At some point people should just give up and admit that the rat is just not a good pet.
I mean it might be a good pet except hamsters or gerbils are better in every concievable way (don't start I am serious).
Why would someone want a pet rat when a hamster is softer, has a better demeaner, is way cleaner, and doesnt have that disgutsing tail. They are basically the same pet other than the gross rat features.