Yes, rats, as in the rodents. I have two as pets. They are just the sweetest little animals. My kids love them. Unlike hamsters, gerbils, and mice, rats don't bite, are as trainable as a dog, and just love people.
I used to be a member of the Rats Rule forum but the people there are such snobs and so completely judgemental if you don't do things the EXACT way they do. So I stopped going.
Nothing at all like you all here.