World Rat Day is a holiday that’s observed annually on April 4th. As the name of this holiday suggests, it’s a day for rat lovers to honor their furry rodent friends. Over the course of human civilization, rats have acquired somewhat of a bad reputation.

They’re often known for spreading diseases like the bubonic plague and rabies, and for invading people’s homes to chew up walls and destroy food. Of course, all of that is true, but there is another side to these creatures.

They also make fantastic pets if a person raises them from birth and takes good care of them. That’s why we have a whole holiday dedicated just to them, despite their bad reputation.

The History of World Rat Day

This holiday was created in 2002 by rat enthusiasts who wanted to show the world that rats aren’t as bad as many people believe them to be. They actually make good pets. We’re not sure just how many minds these people have changed with the invention of World Rat Day, but we do know that this holiday continues to be observed by people all over the world.

Some Important Facts About Rats

Below are some facts about rats that we think the world might want to know. Just about everyone knows that rats have historically spread diseases and have been a pest to agriculture, but few people know anything beyond that. That’s why we took it upon ourselves to do a little bit of research and come up with some facts that both rat lovers and rat haters can agree on.

• Every year, rats destroy about 20% of agricultural products.
• Rats can produce up to 20 babies at a time.
• The rat terrier dog was originally bred to be used in catching and killing rats.
• Some of the diseases spread by rats include Hantavirus, leptospirosis, and Lassa fever.
• The most common indigenous species of rat in Australia is the bush rat.
• Rats can make laughing sounds when they’re happy.
• A rat can fall up to 50 feet without being injured.

Observing World Rat Day

On this day, everyone who loves rats can take the time to celebrate them. They can buy a new pet rat, or if they already have one, they can take the time to give their little rat friend a treat.

It’s also a good day for people to learn more about rats and the reasons why they make good pets. And finally, people can spread the love of rats around the internet using the hashtag #WorldRatDay. Let everyone know why you love rats.