Rats are considered the most loving rodents. They form strong bonds with the humans that look after them and enjoy being cuddled. Gerbils are a close second, though they won't sit still as long as a rat will.
Guinea pigs are considered the sweetest and most social of the pet rodents. Guinea pigs live 5 to 7 years, longer than hamsters.
Rats and mice are family-oriented, sensitive, empathetic animals. They speak to each other in squeaks and in high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to the human ear. They become emotionally attached to one other, love their families, and bond easily with their human guardians.
Mice are one of the easiest pets to own because they have minimal space needs and do not require attention. They do, however, enjoy companionship with other mice, so purchasing multiple can keep your pet happy. A pet mouse will usually live for 1 to 3 years.
Rats are better able than mice to make friends with other family pets and these relationships can be really enjoyable to watch. Mice are a bit too fragile for this and are usually seen as a snack - especially for cats! Rats are known to pair particularly well with dogs and cats.
While both can do well in captivity, gerbils are notoriously easier, more docile, and less likely to bite. Hamsters can become tame with frequent handling but will not tolerate being held for long and will bite when scared, sick, or with rough handling.
They are very social and love to hang out with human family members on the couch or on peoples' shoulders or in their laps. They will even try to groom their human companions as if these people were other rats in their “rat pack.” Pet rats love the warmth and contact of their caretakers and are actually very cuddly! 4.
Rats. A rat might not be the first small pet on your list, but "they make some of the best pets for small children," says Dr. Graham. "Rats can be calm, laid-back, and not as nippy as other small mammals, and they can be handled a lot."
Rats and guinea pigs are mainly tame animals that can also be picked up. Mice, dwarf hamsters and gerbils on the other hands are difficult to manage and therefore less suitable for children. Chinchillas do not like to be handled too much either.
Many believe Dumbo rats to be friendlier than other types of rats. (Dumbo rats' ears are on the sides of their head rather than on top—similar to Walt Disney's “Dumbo the Elephant”.) Burmese are also often considered to be very friendly.
Rattus norvegicus domestica
Fancy rats are generally easy to care for, and are quite affordable, even compared to other small pets; this is one of their biggest draws. Additionally, they are quite independent, affectionate, loyal and easily trained. They are considered more intelligent than other domesticated rodents.
Gerbils and chinchillas are the most hygienic rodents to keep as pets. They produce little waste, and their cages require minimal cleaning. Mice and hamsters, on the other hand, are the smelliest. They pee often, and their urine has a strong, unpleasant odor.
But what exactly do mice and rats hate to smell? Mice can be kept away by using the smells of peppermint oil, cinnamon, vinegar, citronella, ammonia, bleach, and mothballs.
Hamsters
A deep clean is needed less often, making it very easy to maintain. Hamsters are ideal for those who are sensitive to smell. If a hamster is properly cared for it rarely produces unpleasant smells, making them ideal pets if you want to maintain a clean house. We rate hamsters an 8/10 for cleanliness.
Male rats tend to be quite cuddly and affectionate pets with a mellow temperament. They are likely to enjoy snuggling up with you for some head scratches. If you want a more independent and adventurous companion, a female rat may be the pet for you. Female rats are quite active and like to get busy exploring.
Do not kiss, nuzzle, or hold rats close to your face. This can startle your rats and also increase your chances of being bitten. Bites can spread germs and can make you sick. You don't have to touch pet rats to get sick from their germs.
5. They kiss their humans just like dogs and cats do. Of course they do!
Rat Are Social Animals
Pet rats enjoy being stroked by their owners and sometimes even enjoy a gentle massage, a scratch behind the ears, or a simple tickle. Rats have also been known to return the affection by "grooming" their owners.
If you are a cuddler and want a pet that is going to interact with you, then a guinea pig is ideal. Cavies are less fragile, don't mind being handled and are more receptive to affection from their humans. Hammies not so much. Hamsters tend to be more temperamental and skittish around humans.
Syrian (Golden) Hamster
The Syrian hamster is the best species for handling. It is easy to tame, the slowest of the popular pet hamsters, and the least likely to bite. Though docile with humans, they are territorial with other hamsters and should always be housed alone.
Both species form strong bonds in their pairs, and with their owners too. Some owners report that rats form particularly strong bonds with specific people, though, even in the same league as an affectionate dog or cat.