always went up my arm & partially under my hair to eat. i got scratched alot by him cause they are like little needles & they dont do it viciously. ive been seeing this story but havent really read it yet. i wont ever have another rat though, been there & done that, dont want to relive it. i did love him though.
I hear you. I loved my rat, like you'd love a dog. They aren't like a hamster, which are cute, but, stupid. My rat had real brain and personality. She always hung out with me while I was online, here on my desk. Giving kisses and stealing anything she could carry. She was house trained too. Never dirty. She looked like the one in the pic I posted. That's why I chose it.
ps, how did your rat die? Same way both of mine did? I wonder if that's typical. Both times it was like their brain exploded. That can't be a coincidence.
i wasnt home when he died. we went to visit my parents for the weekend & my son called when we got there & said he was dead in his little hammock. :( that would be horrible to see him die in some kind of convulsions. he was about 2 years old though.
Well, from what I've seen and heard, it seems typical. My rat slept with me (I know it's weird, but, hey) so when it happened to her, I was right there. It was creepy and scary, but, quick. I think they have a time bomb in their heads.
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