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I’ve Spent Years Photographing Rats To Break The Negative Image Of Rats By Taking Cute Pics Of Them
I have been taking pictures of pet rats for years hoping to break the negative image that is often associated with these lovely animals.
Here are some of these photographs, both of my rats and of my friends' rats and, as you may see, they are far from being dirty nasty little monsters! They are actually highly intelligent social beings that love interacting with each other and their favorite humans. They are very friendly, smart, playful, they love cuddles and are very clean: many rat owners agree to compare them to tiny dogs.
I made all the little accessories (except for the little black hat) so these wouldn't constrain the rats: they could remove them very easily, although they didn't bother most of the time as they were quite cool and relaxed. No animals were harmed during the making of these pictures, the ladybug was also alive and well and flew away soon after the photo shooting.
If you ever want to adopt pet rats, please consider contacting your local pet shelter as there are many rats awaiting for a forever home. You must also adopt at least two rats of the same sex, rats absolutely need to have a friend from their own species.
More info: dianeozdamar.myportfolio.com
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Herjan And His Fancy Hat (Herjan)
Final score:
267points
#3
Brothers Enjoying A Snack (Izumi, Lysander And Kaelan)
Final score:
238points
#4
There's No Rabbit In The Hat... (Heimdall)
Final score:
236points
#7
What's This? (Thjazi)
Final score:
211points
TheRubyFalcon 7 years ago
I can visualize the next moment, after he touches it and it pops on his nose. xD
#8
Bloody Strawberry (Lysander)
Final score:
202points
#9
Two Brothers (Semtex And Toutatis)
Final score:
174points
#10
Spring Time (Tjall)
Final score:
148points
#11
Tiny Boat (Taz)
Final score:
123points
#12
Fragile (Feirefiz)
Final score:
108points
#13
Christmas Nap Time (Feirefiz)
Final score:
107points
#15
The Winter Fairy (Lysander)
Final score:
97points
#16
Trust Me, I'm A Daisy (Tjall)
Final score:
97points
#17
Ho Ho Ho! (Fenrir)
Final score:
91points
#18
Valentine's Day (Arkanys And Lorich)
Final score:
91points
#20
Kiwi Or Strawberry? That Is The Question... (Blue Suede Shoes)
Final score:
85points
#22
The Cheesiest Picture Ever (Bobillot)
Final score:
78points
#23
Breakfast Time! (Pagello, Feirefiz And Inoa)
Final score:
78points
#24
The Ballerina (Fenrir)
Final score:
78points
#27
My Apple, Not Yours! (Lysander)
Final score:
76points
TheRubyFalcon 7 years ago
That must be a really tiny apple... Or a big rat! I guess a bigger rat means more furry surface area.
#31
Warm Summer Day (Peach)
Final score:
70points
#32
Jingle Bells! (Caprice)
Final score:
67points
#33
Brothers Snuggling (Wait For It, Tasty Cool And Lillebjörn)
Final score:
67points
#34
The Hazelnut Thief (Grimnir)
Final score:
66points
#35
Yummm, Kiwi! (I Can't Remember Her Name... Sorry About That!)
Final score:
61points
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
I know right? They almost look like human hands...
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Adriana E. Henricy 7 years ago
they are so lovely! I really like how you put them, they look beyond adorable!
Kane Cheung 7 years ago
They are just like micro doggies, can be trained and super friendly if socialized properly.
Rieschelle Roberts 7 years ago
It just takes one a*****e to ruin a good thing. Mr. Rat seemed happy being the mascot and riding on the shoulders of the employee.
Paul K. Johnson 7 years ago
Rats are awesome - all animals are.* Animals that get a bad rap get it through no fault of their own. The only animals that aren't awesome are houseflies, horseflies and mosquitoes.
Zori the degu 7 years ago
I really hate them too, but as an amateur zoologist I constantly remind myself (through gritted teeth) that they are part of the food chains and their extinction would mean a whole host of other lovely animals gone as well.
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Marloes 7 years ago
This is so incredibly beautiful. Well done! I photograph my guinea pigs very often and that's hard sometimes, I can imagine rats being much faster than piggies. These photographs are truely outstanding! Very well done!
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
I have had the opportunity to photograph a lot of guinea pigs too and rats are indeed much faster than piggies but I eventually learnt how to anticipate their movements and how to make them feel so comfy they would slow down a tiny bit :) Both are equally adorable, by the way. I adore piggies' large noses and funny little ears. Thank you very much!
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June Pixeld 7 years ago
Not that the pics arent adorable, because they are, but i already thought they were cute, credits to Ratatouille😊
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
I love this movie! Many people went over their fear (or disgust) of rats thanks to Ratatouille :)
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Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
Aww, thanks for your sweet comment!
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Rich McCormick 7 years ago
I love rats. I have a pet rat named Nick... he's was the sweetest boy ever. Even introduce clients to him that had fear of them and loved him too. Not that they went right out and got a rat as a pet but when they met him and his sweet, friendly nature they were quite smitten with Nickie! He's been gone a long time now but I'll never forget him!
Oni Sorasousha 7 years ago
Rats are my absolute favorite. They're intelligent, playful, sociable, and overall fun. I have a very gentle pair of girls and they're the best. Keep up the amazing work, I think rats need more good publicity. ♥
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
Thank you very much! They are indeed amazing little creatures :)
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Christie Starley 7 years ago
Diane I'm so happy these darling rats have a champion in you. I've had many pets since age two (horses, dogs, Parrots, bumble bees and other little boys and girls). I can vouch for the fact that rats are highly intelligent and very loving. My "Squeaky" used to come when I called him, hung out on my shoulder, crawled underneath my sleeve and took naps, lovingly licked me with his little pink tongue. And, yes, they are super-clean. I wish people would stop hating them (and snakes). BTW, your photography is top-flight! Cordially: Christie Wagner-Starley
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
Thank you so much! Squeaky is a great name for a rat :D
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Alicia Luoma 7 years ago
Precious babies! I used to have two ratties and they made amazing pets! The only thing that breaks my heart is how short they live. They are just as intelligent and affectionate as dogs, which makes it devastating to lose them so soon!
Wayne Clifton-Miller 7 years ago
Really great photos, thank you for sharing. I use to catch field mice in our local pool in the fall and have them as pets. Always had a liking for mice, rats, hamsters and guinea pigs but have never had a rat as a pet. Hmmm?
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
Rats are absolutely amazing. If you ever plan to adopt rats, please adopt at least two of the same sex, though. No rat should ever live alone, they really need a companion to have a happy life :)
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Shalini Shelly 7 years ago
i loved my rat stu. i lost him ten months ago. i miss him a lot 1425981684...c8721d.jpg 
Flora Polvado 7 years ago
You made me want rats. Will have to wait though. My two cats are master huntresses. They intimidate our dogs:)
Leni 7 years ago
If you get guinee pigs instead, they may chase the cats :')
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Trish Dillery Watchinsky 7 years ago
I used to have quite a few little rats they were amazing little pets very intelligent very kind and very clean. Of course if you get a male they do have a musky odor as do many unneutered male animals I suppose you could probably get one neutered but I don't know. That can be easily taken care of by giving it water to bathe in. My rat Bella I used to carry her in a canvas little backpack with plenty of air holes and we would go out to the beach at night. I would let her out of the bag if she would run around the beach she wouldn't go too far from me. When I clapped she would immediately run back and get in her bag and get ready to go. They are incredibly intelligent and gentle animals. In fact a rat is a much better pet for small children than a hamster or a gerbil because both hamsters and gerbils have much more tendency to bite. Not that there's anything wrong with hamsters and gerbils but you have to be extra cautious with them around small children while a rat will hesitate to bite
Zori the degu 7 years ago
That sounds fun. I wanted to have rats but I somehow ended up with my degus(just as adorable as rats but not so trainable).
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nuttyballoon 7 years ago
How many times am I allowed to upvote this post??? :) Ratty recognition well done!
Lily Finneran 7 years ago
I don't like rats but boy you really made me look differently at them now, I have to say that they didn't look so evil as I have always thought they were! Wonderful job of making people see them in a different light! 🐾
Zori the degu 7 years ago
Oh, they can be evil, some cases are known when a rat protected their owners with teeth and claws or were vindictive, but that only shows what complicated and intelligent little beasties they are. :)
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Hikari 7 years ago
These are so precious! There should be photo shoots like this for snakes and spiders, too. I have two snakes and some people hate them :(
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
I love them too :) I never had the opportunity to take pictures of them, though... (but I took many photos of spiders, this was the best therapy to overcome my arachnophobia ^^)
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Abigail Mejia 7 years ago
I've always been afraid of their size and been specially afraid of darker shaded rats. I do know that they are very intelligent and deserve respect but I' don't think I could easily overcome my fear. The rats in these pictures look adorable and so cuddly! They are absolutely gorgeous! (both the pictures and their models)
Aish Siva 7 years ago
Was never a huge fan of rats. Always wanted mice...but you've change my mind! I concede that these are cute :)
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
Aww thanks :) Mice are very cute too, although I'm more of a rat person :)
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Allan Frost 7 years ago
Hello Diane I have been a professional photographer for some time and I have owned two rats in the past. I have to say your images are exquisite from a technical point of view and the thought and time you have obviously put into each one. I take my hat off well done keep up the good work. Allan
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
Thank you very much Allan! That means a lot to me, especially coming from a fellow photographer and rat enthusiast!
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Veronica Goddard 7 years ago
Usually when a post goes over the page, I don't bother to click forward, but these superb little creatures led me right thru' to page 4. Divine pics. Thank you Diane.
Melody Lanzatella 7 years ago
Thank you SOOO much for sharing these!!! Rats are one of my FAVE beasties! Do you sell prints????
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
Thank you! I do not sell prints yet, however as so many people have inquired about these, I am currently looking for the best online service that could allow me to sell them. There may be some prints available soon, I am not sure when, though.
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Philipp Philipp 7 years ago
I think that's a great and important step forward to get rats a better, a fair reputation :)
Zori the degu 7 years ago
I'm really mystified by the fact that people are still afraid of rats in modern times. They say that rats are nasty horrible creatures because they've never even tried to see their cute side! Rats are loving, intelligent animals that are widely misunderstood. I have a friend who hired a plumber and that man actually tried to poison her sweet pet rats! We live in the 21st century, people! Stop displaying your prejudiced views! Saying that rats don't make pets and must be exterminated is like labeling pitbulls and bullterriers as dangerous - something that must be left in the past!
Eloise Robins 7 years ago
Marvelous .. If I am confronted by a rat, I'll think of these little creatures to avert hysteria. Well done
Anna Sheridan 7 years ago
Rats are awesome! I really support this project, rats are beautiful, intelligent and sweet pets I wish more people realised!
Samhain Bloodworth 7 years ago
The coos are strong here. I think rats are beautiful creatures and I love how you captured that beauty, wonderful article Diane :-)
Erica Cook 7 years ago
So sweet. I'm not able to have rats right now because of where I live, but I want to again some day. They are such sweet creatures.
Paul K. Johnson 7 years ago
OK, now that I look at these photos again, every one of these rats looks like it knows it's loved and safe. I think they know they hit the jackpot with the human who cares for them. They might even know that life could be a lot worse for them.
Caroline Allen 7 years ago
Simply stunning!! Your photos are magical! Thank you for gifting us your talent and showcasing just how incredibly precious these little creatures are.
Clayton Bove 7 years ago
While cute and lovely, these photos are somewhat contrived to be cute and lovely. Where are the images with their interactions, especially with people? They are social animals, in the human context, meaning that they usually go out of their way to interact with people. I kiss my rats full on their muzzles. Show something like that.
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
Such as this one? ;) (I have tons of them, they just aren't as "pretty looking" and I wanted to focus on rats only :) Mel_MG_980...fe6875.jpg 
Karin Ahrenhold 7 years ago
Great pictures :) If I had to vote on one I'd vote on them all, so consider them voted ;) (just feeling a bit lazy right now..) I used to have a rat named Kruemel (translates as 'Crumbs') who was really well-behaved. But then I got stuck on cats and well - it doesn't work together - tried it but always was afraid for my new rat then.. I guess I'll stick to cats now but I'll always remember him fondly :)
Marieke Hannen 7 years ago
Rats are very sweet. One major downside of rats is they don't grow very old :( I've had rats for quite some years and always ended up buying more because 1 died and I didn't want the remaining rat to be alone. That's the reason I don't have rats anymore and never will again. But I love them and love your photos.
Avery Colla 1 year ago
I have pet rats and I do not like that people think bad of rats so I am so happy to find this
Gaye Green 5 years ago
I am writing a book on people who use their art for compassionate purposes. I am enamored with your photos of rats and would love your permission to use one of your photos for the cover of my book! I also write and illustrate children's books......check them out at: chartreuse press.com. Please advise--Gaye Green.
Anne-Marie Quinn 7 years ago
They are the most adorable photos!!! Thank you so much for sharing them and for challenging the negative image rats have. We lost our beloved rat a fortnight ago and we miss him terribly :'-( He was 3 & 1/2 years old. It was lovely to see these pictures and positive story of rat's. I got so many eww/yuck/foul remarks when telling people we had a pet rat. Hopefully people's attitudes will change and people will see rats as a great option when they are considering getting a pet. I am sooooo glad we got ours. He bought our family a whole lot of joy & cuteness. It is unbelievable how much you can love something so small so much :-)
Priya Mane 7 years ago
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Pamela Hale 7 years ago
A fantastic and important job! Thank you for showcasing these adorable creatures! You are very talented!
disha patil 7 years ago
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anaya tikekar 7 years ago
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Jennifer Chornley 7 years ago
OMG, adorbs overload...Love them! enough said. Definitely brought out their cuteness.
Elissa Marshall 7 years ago
Beautiful photos. I love rats and they're far cleaner and nicer than many humans...often more intelligent and better parents too!
Iza Setari 7 years ago
Not sure if the other comment went through. Too I'm not living closer to you (although I do dream of moving to Canada one day!) so you could photograph my rats. I can never get them to pose right, but they are really beautiful and I would love to show everyone around how precious, intelligent and full of character animals they are! happybdayw...b3-png.jpg 
Iza Setari 7 years ago
I wish you lived closer (although I do dream of moving to Canada) to photograph my rats! I can never get them to pose but both of them are super beautiful and I would like to encourage people to see them as precious, full of character animals rather than pests... happybdayc...c5-png.jpg 
Kim de Beer 7 years ago
These pics make me miss my furry friends! I had pet rats several years. They where soooooooo sweet, each one of them. The only thing not having them anymore is that they dont last long. It makes me too sad having them only 3 or 4 years and then its done. I couldnt do that to my little girl, but Im sure she would love them too.
Lanie Carrillo 7 years ago
Your photos are just beautiful! Thank you for "elevating their reputation"...the pictures are wonderful. They're so innocent and adorable...and those ears!!! I would have rats if I didn't have cats! Thank you for sharing...
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
Nope, not the same rat ;) Hepha was a dumbo rat belonging to my friend Lucie, he was a male rat, while the other rattie on the picture with the kiwi belonged to my friend Lyka and was an old female rat (very friendly and cute one <3 )
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Thurstan Hethorn 7 years ago
Your photography is amazing Diane. You've certainly succeeded in your aim, they look like amazing little characters.
Gordon Gibson 7 years ago
Very cute pics, especially like the dumbo rats. Used to have hairless dumbo a long time ago called Uno.
Shawn Ruester 7 years ago
I grew up with pet rats. We had them a while and for the most part they were all nice (except one male that we rescued who was a feeder rat he would bite and we had to keep him in a separate cage from the others).
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
This was most likely due to hormonal issues ;) Some male rats (and veeeery few females) become aggressive around 6 months old (it can happen a bit earlier or later, though) due to a hormonal peak that drastically turns their mellow behavior into a more aggressive one. Getting these rats spayed or neutered usually cures them so they can live with their mates again and stop biting and displaying territorial behavior. It takes up to one month and a half before they calm down, although they usually can tolerate other rats and stop acting nervous around 3 weeks after being neutered.
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Cherie 7 years ago
My sister's rat used to sleep on her kitty, who would wash him and then rearrange his fur/tail/legs to her taste. Funny!
Cherie 7 years ago
I should mention that he was litter-box trained, although if he got excited, he'd have an 'accident'.
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Renee Stover 7 years ago
I had pet rats. I loved them. I used to give them un cooked pieces of spaghetti. They held them like a flute and chewed them down. It made me laugh.
simpattyco 7 years ago
had several rat pets for my sons all friendly cuddly shoulder friendly and Ralph the first one white would come out and sit with me after work steal ciggs out of my pack and c***s my scotch rocks and share this was in 1964
Freya Van Der Avoort 7 years ago
WoW They are so freaking. Cute I can't stop watching over and over again 😍😍😍😍😍
Sheena Leversedge Wood 7 years ago
I love rats SOOOOO much, and these photos are just so beautiful!! <3 <3 <3
Melody Paredes 7 years ago
You've certainly convinced me that rats are cute. I love these photographs, now I just need a rat.
Penelope Allingham 7 years ago
I love your photos, just beautiful! Thank you for showing rats in their true light. Adorable, clean intelligent and much maligned.
jacluckycat 7 years ago
I love every single one of these pictures. All of your rats are so adorable and extremely photogenic! And you're a talented photographer. It's hard to get still photos of animals, nevermind the props and composition. Well done and thanks for posting. This healthy dose of adorable brightened up my day.
Abbs0345 7 years ago
Beautiful pictures! I had two pet rats as a child (one albino and one black and white) and they were the best pets to have, so affectionate and fun to play with. One used to sit on the back of my neck nuzzled under my hair and sleep. These photos are lovely and it's great to see someone showing them for the adorable friends they can be.
MagicalUnicorn 7 years ago
rats are sweetest pets ever, i had them for years and can confirm they are smart, fast learning and cuddly (of of mine loved sleeping inside my shirt while other would always climb up my lap). such sweet pictures :)
Eloise Robins 7 years ago
Marvelous .. If I am confronted by a rat, I'll think of these little creatures to avert hysteria. Well done!! Eloise
Vivian Rutledge 7 years ago
I kept rats for pets for years, and they're some of the best pets you could ever have. Thank you for the pictures. They're adorable!
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
Same species (Rattus norvegicus) but these ones are indeed domestic rats ;) I have seen plenty wild ones though, the so-called sewer rats. They are equally beautiful (they actually are pretty cute when they are neither sick nor frightened), though I wouldn't want them near my food since they can carry diseases, which pet ones don't. The point here was to help people realize pet rats are nothing like the wild ones. You'd be surprised to know how many people are actually afraid of domestic rats, thinking they are dirty nasty pests due to the bad reputation of their wild siblings :)
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Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
I know right? They almost look like human hands...
Load More Replies... Adriana E. Henricy 7 years ago
they are so lovely! I really like how you put them, they look beyond adorable!
Kane Cheung 7 years ago
They are just like micro doggies, can be trained and super friendly if socialized properly.
Rieschelle Roberts 7 years ago
It just takes one a*****e to ruin a good thing. Mr. Rat seemed happy being the mascot and riding on the shoulders of the employee.
Paul K. Johnson 7 years ago
Rats are awesome - all animals are.* Animals that get a bad rap get it through no fault of their own. The only animals that aren't awesome are houseflies, horseflies and mosquitoes.
Zori the degu 7 years ago
I really hate them too, but as an amateur zoologist I constantly remind myself (through gritted teeth) that they are part of the food chains and their extinction would mean a whole host of other lovely animals gone as well.
Load More Replies... Marloes 7 years ago
This is so incredibly beautiful. Well done! I photograph my guinea pigs very often and that's hard sometimes, I can imagine rats being much faster than piggies. These photographs are truely outstanding! Very well done!
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
I have had the opportunity to photograph a lot of guinea pigs too and rats are indeed much faster than piggies but I eventually learnt how to anticipate their movements and how to make them feel so comfy they would slow down a tiny bit :) Both are equally adorable, by the way. I adore piggies' large noses and funny little ears. Thank you very much!
Load More Replies... June Pixeld 7 years ago
Not that the pics arent adorable, because they are, but i already thought they were cute, credits to Ratatouille😊
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
I love this movie! Many people went over their fear (or disgust) of rats thanks to Ratatouille :)
Load More Replies... Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
Aww, thanks for your sweet comment!
Load More Replies... Rich McCormick 7 years ago
I love rats. I have a pet rat named Nick... he's was the sweetest boy ever. Even introduce clients to him that had fear of them and loved him too. Not that they went right out and got a rat as a pet but when they met him and his sweet, friendly nature they were quite smitten with Nickie! He's been gone a long time now but I'll never forget him!
Oni Sorasousha 7 years ago
Rats are my absolute favorite. They're intelligent, playful, sociable, and overall fun. I have a very gentle pair of girls and they're the best. Keep up the amazing work, I think rats need more good publicity. ♥
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
Thank you very much! They are indeed amazing little creatures :)
Load More Replies... Christie Starley 7 years ago
Diane I'm so happy these darling rats have a champion in you. I've had many pets since age two (horses, dogs, Parrots, bumble bees and other little boys and girls). I can vouch for the fact that rats are highly intelligent and very loving. My "Squeaky" used to come when I called him, hung out on my shoulder, crawled underneath my sleeve and took naps, lovingly licked me with his little pink tongue. And, yes, they are super-clean. I wish people would stop hating them (and snakes). BTW, your photography is top-flight! Cordially: Christie Wagner-Starley
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
Thank you so much! Squeaky is a great name for a rat :D
Load More Replies... Alicia Luoma 7 years ago
Precious babies! I used to have two ratties and they made amazing pets! The only thing that breaks my heart is how short they live. They are just as intelligent and affectionate as dogs, which makes it devastating to lose them so soon!
Wayne Clifton-Miller 7 years ago
Really great photos, thank you for sharing. I use to catch field mice in our local pool in the fall and have them as pets. Always had a liking for mice, rats, hamsters and guinea pigs but have never had a rat as a pet. Hmmm?
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
Rats are absolutely amazing. If you ever plan to adopt rats, please adopt at least two of the same sex, though. No rat should ever live alone, they really need a companion to have a happy life :)
Load More Replies... Shalini Shelly 7 years ago
i loved my rat stu. i lost him ten months ago. i miss him a lot 1425981684...c8721d.jpg
Flora Polvado 7 years ago
You made me want rats. Will have to wait though. My two cats are master huntresses. They intimidate our dogs:)
Leni 7 years ago
If you get guinee pigs instead, they may chase the cats :')
Load More Replies... Trish Dillery Watchinsky 7 years ago
I used to have quite a few little rats they were amazing little pets very intelligent very kind and very clean. Of course if you get a male they do have a musky odor as do many unneutered male animals I suppose you could probably get one neutered but I don't know. That can be easily taken care of by giving it water to bathe in. My rat Bella I used to carry her in a canvas little backpack with plenty of air holes and we would go out to the beach at night. I would let her out of the bag if she would run around the beach she wouldn't go too far from me. When I clapped she would immediately run back and get in her bag and get ready to go. They are incredibly intelligent and gentle animals. In fact a rat is a much better pet for small children than a hamster or a gerbil because both hamsters and gerbils have much more tendency to bite. Not that there's anything wrong with hamsters and gerbils but you have to be extra cautious with them around small children while a rat will hesitate to bite
Zori the degu 7 years ago
That sounds fun. I wanted to have rats but I somehow ended up with my degus(just as adorable as rats but not so trainable).
Load More Replies... nuttyballoon 7 years ago
How many times am I allowed to upvote this post??? :) Ratty recognition well done!
Lily Finneran 7 years ago
I don't like rats but boy you really made me look differently at them now, I have to say that they didn't look so evil as I have always thought they were! Wonderful job of making people see them in a different light! 🐾
Zori the degu 7 years ago
Oh, they can be evil, some cases are known when a rat protected their owners with teeth and claws or were vindictive, but that only shows what complicated and intelligent little beasties they are. :)
Load More Replies... Hikari 7 years ago
These are so precious! There should be photo shoots like this for snakes and spiders, too. I have two snakes and some people hate them :(
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
I love them too :) I never had the opportunity to take pictures of them, though... (but I took many photos of spiders, this was the best therapy to overcome my arachnophobia ^^)
Load More Replies... Abigail Mejia 7 years ago
I've always been afraid of their size and been specially afraid of darker shaded rats. I do know that they are very intelligent and deserve respect but I' don't think I could easily overcome my fear. The rats in these pictures look adorable and so cuddly! They are absolutely gorgeous! (both the pictures and their models)
Aish Siva 7 years ago
Was never a huge fan of rats. Always wanted mice...but you've change my mind! I concede that these are cute :)
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
Aww thanks :) Mice are very cute too, although I'm more of a rat person :)
Load More Replies... Allan Frost 7 years ago
Hello Diane I have been a professional photographer for some time and I have owned two rats in the past. I have to say your images are exquisite from a technical point of view and the thought and time you have obviously put into each one. I take my hat off well done keep up the good work. Allan
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
Thank you very much Allan! That means a lot to me, especially coming from a fellow photographer and rat enthusiast!
Load More Replies... Veronica Goddard 7 years ago
Usually when a post goes over the page, I don't bother to click forward, but these superb little creatures led me right thru' to page 4. Divine pics. Thank you Diane.
Melody Lanzatella 7 years ago
Thank you SOOO much for sharing these!!! Rats are one of my FAVE beasties! Do you sell prints????
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
Thank you! I do not sell prints yet, however as so many people have inquired about these, I am currently looking for the best online service that could allow me to sell them. There may be some prints available soon, I am not sure when, though.
Load More Replies... Philipp Philipp 7 years ago
I think that's a great and important step forward to get rats a better, a fair reputation :)
Zori the degu 7 years ago
I'm really mystified by the fact that people are still afraid of rats in modern times. They say that rats are nasty horrible creatures because they've never even tried to see their cute side! Rats are loving, intelligent animals that are widely misunderstood. I have a friend who hired a plumber and that man actually tried to poison her sweet pet rats! We live in the 21st century, people! Stop displaying your prejudiced views! Saying that rats don't make pets and must be exterminated is like labeling pitbulls and bullterriers as dangerous - something that must be left in the past!
Eloise Robins 7 years ago
Marvelous .. If I am confronted by a rat, I'll think of these little creatures to avert hysteria. Well done
Anna Sheridan 7 years ago
Rats are awesome! I really support this project, rats are beautiful, intelligent and sweet pets I wish more people realised!
Samhain Bloodworth 7 years ago
The coos are strong here. I think rats are beautiful creatures and I love how you captured that beauty, wonderful article Diane :-)
Erica Cook 7 years ago
So sweet. I'm not able to have rats right now because of where I live, but I want to again some day. They are such sweet creatures.
Paul K. Johnson 7 years ago
OK, now that I look at these photos again, every one of these rats looks like it knows it's loved and safe. I think they know they hit the jackpot with the human who cares for them. They might even know that life could be a lot worse for them.
Caroline Allen 7 years ago
Simply stunning!! Your photos are magical! Thank you for gifting us your talent and showcasing just how incredibly precious these little creatures are.
Clayton Bove 7 years ago
While cute and lovely, these photos are somewhat contrived to be cute and lovely. Where are the images with their interactions, especially with people? They are social animals, in the human context, meaning that they usually go out of their way to interact with people. I kiss my rats full on their muzzles. Show something like that.
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
Such as this one? ;) (I have tons of them, they just aren't as "pretty looking" and I wanted to focus on rats only :) Mel_MG_980...fe6875.jpg
Karin Ahrenhold 7 years ago
Great pictures :) If I had to vote on one I'd vote on them all, so consider them voted ;) (just feeling a bit lazy right now..) I used to have a rat named Kruemel (translates as 'Crumbs') who was really well-behaved. But then I got stuck on cats and well - it doesn't work together - tried it but always was afraid for my new rat then.. I guess I'll stick to cats now but I'll always remember him fondly :)
Marieke Hannen 7 years ago
Rats are very sweet. One major downside of rats is they don't grow very old :( I've had rats for quite some years and always ended up buying more because 1 died and I didn't want the remaining rat to be alone. That's the reason I don't have rats anymore and never will again. But I love them and love your photos.
Avery Colla 1 year ago
I have pet rats and I do not like that people think bad of rats so I am so happy to find this
Gaye Green 5 years ago
I am writing a book on people who use their art for compassionate purposes. I am enamored with your photos of rats and would love your permission to use one of your photos for the cover of my book! I also write and illustrate children's books......check them out at: chartreuse press.com. Please advise--Gaye Green.
Anne-Marie Quinn 7 years ago
They are the most adorable photos!!! Thank you so much for sharing them and for challenging the negative image rats have. We lost our beloved rat a fortnight ago and we miss him terribly :'-( He was 3 & 1/2 years old. It was lovely to see these pictures and positive story of rat's. I got so many eww/yuck/foul remarks when telling people we had a pet rat. Hopefully people's attitudes will change and people will see rats as a great option when they are considering getting a pet. I am sooooo glad we got ours. He bought our family a whole lot of joy & cuteness. It is unbelievable how much you can love something so small so much :-)
Priya Mane 7 years ago
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Pamela Hale 7 years ago
A fantastic and important job! Thank you for showcasing these adorable creatures! You are very talented!
disha patil 7 years ago
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anaya tikekar 7 years ago
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Jennifer Chornley 7 years ago
OMG, adorbs overload...Love them! enough said. Definitely brought out their cuteness.
Elissa Marshall 7 years ago
Beautiful photos. I love rats and they're far cleaner and nicer than many humans...often more intelligent and better parents too!
Iza Setari 7 years ago
Not sure if the other comment went through. Too I'm not living closer to you (although I do dream of moving to Canada one day!) so you could photograph my rats. I can never get them to pose right, but they are really beautiful and I would love to show everyone around how precious, intelligent and full of character animals they are! happybdayw...b3-png.jpg
Iza Setari 7 years ago
I wish you lived closer (although I do dream of moving to Canada) to photograph my rats! I can never get them to pose but both of them are super beautiful and I would like to encourage people to see them as precious, full of character animals rather than pests... happybdayc...c5-png.jpg
Kim de Beer 7 years ago
These pics make me miss my furry friends! I had pet rats several years. They where soooooooo sweet, each one of them. The only thing not having them anymore is that they dont last long. It makes me too sad having them only 3 or 4 years and then its done. I couldnt do that to my little girl, but Im sure she would love them too.
Lanie Carrillo 7 years ago
Your photos are just beautiful! Thank you for "elevating their reputation"...the pictures are wonderful. They're so innocent and adorable...and those ears!!! I would have rats if I didn't have cats! Thank you for sharing...
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
Nope, not the same rat ;) Hepha was a dumbo rat belonging to my friend Lucie, he was a male rat, while the other rattie on the picture with the kiwi belonged to my friend Lyka and was an old female rat (very friendly and cute one <3 )
Load More Replies... Thurstan Hethorn 7 years ago
Your photography is amazing Diane. You've certainly succeeded in your aim, they look like amazing little characters.
Gordon Gibson 7 years ago
Very cute pics, especially like the dumbo rats. Used to have hairless dumbo a long time ago called Uno.
Shawn Ruester 7 years ago
I grew up with pet rats. We had them a while and for the most part they were all nice (except one male that we rescued who was a feeder rat he would bite and we had to keep him in a separate cage from the others).
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
This was most likely due to hormonal issues ;) Some male rats (and veeeery few females) become aggressive around 6 months old (it can happen a bit earlier or later, though) due to a hormonal peak that drastically turns their mellow behavior into a more aggressive one. Getting these rats spayed or neutered usually cures them so they can live with their mates again and stop biting and displaying territorial behavior. It takes up to one month and a half before they calm down, although they usually can tolerate other rats and stop acting nervous around 3 weeks after being neutered.
Load More Replies... Cherie 7 years ago
My sister's rat used to sleep on her kitty, who would wash him and then rearrange his fur/tail/legs to her taste. Funny!
Cherie 7 years ago
I should mention that he was litter-box trained, although if he got excited, he'd have an 'accident'.
Load More Replies... Renee Stover 7 years ago
I had pet rats. I loved them. I used to give them un cooked pieces of spaghetti. They held them like a flute and chewed them down. It made me laugh.
simpattyco 7 years ago
had several rat pets for my sons all friendly cuddly shoulder friendly and Ralph the first one white would come out and sit with me after work steal ciggs out of my pack and c***s my scotch rocks and share this was in 1964
Freya Van Der Avoort 7 years ago
WoW They are so freaking. Cute I can't stop watching over and over again 😍😍😍😍😍
Sheena Leversedge Wood 7 years ago
I love rats SOOOOO much, and these photos are just so beautiful!! <3 <3 <3
Melody Paredes 7 years ago
You've certainly convinced me that rats are cute. I love these photographs, now I just need a rat.
Penelope Allingham 7 years ago
I love your photos, just beautiful! Thank you for showing rats in their true light. Adorable, clean intelligent and much maligned.
jacluckycat 7 years ago
I love every single one of these pictures. All of your rats are so adorable and extremely photogenic! And you're a talented photographer. It's hard to get still photos of animals, nevermind the props and composition. Well done and thanks for posting. This healthy dose of adorable brightened up my day.
Abbs0345 7 years ago
Beautiful pictures! I had two pet rats as a child (one albino and one black and white) and they were the best pets to have, so affectionate and fun to play with. One used to sit on the back of my neck nuzzled under my hair and sleep. These photos are lovely and it's great to see someone showing them for the adorable friends they can be.
MagicalUnicorn 7 years ago
rats are sweetest pets ever, i had them for years and can confirm they are smart, fast learning and cuddly (of of mine loved sleeping inside my shirt while other would always climb up my lap). such sweet pictures :)
Eloise Robins 7 years ago
Marvelous .. If I am confronted by a rat, I'll think of these little creatures to avert hysteria. Well done!! Eloise
Vivian Rutledge 7 years ago
I kept rats for pets for years, and they're some of the best pets you could ever have. Thank you for the pictures. They're adorable!
Diane Özdamar (Post author) 7 years ago
Same species (Rattus norvegicus) but these ones are indeed domestic rats ;) I have seen plenty wild ones though, the so-called sewer rats. They are equally beautiful (they actually are pretty cute when they are neither sick nor frightened), though I wouldn't want them near my food since they can carry diseases, which pet ones don't. The point here was to help people realize pet rats are nothing like the wild ones. You'd be surprised to know how many people are actually afraid of domestic rats, thinking they are dirty nasty pests due to the bad reputation of their wild siblings :)
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