Fancy Rat & Mouse Day is celebrated on November 12 every year. You may wonder why people celebrate these dirty and disease-carrying creatures that likely scare about half of the world’s population. These aren’t those disease-carrying rodents; fancy rats and mice are adorable and very smart rodents that anyone would love to have in their home. The fancy rat and mouse are the domesticated brown rat and house mouse, respectively. They are intelligent, affectionate, and ideal pets, particularly for children; they don’t require as much attention and care as dogs, cats, or rabbits.
History of American Fancy Rat & Mouse Day
Almost everyone dislikes rats and mice because they mostly destroy property and cause diseases. However, lab rats and mice are exceptions. All rats and rice are not the same; thus, we should treat the fancy rat and mouse differently. These animals are intelligent and adorable; moreover, they are clean like cats.The American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (A.F.R.M.A.) promotes these animals as good pets for everyone. A.F.R.M.A. is a non-profit International club founded in 1983. It aims to promote and encourage the breeding and exhibition of fancy rats and mice. To achieve this, the organization educates the public on the positive qualities of fancy rats and mice as companion animals and provides information on their proper care.Competitive shows, similar to dog, cat, and rabbit shows, are held four times a year in Southern California. The animals undergo training in certain things; thus, judges evaluate them based on official standards for each type of mouse or rat. A.F.R.M.A. does not only organize a friendly competition with the animals but also has pet shows and information booths. These shows are for pets only, with fun classes for the animals regardless of their physical qualities. Fancy Rat & Mouse Day is a day where you should shed off your stigma for rats and mice and get to appreciate the fancy rat and mouse for their intelligence and adorability.
American Fancy Rat & Mouse Day timeline
The American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (A.F.R.M.A.) is born.
The first A.F.R.M.A. competition featuring rats and mice holds.
The American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association celebrates 10 years of its existence.
The organization achieves 20 years of the A.F.R.M.A. competition.
American Fancy Rat & Mouse Day FAQs
Are rats clever?
Rats and mice are highly intelligent rodents.
What is the lifespan of a pet rat?
The average lifespan of a pet rat is about two years.
What is the friendliest rat breed?
Many believe that the “Dumbo rat” is the friendliest rat breed.
American Fancy Rat & Mouse Day Activities
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Donate to the cause
Celebrate the day by donating to the cause. Donations aid the continual good care of these animals.
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Watch a movie
Watch a movie to celebrate the day. Be it “Ratatouille,” “Pinky and the Brain,” or any other rodent movie you can think of, sit back, relax and have a good watch.
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Read up about them
Read up on fancy rats and mice to celebrate the day. Knowing more about them aids in better appreciation of these animals.
5 Facts About Rats & Mice
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Rats and mice can’t throw up
The anatomy of their stomach makes it practically impossible for them to throw up hence the reason they are picky with their food.
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They have a monument in Russia
The courtyard of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics in Novosibirsk in Russia houses a bronze mouse measuring about six feet.
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Rats have an incredible sense of smell
Their sense of smell is only second to elephants and a long way ahead of humans.
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Mice are clean, tidy, and organized
Mice have specific areas for sleeping, storing food, and going to the toilet in their burrows.
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An animation gave them mass appeal
The beloved Mickey Mouse was the world’s first animated mouse and gave a good rep to mice all over the world.
Why We Love American Fancy Rat & Mouse Day
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It encourages donation
The day encourages donation. With these donations, the animals can be better taken care of and bred.
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It educates people
With the stigma against rats and mice in general, the day helps to educate people. This way, more people can have fancy rats and mice as pets in their homes.
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It appreciates the fancy rat and mouse
On Fancy Rat & Mouse Day, these animals are better appreciated. With the competitions and pet shows, the spotlight is on them.
American Fancy Rat & Mouse Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | November 12 | Saturday |
| 2023 | November 12 | Sunday |
| 2024 | November 12 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | November 12 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | November 12 | Thursday |
