Published on 12, July, 2020
Does anybody keep pets to provide company/friendship? I basically only have one friend outside work, who I don't get to see very often, and live hundreds of miles away from my family. So I tend to get very lonely, especially at weekends.
I'm thinking about getting some animal company to provide a bit of company and fun around my flat, and several people have recommended rats. It seems a good idea as they're fairly cheap to keep, small enough that I could keep two (I wouldn't want to leave one on its own all day), and apparently very tame and loving. I could also fit a decent-sized rat cage in front of my window, which faces North so they'd get plenty of natural light but not too hot. People who've kept them tell me that they're a bit like little dogs: a lot smarter and friendlier than their bad press suggests, and happy to cuddle in your arms while you're reading etc.
The idea of having animals (other than spiders, moths, and the occassional silverfish) in the flat would take some getting used to with my cleanliness obsession, but it does seem like something that could help. Instead of coming home to an empty flat I'd come home to a couple of little friends. And I could know that every single weekend I could spend as much time with good friends as I liked, albeit small and furry ones.
Does this sound realistic to those of you who keep pets or am I taking too much of a rose tinted view?
Zem :)
Hi guys
I got two rats after work on Wednesday, and the cate and bits and pieces to go with them. I checked that the cage would be big enough on an RSPCA website and brought an extra ladder to put in there for them (it already came with a litter tray, hammock, and shelf). Of course the ladder is the only thing in there (including each other) that they don't seem interested in climbing on, and the hammock is getting gnawed rather than sat on. They also seem to far prefer scraps of broccoli stalk or apple to the "rat treats" that the pet shop flogged me.
They've been gradually getting used to their new home and becoming more friendly, although it was interesting getting them out to clean the cage today. It was the first time I'd picked them up as you're not supposed to handle them for the first three days while they settle in. One was OK but the other was determined not to be caught! Eventually I had to encourage him into a small box to take him out in.
It's going to be a challenge looking after them given my hygiene obsessions. I was very careful about trying to keep everything off the carpet on a sheet when I was cleaning the cage. I am very worried about them weeing and pooing on my carpet. And of course they walk in their litter tray. But I know that the benefits that they may offer in terms of mental health far outweigh any risk of getting ill from them. Just getting them and watching them has been a big help this week. In any case, loads of people have far messier pets.
Thanks again for your advice.