World Rat Day

World Rat Day is a unique and heartwarming celebration dedicated to recognizing rats as wonderful pets and companions. This day aims to challenge the stigma surrounding these intelligent and affectionate creatures, promoting their welfare and highlighting their positive qualities.

Quick Facts

When is it?: April 4th (annually)
Tagged as: Animal Appreciation, Pet Awareness
What’s the hashtag?: #WorldRatDay
When was it founded?: 2002
Who founded it?: Members of the Ratlist, an online community of rat enthusiasts

History of World Rat Day

World Rat Day was established in 2002 by members of the Ratlist, the oldest internet mailing list dedicated to pet rats. The date, April 4th, was chosen as a tribute to the Ratlist’s creation. The holiday seeks to counter negative stereotypes about rats by showcasing their intelligence, loyalty, and charm as pets. Over time, it has become a global event celebrated by rat lovers through gatherings, treats for pet rats, and public awareness campaigns.

Timeline

1995: The Ratlist, an online community for rat enthusiasts, was created.
2002: Members of the Ratlist founded World Rat Day.
Mid-19th Century: The concept of “fancy rats” as pets began in the UK.
1976: The National Fancy Rat Society was established.
1983: The American Fancy Rat & Mouse Association was founded.

Dates (2025–2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	April 4	Friday
2026	April 4	Saturday
2027	April 4	Sunday
2028	April 4	Tuesday
2029	April 4	Wednesday
2030	April 4	Thursday

Observed

World Rat Day is observed with activities such as:

Hosting private “rat parties” or public “ratfests.”
Sharing photos and stories about pet rats on social media.
Giving treats and gifts to pet rats.
Educating others about the benefits of having rats as pets.

Fun Facts About Rats

Rats are highly intelligent and can learn tricks like dogs.
They are social animals that thrive in pairs or groups.
Domesticated rats are clean and affectionate.
Rats have been used in scientific research for over a century due to their similarities to humans in genetics and behavior.

Quiz

What year was World Rat Day founded?
What is the official date of World Rat Day?
What online community inspired the creation of this holiday?

(Answers: 1. 2002, 2. April 4th, 3. The Ratlist)

FAQs

Why celebrate World Rat Day?
To promote awareness about rats as amazing pets and combat negative stereotypes.
Are pet rats different from wild rats?
Yes! Pet rats are domesticated, clean, and have different behaviors compared to their wild counterparts.
How can I celebrate if I don’t own a rat?
You can learn about them, support rat rescues, or share positive information about them on social media.