What does one think of when they hear the word "rat"? The animal-loving neighbor next door may say that rats are smart, cute and lovable creatures that make wonderful pets. However, the animal-loving neighbor across the street may say that rats make a great snack for their smart, cute and lovable pet. A medical researcher is asked for their perception, they may list the reasons as to why rats make incredible scientific models. In another instance, a barn-owner may say that the pesky rats are the reason they need a barn cat. The social perception and use of rats is incredibly diverse, and the opinion or use of rats can vary greatly when looking across the world or even within a single household.
When discussing the current reputation rats have in modern-day society, it is important to first understand how they are utilized. One of the major uses of rats is in a research setting. Research laboratories and universities use rats as biological and psychological models for humans. The University of Cambridge notes that "almost all disease-linked human genes have counterparts in the rat" (University of Cambridge). This has led them to be scientific models for studying human diseases as well as drug efficacy and safety. Rats are also commonly used in human psychology studies since their brain structures are great models for primitive human brain function. Another well known use of rats is through companionship. In the eyes of many people, rats are intelligent, friendly, clean, and playful pets. One of the last common use of rats is for food. Although the use of rodents for food is not a very common practice in the United States, rat meat is a culinary delicacy in most of Southeast Asia, as well as Central and South America. For example, they are sold in supermarkets in the Philippines and eaten at weddings in Vietnam (Gruber, 2016, p. 1). Overall, it is clear that in today's society, rats have an incredibly diverse function around the world.
The perception of rats may be just as diverse as their function in society. From pest, to object, to beloved pet, these creatures are perceived in every connotation. Starting at their more negative reputation, rats are often viewed as disease-carrying pests. According to the UC Integrative Pest Management, "rats are some of the most troublesome and damaging rodents in the United States. They eat and contaminate food, damage structures and property, and transmit parasites and diseases to other animals and humans" (Marsh, et. al., 2011). The US Environmental Protection Agency, the CDC, and equivalents around the world warn residents of rats and the many diseases they can carry during an infestation. Rats are also commonly associated with broken down or dirty areas in media, as filmmakers often add rats to add a creepy or dystopic ambiance.
In a more positive light, rats are viewed as beloved companions. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, rats "are larger and easier to handle than some smaller rodents, rarely bite, and often become strongly bonded to their owners," (American Veterinary Medical Association). For many people, these attributes make rats an ideal pet. In addition, rats are often depicted as companions or the hero in many children's stories. Rats have gone on adventures, become master chefs, taught martial arts, and built friendships with some of the greatest heroes. Many of these movies have also gone further to depict the major misconceptions people have toward rats.
In conclusion, rats are disgusting, cute, and delicious scientific models. They have provided many people with an incredible discovery, a terrible discovery, a love-filled home, and a satisfying meal.
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