Pet rodents are a potential source of salmonella, says the CDC, warning people to wash their hands thoroughly after handling hamsters, mice, or rats -- or their cages and bedding.

Rats are omnivores, so in addition to rat feed, available at pet-food stores, you can supplement their diet with just about anything you care to give them.

Most pet rodents — such as gerbils, hamsters and guinea pigs — tend to bite, said veterinarian Cory Bassett, who specializes in exotic pet care in Overland Park, Kan.

In contrast to their icky reputation, rats are playful and affectionate, their owners say. They're also a lot smarter than you might realize.

Rodents are fascinating little creatures that provide hours of entertainment. They are easy to care for – and most love interacting with their owners. One of the downsides to keeping rodents as ...

“When my husband told his ex that we got rats, she said, ‘On purpose?”’ says Tami Kaplan of Waltham, Mass., proud owner of three of the maligned rodents.

Manhattan mom Dianne Rochenski loves rats. She keeps rat figurines in her living room. A 2-foot stuffed rat is propped against her bedroom window. Her favorite movie is “Ratatouille.” A… ...

A disease associated with squalor could be on the increase in suburban homes because more people are keeping rodents as pets, warns an Australian microbiologist. Known as rat bite fever, the ...

Michele Raybon, a so-called extreme rodent fanatic, said her 50 rat “babies” freak out houseguests, but “the rats win them over.” ...

Pet chicks, ducklings, kittens and hedgehogs also have been linked to human outbreaks. Rodents now have joined the list, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A teenage girl who was scratched when breaking up a scuffle among her three pet rats wound up in the hospital with an extremely rare case of rat-bite fever.

A disease associated with squalor could be on the increase in suburban homes because more people are keeping rodents as pets, warns an Australian microbiologist. Known as rat bite fever, the ...