RSPCA Suffolk Central asks can you help grieving Rocky the rat find new best friend and forever home?
A grieving rat is searching for a new best friend and forever home after the death of his brother and life-long companion.
Rocky the rat, aged one, and his brother Bruno came into the RSPCA’s care in October after they were found abandoned in Woodbridge.
The pair were taken in to the charity’s Martlesham Animal Centre, where they would sleep together in their hammock.
However, Bruno died suddenly on Monday, leaving Rocky all alone.
Zoe Barrett, centre manager, said: “Rats are highly sociable and intelligent animals so Rocky is really struggling without his brother; he’s never been on his own before and it’s so sad to see him all alone.
“We’re desperately hoping to find him a loving new home with someone who has another male rat - or a group of male rats - for him to befriend.”
Zoe added that although rats are highly social, care must be taken when introducing them to make sure they do not fight before getting to know one another.
The RSPCA would like to find an owner who has experience in doing this in a positive way.
Lotti Buchholz, small animal supervisor, said: “Rocky was shy and nervous when he first came to us but it didn’t take long for him to come out of his shell and show us his fun and cheeky personality - but he just needs a new friend now to have fun with.
“He absolutely loves to climb and run around his enclosure before going for a nap.”
Ms Buchholz added Rocky was ‘incredibly overweight’ when he arrived and so has been on a strict diet to bring it down.
This would ideally be continued in his new home.
Rats form strong bonds with their friends and with their human carers so they don’t cope well on their own.
Anyone wanting to find out more about Rocky can do so online or by or contacting the team on info@rspca-suffolkcentral.org.uk or 0300 999 7321.
Fun rat facts include they laugh when they are tickled, they dream when they are asleep, their ears turn pink when they are happy and they can count to four.
