For all rat lovers: art, humor, accessories, tales, videos, news, rat rescue, photos, links.

Buy some yummy rat food and treats at The Crafty Rat thecraftyrat.com

Learn more about rats: their behavior, sensory world and biology at ratbehavior.org

Rats are very smart and they can figure out things quickly. Rats can laugh and do so with a high chirping sound when amused. They are also easily trained and many can do tricks. Rats can make great, fun pets.

How to choose and adopt your first pet rat. Click here.

www.cafepress.com/petratstars Buy some fun merchandise !

Learn about ratty language and behavior at rattyrat.com

U.S. Western Rat Vets and U.S. Midwest + Eastern Western Rat Vets

PET RAT STARS is brought to you by SUPER KITTY STARS www.superkittystars.com

Rat and Mouse Club of America Read here for RESOURCES about your pet rat.

THE RAT SHOP -- the place for rat supply needs -- theratshop.com

In India's small northwestern city of Deshnoke, this is a place of worship: Rajastan's famous Karni Mata Temple. Small, brown blurs scurry across marble floors. Thousands of rats dine with people and scamper over their feet. This ornate, isolated Hindu temple was constructed by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the early 1900s as a tribute to the rat goddess, Karni Mata. Intricate marble panels line the entrance and the floors, and silver and gold decorations are found throughout. But by far the most intriguing aspect of the interior is the 20,000-odd rats that call this temple home. These holy animals are called kabbas, and many people travel great distances to pay their respects. How rare this rat-worshipping temple is.

Purchase informational + educational rat books through The Rat Fan Club ratfanclub.org

Get major medical health insurance for your exotic pet rats! www.petinsurance.com

Purina Yesterday's News as rat bedding Click here for locations of where to buy.

Made and designed by THE KITTY MONSTER. Where all your rat-lovin’ dreams come true!

Look cute and comfortable! This rat cage took months to build from summer 2011-October 2011 (includes all building materials and pet toys or rat decor). An estimated value of under $900.00 [4 1/2 feet x 5 1/2 feet ]

Main materials used to build with: staple gun with staples, wire cutters, a hammer, flathead and philips screw driver, various pieces from a one level Critter Trail Habitat in pink by SuperPet (found at any Petco or Petsmart), black wood (base background -- like a skeleton basically), chicken wire (main coverage), clear black plexiglass or acrylic sheet (for each level layered on top of the wood pieces), bacteria and stain resistant granite tile (made for the ladders or specific wood pieces to give a beautiful distinct characteristic), flat head philips wood screws, coarse thread drywall screws, corner braces, flat corner braces, pieces of wood cut professionally on a dual beveled sliding compound miter saw Makita 10 inch blade, narrow hinges and round knobs for the doors, clear glass for the see-through windows on the lower and middle levels of the cage, eight 2 inch rubber wheel rigid casters for the bottom of the cage [easy access to move or roate the rat cage around on wheels] among other building materials that can be purchased through Home Depot or Lowes.

♥ RAT-alicious and BOLD ... This glamour CONDO was made for my 6 (six) charming female pet rats: Charlisa, Shamila, Michaela, Lillyanna, Madelena, and Selena with sweetheart love.

Bedding choice = Purina "Yesterday's News" 30 LB (all on the 2nd level of the cage -- it only took a week to train the rats to use as a poop box similar to a cat's) --- which is kept separate from the nesting / bedding and play areas on the 2 and 3rd levels.

Water supply choice = chew resistant glass proof bottles for small animals made by Super Pet in addition to the extra water bottles that came with the one level Habitat Super Pet pink cage for small animals [10 oz. water bottle].

Extra water bottles = Just how did I attach these inside the rat cage? Well, I took huge garden cutting shears and was able to cut the pink wire and shape it out from the one level Habitat Super Pet pink cage [back piece]. Then I used cable ties to secure the shaped wire [back piece] that holds the pink 10 oz. plastic water bottles on the 2nd level of the rat cage [basically held onto the chicken wire].

♥ Ooh-la-la MAKE IT SHINE! Easy to clean rat cage, with the simple removal of the precut or premade clear black plexiglass or acrylic sheets (for each level layered on top of the wood pieces) -- the acrylic sheet or plexiglass is almost similar material as the pink one level Habitat Super Pet pink cage for small animals.

FASHION TRICKS [Once you've nailed down your fashion vibe, have fun piling on the jewels] -- craft and fabric supplies for decor on the outside of the cage are ribbons, decorated zebra tape (in pink and black and white), Gorilla glue, wood glue, black duck tape, black electrical tape, picture frames, flat corner braces, corner braces, art work of images (skulls, rats [Littlest Pet Shop - Mouse and Rat Hasbro toys], or movies) and random sparkling jewelry to complete the punk rock, razzle-dazzle, bewitching look. Some supplies can be bought at Michaels Arts and Crafts Stores or Walmart.

ROCK YOUR RATS IN STYLE = some chew proof toys can be bought in the toy section or baby section of any Toys R Us, Walmart, Target, pet stores, etc. Chose wisely. If you know your rat will not chew up specific toys, then its safe. If you know your rat will chew up certain toys that will last for only a few hours -- then make sure to clean up their mess and provide new chew-proof toys. At least it keeps them busy.

Kitty Catkin Bug House #6781 [crafted using non-toxic coatings] www.melissaanddoug.com

My pet rat stars love to sleep inside this bug catcher! Comforts 2-3 small rats.

RAT SECRETS = ceramic baking supplies [sturdy food dishes] or ceramic pet supplies were bought and used for the rat food and water areas inside the rat cage. All fun decor can be bought on sale at bargain places such as Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Anna's Linens, The Hobby Lobby, dd's DISCOUNTS, Home Goods, pet supply stores, etc.

EXTRA AIR FLOW = on the top right and left sides of the rat cage are black sconces that hold 1 small pink fan on each side (can be bought at any Target in the Room Essentials section).

♥ E-Z open and carry away petting zones are on several levels from the one level Habitat Super Pet pink cage for small animals. Apparently my pet rats love to cuddle and sleep in them.

CUSTOMIZE IT = other accessories are mounted on the right plus left sides of the rat cage for rat books [by Debbie Ducommun] and rat medical care inside a pink file box [bought at Big Lots or Jo-Ann Fabrics].

PASSION FOR FASHION = on the very bottom (1st level) in front of the rat cage ... there are 3 gorgeous velvet (purple and black with faux diamonds) ottomans to accentuate the spot to hide nesting materials, play toys, bedding, etc. The ottomans are also a sitting zone where anyone can open the rat doors and play with the pet rats -- as each one will crawl onto your shoulders and cuddle with you to hang out. Or you can stand up and the rats will still excitedly come to anyone and hop onto their shoulders for affection.

Make the living room dreamy for your pet rats. Interestingly, mine will sleep on this.

On the very top of the 5th level of the rat cage is where I store canisters of food [in black containers to match the rat cage].

♥ On the 1st level of the rat cage, Super Pet Habitat one level portable pink rat cages are stored for future Veterinary Hospital or travel use. Although they are perfect for hamsters, gerbils or pet mice -- they are adequate portable cages for small animals such as rats. I've taken my pet rats to the Veterinary Hospital in them and never had a problem with space. I can easily fit 2 rats per cage. Therefore, I own at least 5 of these one level Habitat Super Pet pink cages. I have a couple for extra back up. All are kept clean 24/7 and ready to go for special rat occasions and rat emercencies.

BOOST YOUR BOND [The Beauty of Best Friends]... All my 6 female rats are in allurement heaven. The day I put them into their rockin' condo, they were making happy squeeking noises that they ran around like crazy on each level making use of all objects + toys ... and slept in every place they could hide -- and played or tried to claim their own territory in the first few days. Afterways, they all shared various places and know that mommie build this entire cage with tender love and kitten care, with one other rat confidant that aided in special artisitc areas. It's the sweet stuff that makes you smile.

RAT TREND OF THE YEAR ... I love my rats dearly. And if you love your rat(s), take the fun and artistic enjoyment of building him / her or them an awesome one-of-a-kind playful rat cage!

THE MAGIC = Art is my hobby with crafts and sewing including digital illustration. Thus, all of the above was hard labor, hours consumed with love, and time to think out a rat plan of what the condo [rat cage] would be designed like from day one. For exquisite colors, I choose a lot of fuschia, light pinks, baby blues, wild zebra and leopard prints, turquoise pigments and lastly rebellious black to fit the Punk RAT edge.

♥ CONFIDENCE AND AMBITION ... It was hard creative work, and my six pet rat stars are in condo style galore!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G00KTJgHQAc

Rhinestone wall art decor for my pet rats. Can be bought at any Target store.

My new love for rats!

I was sitting outside drinking coffee on the bench in front of the house one morning. Then started to wonder where 2 of the other outdoor cats were (Burritto kitty and Quijibo) ... so I got up and walked towards the driveway because they like to hide underneath the cars ... well, I saw this little dark brown rat wounded on the right side of the driveway. Then the cats huddled around it with me just starring ... then 2 of my other roommates simultaneously.

She (shAmiLa) was found in the driveway. We assume she fell from the tree. Her hind / back legs were barely moving. Her front paws worked. She was able to eat and drink water. However, we she could not make it and died 2 days later of possible nerve damage.

Rescuing this wild rat was new to me, amazing, a learning experience, and now I've overcome my fear of rats from childhood. I never knew they were soooo SWEET!!! Despite how horror films depict them, they are not as evil and spooky as one would think.

Now I own 6 female rats and they are amazingly smart, funny, charming, act like dogs at times, and very playful. They always love attention. As a matter of fact, the best way I bonded with all of my rats was in a rather unique way. I have a full size camping bed.

If you layer it with full size bed sheets, and gets lots of little blanks to pile on top of you while you lay down ... then place all the rats on the camping bed with you, they will run around like crazy and learn to bond with you, accept your human scent. It's a great way to play with your rats as well. My rats are well trained and have been on the camping bed with me since the day I adopted them.

They have been around cats and dogs and have never jumped down and stay on the camping bed to cuddle, sleep, and hang out. After awhile, when at least a number of hours have gone by and I've slept on the camping bed with them (taken a kitten nap) -- I place them back into their rat condo.

You can purchase a Coleman Elite Bunkhouse Deluxe II Camping Cot. Go here http://www.campingcomfortably.com/coleman-elite-bunkhouse-deluxe-ii-cot.html

You can buy suitable cages from pet stores, online or even build your own cage.

Get ready for life in the pink lane! My pet rats love this super-stylish vehicle!

Did you know that RATS spelled backwards = STAR

The domestic rat is a descendant of the wild brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and has been bred as a pet for about a hundred years. Keeping Rats as Pets. Domesticated rats make excellent pets for children and adults alike. They are highly intelligent (being the most used in studies for intelligence and psychology research), clean, and very sociable. Rats need friends to be happy. Rats are amazing pets. Bred as pets since the late 19th century. Rats have a very good sense of smell and are easy to train. Rat lovers of all ages can enjoy learning about these intelligent and interesting pets. It's a good idea to keep a pair of them where possible. Choose two males or two females. When looking for a great small pet for your kids, have you ever considered rats? If not, you should! They are friendly, loving, lovable, and they are amazing furry friends.

♥ Fun Facts ... France flew the 1st astronaut rat into outer space on 2/22/1961

Click to watch the theatrical trailer WILLARD and the movie.

♥ Click to watch Crispin Glover's interview 2003 for the film WILLARD with Conan.

Chinese Astrology (The Rat)

Most people probably have a negative impression about the Rat, the number one house pest. However, in Chinese astrology, as the first sign of the twelve, the Rat is viewed as a mixture of many things. He can be as friendly as the lovable Stuart Little, as calculating and intelligent as Jerry in "Tom and Jerry," as devoted and loving to his loved ones as the rats in An American Tail, or as mischievous and mean as in the Mouse Trap.

As mentioned in the introduction, the legend is that the Heavenly God awarded the first twelve animals that crossed the river to be the signs in the zodiac calendar. And it's just common sense that with the Rat's petite size and small feet, there is no way this tiny creature can win the race on its own. But as the story explains, the Rat won the race with its wits and intelligence.

As the first sign among the twelve in the zodiac, the Rat is considered a major sign in Chinese astrology.

Charming Tails Collectible Figurines

Families are a setting for almost every story. No matter where on the map the action takes place, close relations and beloved friends are at the center of the tale, because they are at the center of our lives.

Can be ordered here http://www.shellfactory.com/store/charming_tails.htm

Click here for THE RAT LADY'S homemade rat diet. My pet rats love it! Rat approved.

Debbie Ducommun, known as "The Rat Lady," is internationally recognized as an expert on domestic rats. She has worked in the animal care industry for over 18 years and has a background in animal training, nutrition, and animal health care. She graduated from California State University at Chico with honors and holds a bachelor of arts degree in animal behavior.

Click to read more about "How did you become The Rat Lady?"

Other delicious rat foods that can be served with the homemade rat diet.

This portion of food is served on a zebra ceramic art dish that can be purchased by clicking here.

All images and artwork are © Copyright by the respective artists.

I bought this Rats magazine in PetSmart on 4/2/2012. All about America's Favorite pets. Popular Critters Series. smallanimalchannel.com/critter-magazines/popular-critters/rats.aspx

The coolest thing ever, I found this in the Rats magazine: Make your critter a star!

Another Popular Critters Magazine! Buy it while you can. www.shopanimalnetwork.com/product.aspx?cid=27&pid=421&mid=2