The Montreal SPCA is looking for homes for nearly 100 rats, after receiving a tip that a woman was hoarding the rodents -- along with a number of other animals.
SPCA inspectors found rats, dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, lizards and hedgehogs living in terrible conditions in the woman's apartment.
Alanna Devine, director of animal welfare at the Montreal SPCA, said despite their reputations, rats actually make good pets.
"They're great. They could be litter box trained, just like a cat, and they're really smart and fun," said Devine.
Monique, a volunteer at the SPCA, is working on socializing the rats so they're ready for adoption.
"I can definitely see the attraction. Their little hands are so petite and they're so cute to watch," she said.
Cats in abundance
The plethora of rats comes at a time when the SPCA is already struggling to deal with a surplus of cats.
Devine said it's a problem the animal shelter has to deal with every year around moving day.
"We're absolutely overwhelmed. It's worse than any other year," said Devine, adding that the economic downturn may be partly to blame.
About 200 cats are in need of new homes.
