So this seems cute at first, but I've also come across this video via a rat youtuber. And she pointed out some problems. Rats are highly social animals, and you should always keep them with other rats. A different species is no adequate replacement. The red stuff that you see around ivory's eye is nothing dangerous, but if it's continuous it's a indicator for the rat being stressed. Also there were no hides whatsoever and basically the whole environment there is not great for rats. They need a lot of hides, toys, climbing opportunities. Keeping them in pairs is a minimum but due to complex hierarchy systems, at least 3 are recommended. Also even a tiny accidental cat scratch can carry bacteria that's dangerous for rats and lead to infection or even death.
I immediately thought of how stressful it might be to be trapped with their natural predators but did not know of the other factors. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
If that person is talking about porphyrin, I find it weird that no one bothered to point out that it's a natural substance that is not exclusively produced or caused by stress. There are a variety of things that can lead to additional production of porphyrin - including underlying health issues. It's possible whatever was causing the issue was being treated for.
.
They also may not have had access to another kitten with leukemia.
.
Also - the rats grew up with cats. It's unlikely they viewed them as predators anymore than kittens that grow up around dogs do.
.
Rats in general do do better in groups and with their own kind, however.
Comments
.
They also may not have had access to another kitten with leukemia.
.
Also - the rats grew up with cats. It's unlikely they viewed them as predators anymore than kittens that grow up around dogs do.
.
Rats in general do do better in groups and with their own kind, however.