Rats are cool. They're smart, easy to tame and train, and big and strong enough to feel like a real animal. They're fun to watch and hold. I'd like another rat someday. Many people think that rats make crummy pets, or are creeped out by the very idea (as if a pet cockroach will be the next step! - I saw someone who had a pet roach once, but nevermind that..:-), but I think that if you are looking to have a caged animal, rats are awesome pets.