According to a new book from animal behavior professor Ashley Ward, rats are lovely neighbors. Ward says, “I’ve always been a bit of a rat fan and have kept pet rats in the past.” He says rats will help their fellow rodents by sharing food and inviting them into warm, dry places to nest.
Ward says that when rats get a handout from their fellow rats, they’ll offer grooming in return. He says the massage is a reward but also “encourages rats to give their food to their rat masseuse next time the need arises.” While they’re social animals, they still cause problems and carry diseases, but Ward says they get a bad rap.
Source: New York Post