File :-(, x, )
Cat or Rat Anonymous
So HOPEFULLY next school year i'll be at a place that'll allow pets.

I grew up with 4 cats and a dog, so i'm fairly familiar with caring for cats and such, however, this'd be my first time actually having a pet while out on my own away from home so i'm wondering what'd be easier to start with, a cat or 1 or 2 rats.
>> Anonymous
a cat
>> Anonymous
anyone w/actual input?
>> Anonymous
Doesn't matter. They're both easy lazy-people pets. You'll spend more money on the cat in the long run (rats live 2 to 3 years).
>> Anonymous
1 or 2 rats
>> Anonymous
2 rats, if you get rats. they are much happier with a buddy and are actually more fun
>> Anonymous
I'd say a rat. Easier maintenance. They have little poos. Plus you can walk around with a rat on your shoulder, which is just the shit.
>> Anonymous
Rats, as they will genuinely return love like a dog would, where as a cat is just doing it for show.
>> Anonymous
>>252331
>a cat is just doing it for show.

Lies. My kitty used to come lie on me when I was feeling sad.
>> Anonymous
Rats are utterly incontinent, chew everything they can and don't live very long. It sucks to have a endlessly pissing creature that dies just when your getting fond of it.

Cats are more challenging to own, but reward you much more than a rodent can.

Very little beats when a cat comes and cheers you up simply because they realized you are feeling like crap and want to make you feel better.

Cats are better than rats.
>> Anonymous
>>252315
>Plus you can walk around with a rat on your shoulder, which is just the shit.

Yeah if nobody is around and you're a faggot.
>> Anonymous
>>252315

Cats, too. When my boys where little they'd hold onto my shoulder and go along for the ride.

Now they'd rather be picked up. ;P
>> Anonymous
>>252351
>endlessly pissing creature
I'm starting to look forward to the day one of my rats pisses on me just because everyone tells me this and I seem to be missing out on it.

>>252770
I've gone out places with rats on my shoulders without problems from my rats. People think they're cute hamsters or ferrets but freak once they find out they're rats.
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
RATS. I have ten rats. The pissing everywhere thing is a lie, my rats go in their litterbox. Rats are a perfect mix of cats and dogs, all the cleanliness of a cat (grooming themselves and litterbox training) and the loyalty of dogs. Just remember it's the same deal with them as if you get a cat or dog, get it from a reputable breeder and make sure they're well socialized. Besides, Rats are more intelligent than people give them credit for, my babies each know their own names, they love to wrestle (with my hand) and run laps around the bed. They love to sit in my lap for pettins while they lick my hand. Also rats live 3-5 years if they're well taken care of.
>> Anonymous
Rats. Cheaper, eaiser to take care of and tons more affectionate.
>> Anonymous
Definitely rats, they're much cheaper. Unless you have the cash to blow on a cat and its 200$ vet check ups and shots, get a rat.
>> Thing2
I would go for the rats, they're nicer&cuter.

however, a cat is fine too.
>> Anonymous
Cat's are rather simple. Get them a litter box, food, water and all that. Cats have personalities so you may get one who's loving you may not.
Rats are simple as well. Get them a nice cage, food, water, a place to sleep in. I love my rats to death. They are the sweetest things.
Make sure you get them from just about anywhere but a petstore (stay away from Petco! Not even kidding) I'd suggest finding a breeder near you or I use Craigslist.org to see if anyone has any unwanted rats. Also, get at least two, as they are social animals.
>> Anonymous
Cat. You're setting yourself up for heartbreak when you get a rat. Sure, the initial costs of owning a cat may not seem cheap, but rats have higher maintenance costs than a cat, you are required to play with them for at least 30 min a day every day to keep them socialised and nice to humans, and chances are, your rat will most likely develop a tumour that will kill it within the first two years of ownership.
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
>>252870
Of my 12 years of owning and breeding rats, only one of my rats ever got a tumor, and it was already three and a half years old. :/

OP if you end up wanting rats and you're willing to drive down to Alabama, I've got a couple hooded females that will be ready in about 5-6 weeks.

Pic related. I'm keeping the small one on the left. The others are the two females.

P.S. MartinsCages.com is pretty awesome.
>> Anonymous
Whichever you choose, take two. Rats are very social animals and need a companion, and cats greatly benefit from having another of their species around too (cats are actually far more social than people have been led to believe).
>> Anonymous
Only poorly-bred, poorly-trained rats pee everywhere. Get them right after they're weaned and they'll learn to behave.

Pet store rats can be just as good as breeder rats. My bred rats all seem to get tumors after a year and a half or two years, while my plain old hooded rat from like petsmart (carefully chosen) is healthy as a horse and almost three and a half. Just pick your pet carefully.

If you get rats, get two or three. One will probably be too lonely.
>> Anonymous
>>252908

You were lucky. You don't know HOW many heartbreak stories of people owning rats that grew tumours popping up everywhere.
>> Anonymous
>>252944

Tumors on a rat is as inevitable as brain parasites in a catfag. Unfortunately, toxoplasmosis won't kill a catfag.
>> Anonymous
>>252908
what part of alabama are you in/ do you have a website?
>> Anonymous
>>252944
Oh, believe me, I've heard the stories :/ I have a feeling that it's partially what is fed them that causes tumors, because my rats have a low protein, low fat diet... One friend of mine was feeding the rat cat food and it got a tumor :/

>>253029
I live in Montgomery, and no I don't have a website. I don't really do 'business' outside of local people.
>> Anonymous
>>253039
dang i was curious. i live about 45min away from Montgomery. i plan on getting some rats again once i get settled in an apartment.
>> Anonymous
>>252810
would you be willing to mail some of your baby rats for payment?
>> Anonymous
As far as what you feed your rats causing cancer goes...

Never use any Kaytee product as they contain the preservative Ethoxyquin, which is a known carcinogen. Look up the dangers in animal foods if you wish!
>> Anonymous
>>253062
No. I've heard too many horror stories about mailing animals. :/

>>253041
Really? North or South or what? Because during the school year I'm down in Troy.
>> Anonymous
>>252217the food cain dont work like dat
>> Anonymous
>>253110
Auburn area is where i'm going to live. i would love to get some from a breeder considering i was probably just going to go to the Dixie Reptile show and get some there. initally feeder rats, so they dont get super socialized but they have a lot of variety.

off note, i know some breeders ship via airlines. through the mail or something.. no:
its expensive to ship rats, but basically mark them as 'kittens' and send them via the airlines, that's how ive seen other breeders do it. by marking them as kittens i mean.. on the pet carrier they'd be in. so people wont just be like "oh. lol rats. who cares"
>> Anonymous
thanks for the advice. Still got a lot of research to do, but hopefully my housing next year will allow for a pet.