A resident of Odesa keeps seven rats at home.

Karina Andriyashova from Odesa has an enclosure for rats that she has rescued or purchased from breeders. She has seven rats in her collection, which she calls 'The Rat Dormitory'. The enclosure is divided into two groups of four and three rats.

Karina started with her first rat, which she bought at a pet store with a friend. She got a rat because she wanted to have something unusual that many people are afraid of. Later, she bought two more pet rats from the pet store.

Among all the rats, the leader is Chupacabra, who actively 'educates' the new rats. She has authority among the other rats and maintains order in the enclosure.

All of Karina's rats belong to the species Rattus norvegicus, which is related to street rats. Although they do not have official breeds, they differ in fur color, eye color, and ear shape.

One of the main problems of keeping rats is animal diseases. Karina noted that working from home allows her to better monitor the health of her charges. Earlier, when she worked in an office, she had to rush home during lunch breaks to give her rats medication.

The average lifespan of pet rats is two years. In some cases, they can live longer, but this is rare. Keeping rats requires creating appropriate conditions. They need a large enclosure, as store cages are often too small. Rats also need to be let out for walks so they can run and explore their surroundings.

Keeping rats also incurs significant costs for their food, equipment, veterinary services, and more. Therefore, owners must be prepared for financial expenses. They also actively help each other within the community of rat owners.

Author: Karolina Ivanova