Whether rats like to be petted depends on whether you are talking about wild rats or domesticated pet fancy rats, and on the individual rat's temperament and socialization. Wild Norway rats and roof rats do not like to be petted at all and will bite if handled because they see humans as predators and are terrified. Pet fancy rats, which are domesticated Norway rats bred for temperament, often do like to be petted and can become very affectionate with their owners when handled gently from a young age. Many pet rats enjoy being stroked on the head, behind the ears, and along the back, and will show signs of enjoyment such as bruxing which is grinding teeth softly, boggling where eyes bulge slightly due to jaw muscle movement, closing eyes, leaning into the hand, and licking. They are highly social animals that crave interaction and often seek out human contact, will ride on shoulders, and will groom their owners. However, not all pet rats like the same type of petting, some prefer to be held rather than stroked, and they should always be approached calmly, supported properly, and never squeezed. If a pet rat bites, squirms, or tries to escape, it is signaling it does not want petting at that moment. With patience and positive handling, most pet rats grow to enjoy petting as bonding.
1 votes
Marked as accepted