One morning, while munching on his frozen waffle, my nine-year-old son, Max, declared, “I want a pet of my own.” I raised an eyebrow and gestured towards our designer puppy lounging in the corner, still sporting remnants of a toy from a galaxy far, far away. “No, I want something that’s just for me,” Max insisted, his face lighting up. “Like a gerbil or a hamster.”
A sigh escaped my lips. Over the years, our family had expanded to include four children, each requiring endless care and attention. We had tried various pets: parakeets that nipped and scattered feathers everywhere, aquatic frogs we often forgot to feed, hermit crabs that mysteriously disappeared (they kind of ate each other, if I’m honest), and an overwhelming number of fish. Just a word of advice: only parents ready to have a few lessons on mortality should attempt to keep fish as pets.
After much trial and error, I had firmly decided that we would never again welcome pets that required tanks or cages. Managing the kids was already a full-time job, so why add more responsibilities?
Yet there’s one undeniable truth in parenting: the more “rules” you set, the more likely you are to break them. When your sensitive and empathetic middle child, who feels the weight of the world more than most, asks for a pet to love him back, you might just find yourself becoming a rat owner. Yes, that’s right—two rats, to be exact.
Reluctantly, I dove into research on small animals, realizing that a beloved pet could bring immense joy to Max. We were on the hunt for something sociable, loving, and easy to care for—while also being considerate of my allergies. After some soul-searching, I had to admit that, despite the stigma, rats are known to be intelligent and affectionate companions. So, like any responsible mom would (right?), I found a rat breeder on Craigslist. Yes, those exist.
A few months later, Max and I embarked on a two-hour drive to pick up our new furry friends from a meticulous 19-year-old breeder who lived at home with her parents and a seemingly endless supply of rats. As we arrived, I noticed her family preparing dinner in the background, while I stood before a massive cage filled with rats and their little ones. At that moment, I thought to myself, “Perhaps I’m not as soft-hearted as I imagined.”
Max eagerly named his new pets, Peanut and Daisy, and cradled them on his lap for our long journey home. Peanut and Daisy adore organic bedding, whole grain snacks, and cardboard tubes. And Max? He’s completely smitten.
When I shared a photo of Max with the rats on social media, I was met with a flood of reactions ranging from disbelief to admiration. “You’re a better mom than I could ever be,” some friends remarked. But I don’t quite see it that way. Motherhood has a way of pushing you to your limits and revealing strengths you never knew you had. For me, it’s meant embracing the idea of bonding with creatures that have long tails and a penchant for mischief—simply to bring a smile to my child’s face. The young version of me that thrived in city apartments would have never imagined welcoming rats into my home, yet the mother I am today understands the joy this brings.
While I’m not overjoyed about being a rat owner, and I certainly don’t relish the thought of cleaning cages, I recognize the happiness these little creatures bring to Max. He experiences emotions deeply, perhaps more so than his siblings, and he needed these rats in his life. That’s the essence of love—becoming a pet rat owner against your better judgment. Thankfully, rats have a short lifespan of about three years, so there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
If you’re considering the journey into pet ownership, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination. And for those looking into at-home options, this reputable retailer has great kits that can help guide you. For more insights into parenting and pet ownership, take a look at one of our other posts here.
In summary, my journey from a cautious mom to a proud rat owner began with a simple request from my son. Sometimes, love takes us down unexpected paths, even if they include furry companions with long tails.
Leave a Reply