Pet rats are truly domesticated animals that have been selectively bred in captivity for hundreds of generations. They are the same species as the wild brown rat, Rattus norvegicus, but have been selectively bred for looks and temperament for at least the last century and are now quite different in temperament from their ancestors.
Pet rats are as different from wild rats as dogs are from wolves. They are far less aggressive towards humans and rival rats, and display a number of behavioural differences from wild rats, which have been noted by researchers. They rarely bite and stay clean by grooming themselves like a cat several times a day.
Rats are amazingly intelligent, interactive, loyal and affectionate.
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