The War on Rats: Some New Yorkers embracing them as pets
One Brooklyn couple, Lili and Casey, has taken in three pet rats from the Brooklyn Cat Café, a place known for more than just cats.
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While the city's mayor has declared a war on rats, not everyone shares the same disdain for the furry rodents. In fact, some New Yorkers are showing love for rats—so much so that they are adopting them as pets.
One Brooklyn couple, Lili and Casey, has taken in three pet rats from the Brooklyn Cat Café, a place known for more than just cats. Since 2015, the café has been adopting out rats to loving homes but they're not your typical street rats.
WHAT ARE 'FANCY RATS?'
The rats adopted from the café are known as "fancy rats," which are rescued from pet stores or breeders.
“When you're not constantly at war with a creature like a rat, you can have an appreciation for the fascinating creatures they are,” said Anne Levin, executive director of
Brooklyn Bridge Animal Coalition.
While the city’s battle against rats rages on, there’s a growing community of rat lovers hoping to show that these creatures deserve a second look—and maybe even a second chance at a loving home.
