Just mentioning the word "rat" may be enough to conjure up terrifying images of disease and horror in most people, but in reality rats actually make great pets. They are intelligent, affectionate and extremely loyal. A popular misconception many people have about rats is that they spread plague. This isn't true because during the time of the plague in the Middle Ages, the outbreak was caused by fleas and unsanitary conditions, not rats.
Rats have an average lifespan of 2-3 years and you have to be prepared to provide your pet with lots of time and attention to ensure its well-being throughout its life. They are very social creatures and keeping more than one may be a good idea. If you don't want them breeding keep two of the same gender to keep each other company. Because rats are largely nocturnal creatures, keeping more than one rat will help prevent loneliness and boredom when you're not around.
When choosing a cage for your pet rats, always try to get the biggest cage you can afford. Rats are quite active and need room to exercise and move around. Avoid cages with wire mesh flooring as these can damage and injure your pet rat's feet and legs. A nest box should be provided so the rats can hide and feel safe if they feel threatened. Rats love hammocks and toys so be sure to provide them with things to keep them occupied.
Good toys to give your pet rats are chews and wood blocks as rats love to gnaw. Not all rats like exercise wheels and if you do get one for your rats make sure it's a spoke-less kind so your rat's tail doesn't get pinched in the spokes. Rats love shredding things so be sure to provide them with empty cardboard toilet rolls. You can find special shredding toys at the pet shop which contain a treat in the center of cardboard layers that the rat has to shred to get to the treat. This is very entertaining for rats.
You can easily litter train your pet rats. This can be done by providing them with a litter box (corner litter boxes sold at most pet shops are ideal for this) and waiting for them to do their business, then pick up the droppings and put them in the litter box. Show the rat the litter box with the droppings and in no time they'll learn to use their litter box on their own.
If you do decide to get rats, you will discover that they make wonderful companions, you can even train them to come to their name or to retrieve objects. They are highly intelligent and social creatures and will truly fulfill your life.