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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday August 18, 2007 - 15 Rats and mice have appeal CABINET REFACING AFTER after R ats and mice aren't what they used to be! Although historically these small creatures have been seen as pests, both are growing in popularity as pet companions. Pet seekers are discovering that rats and mice require a small living space, are easy to care for, and are considered cute, playful and hygienic. "Mice and rats are social animals and should be kept with one other companion, but never place a mouse and rat together," noted Heather White, Community Outreach and Education Manager at the Oakville & District Humane Society. "Both animals are easy to keep happy, as long as they are provided with basic toys to keep them active. This combination can make them appealing as pets." Potential owners need not be concerned about the nocturnal nature of rats and mice. They easily adjust to being awake during the day, allowing pet owners to play with them and watch them in their activities during the day. Rats are also highly intelligent. The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies reports that some rats have even been taught to respond to their name. Biting may be perceived as a potential deterrent to rat or mouse ownership, however, neither usually bites. The teeth in mice and rats keep growing their entire life, so they need to chew to wear their teeth down to prevent them from getting too long. Sticks, wood blocks, soup bones and dog biscuits are good chewing materials and will keep them busy for hours. Protecting their young or tasting a finger that smells like food may cause either to bite, but preventative measures will keep pet owners safe. With chewing being such an important part of their maintenance, it is hazardous to allow your mouse or rat to roam freely in the house. In addition to the reality that they can become easily lost, an electrical chord used as a means to gnaw on may be deadly. It is important to supervise these small pets at all times when they are outside of their cage. A wire cage with a solid bottom is ideal for these animals. If possible, find a cage that has two floors, allowing your pet to explore and enjoy lots of room for playing. Exercise wheels, chew toys, plastic tubes, toilet paper roles, and PVC piping are some examples of materials that will keep mice and rats busy and happy in their cage. When choosing housemates for the cage make sure that you keep two or more of the same gender together and away from the other gender. Both mice and rats are prolific breeders. A male and female placed together will soon overrun your house with offspring. Keeping the cage clean is important to avoid health issues. Bedding in the cage should be absorbent and easy to remove, and should be changed at least every few days. Aspen wood shavings, pelletted bedding, and shredded paper are all good bedding materials. Avoid cedar or pine shavings, as they may contain chemicals that are toxic for mice and rats. Keep the cage in a quiet, sheltered area. Food and water should be changed daily to prevent the growth of mold and keep mice and rats from developing respiratory problems. Mice and rats have a slight smell that is before BEFORE PET OF THE WEEK: My name is Mindy and I am a cute Pomeranian. Other animals looking for homes can be viewed at www.oakvillehumane.ca. stronger among males than females. Clean the cage with soap and water and then sanitize with mild bleach. Vinegar is also a good sanitizer. Make sure the cage is thoroughly dried before putting new bedding in the cage, to prevent mold from growing. While cage cleanliness is important to a mouse or rat's well-being, a good diet is also important. These animals require food high in fibre and low in fat. Nuts and sunflower seeds contain high amounts of oil and should only be given to your mice and rats in small portions as treats. Commercial mouse and rat food will ensure a balanced diet with enough fibre. Ideally, this should be supplemented with small amounts of fruit and/or vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, and apples, and with small amounts of seeds. Rats like sweet foods but should be given fruit rather than sugary foods and pastries. Small amounts of dog food, corn on the cob, and lowsugar can also be fed to these pets. Make sure uneaten fresh foods are removed at least daily. Other food should be kept in a food dispenser rather than a dish, as food in dishes is easily spilled and can quickly become contaminated. Caged and fed properly a pet owner can expect their rat to live two to three years and a mouse to live one or two years. Tumors are very common among mice and rats, but are usually benign and can be easily removed if they are small, before they become infected. Sniffling, sneezing, red-brown tears, and audible respiration are all indications your mouse or rat may have a bacterial infection or other disease. If you are concerned about your pet's health, contact a local veterinarian. As with all pets, medical attention is important to the well-being of any animal. For more information about owning a rat or a mouse as a pet, contact the Oakville & District Humane Society at 905-845-1551 or visit the shelter at 445 Cornwall Road (just east of Trafalgar on the north side). -- Submitted by Heather White on behalf of the Oakville & District Humane Society Burlington Central Arena Sale Brand Name Liquidation SAVE UP TO 80% ON BRAND NAME FOOTWEAR & CLOTHING ATHLETIC SHOES * SOCCER SHOES * BOARD SHORTS * KIDS SHOES * ACCESSORIES 7,500 Pieces of Clothing at $1 & $2 Outdoor Footwear from $20 REGULAR UP TO $150 Sandals from $5 Kids Branded Footwear from $10 Athletic Footwear from $10 Golf Shoes from $15 OPEN 4 DAYS ONLY AT CENTRAL ARENA WEDNESDAY AUGUST 22 2007 THURSDAY AUGUST 23 2007 FRIDAY AUGUST 24 2007 SATURDAY AUGUST 25 2007 4:00p.m. to 9:00pm 9:30a.m. to 9:00pm 9:30a.m. to 9:00pm 9:00a.m. to 5:30pm BURLINGTON CENTRAL ARENA, 519 Drury Lane, Burlington Fantastic Back to School Prices cash accepted all sales final You won't want to miss this one! 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