Rat’ll do nicely! Disney film prompts race for rodents (From Worcester News)

Rat’ll do nicely! Disney film prompts race for rodents

3:37pm Monday 14th January 2008 in News

THE traditional image of rats as dirty pests is changing in Worcestershire - thanks to a blockbuster movie.

Since Disney/Pixar released the animation film Ratatouille, pet shops in the county have noticed a significant rise in the number of rats being bought as pets.

The film has been a huge box office success, but it's sales of rodents which is causing a bigger stir in Worcestershire.

Prestwood Pet Zone in Kidderminster has seen a dramatic improvement in sales. Richard Ferguson from the shop said: "We have sold loads more, in fact three times as many in the three months before Christmas."

Pets At Home, in Blackpole, Worcester has also noticed a rise in sales. "There has been an increased interest," said the shop's Mark Harrison.

"They are intelligent animals and make good pets".

But the boom has not been seen everywhere. A spokesman for Pet Friends in Kidderminster said: "I'm afraid I can't commment really, as we have only ever sold two rats!"

Wilsons Pet Centres of Malvern and Evesham have also not noticed a significant change in demand.

In fact, a spokesman for the Bromsgrove branch said: "We haven't really sold any more than normal. Actually we found more people wanted clownfish because of the film Finding Nemo."

The sales boom in rats may be dying down now, but Ratatouille can still be seen at Vue Cinema in Worcester's Friar Street until tomorrow.

It has won 11 awards and been nominated for a further 20, including the Golden Globes for Best Animated Film.

Fact file: pet rats

• Pet rats are the same species as the wild brown rat, but have been selectively bred for looks and temperament.
  
• They can be taught to come by name and learn a variety of tricks.
  
• They are a very high maintenance pet, needing at least an hour of playtime outside their cage every day.
  
• It is better to buy rats from a breeder, and you should make sure they are regularly handled from a young age.
  
• A pet rat should be kept in a large cage, never in a glass or plastic tank.
  
• The average lifespan of a rat is two years, although living to four years has been known.
  
• Rats are highly intelligent and thrive with their own species.

Watch the Ratatouille movie trailer in our cinema section here!