The Rat

by Ginger Cardinal

This is our seventh set of Happy, Healthy Pet titles. These latest books will bring our series up to fifty-five titles and, like the others, they are books pet owners can turn to for the essential information they need to raise a healthy, happy pet. All books contain information on: c feeding c grooming c housing c health care c what to expect from the pet c basic training As our series expands and focuses on different kinds of pets, the emphasis remains on making the pet a companion. Owners of more unusual pets will particularly appreciate the expert advice in these books because professional care for exotic animals can be hard to come by. As always, the instruction on the books is from experts people who know their pets intimately but always remember what it was like to have one the first time. Happy, Healthy Pet guides are rich with professional quality color photos and are designed to be enjoyable and easy to learn from. More and more people are discovering each year what affectionate, intelligent and charming pets rats can be. Ginger Cardinal already knows. She s the former president of the Rat, Mouse and Hamster Society and a longtime breeder, exhibitor, judge and dedicated companion of these special rodents. 128 pages

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Hilary "Fox" · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the largest troubles that comes with owning a somewhat exotic pet is all of the misinformation that abounds about their care. The internet has unfortunately compounded this - nearly everyone wants to appear to be an expert online, and that can make finding good guides on pet care a chore. Finding good guides that are good for all ages, well, that can be an even more difficult task. Thankfully, this little book did a great job on introducing the rat to owners or fanciers of all ages.

This book is a bit longer than the other guides I read, and as such goes into a bit more detail. I appreciated how thoroughly Ginger Cardinal described how rats behaviors and abilities derive from their wild past, and also how much emphasis she places upon being careful with your new pet. While rats are hardy animals, everyone would do well to explain their small size and delicate nature to children prior to allowing them to handle them. The same goes for hedgehogs - animals are delicate, separate creatures from us. I like that she encourages explaining such.

The guide was very thorough, and she acknowledges throughout that information is often being updated and changing with each passing year. At the back of the book further resources are included, as well as a list of the Rat Fancier clubs in the US. It was interesting going into detail about at shows and how they're judged, as well as the many varieties and markings. I wish more pictures were included in the colors section, but understand how difficult that can be - we still don't have a good color guide for hedgehogs out there!

All in all a great book, and a great resource for new rat owners.

[Ruth King · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was probably great when it came out, but as others mention the advice is a little outdated today.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have a pet rat or thinking of getting one? This book is a must purchase. Just because your lil munchkin is a pocket pal doesn't mean he/she doesn't deserve the best in care and this book will help out a whole lot. I used this book extensively when I first became a rattie mama and have recommended it more times than I can count!

[Jena · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better rat ownership books out there, but it shows its age. Also could seriously benefit from a longer length. Good intro for would-be owners but you'll still need to do a lot of additional research.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love love rats. I read this book to make me feel happy inside! Everyone should own such amiable animals!