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Mark your calendars for November 12 and get ready to celebrate our furry little friends on American Fancy Rat & Mouse Day! This holiday was created in 2002 by the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association to raise awareness about these adorable and intelligent creatures. Did you know that rats and mice have been domesticated since ancient times and are actually very clean animals? They also make great pets, with their friendly and social nature. So let's take this day to appreciate all the joy and love they bring into our lives!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1700s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early Domestication</div><div class='timeline-text'>The practice of keeping rats as pets most likely originated in China and Japan in the 18th century, then later spread to Europe.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rat Keeping Trend</div><div class='timeline-text'>European Victorian rat fanciers popularized keeping fancy rats as pets. This trend later reached America.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1976</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Rat & Mouse Club</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Rat and Mouse Club of America (RMCA) was formed by fanciers dedicated to promoting the well being of pet rats and mice.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1983</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association</div><div class='timeline-text'>The AFRMA was established to promote and encourage the breeding and exhibition of fancy rats and mice for show and pets.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inauguration of American Fancy Rat & Mouse Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The AFRMA created American Fancy Rat & Mouse Day to celebrate and raise awareness about these loveable pets.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Continued Celebration Of The Holiday</div><div class='timeline-text'>Each year on November 12, fans of fancy rats and mice continue to celebrate these pets and share their appreciation globally.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a fancy rat and mouse party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite fellow rat and mouse enthusiasts to a fancy rat and mouse party! Have fun decorations, snacks, and activities centered around these adorable pets.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local rat and mouse shelter</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day showing love and care to rats and mice in need by volunteering at a local shelter. You can also donate supplies or funds to help support the shelter's mission.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Throw a rat and mouse themed movie night</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and watch movies featuring rats and mice as the main characters. Some great options include Ratatouille, Stuart Little, and The Great Mouse Detective.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create rat and mouse inspired crafts</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make rat and mouse themed crafts such as paper mache sculptures, paintings, or even clothing items. You could even have a craft party with friends to share ideas and materials.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a rat and mouse sanctuary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to a rat and mouse sanctuary to learn more about these fascinating creatures and support their conservation efforts. You may even get to interact with some of the animals and see them in their natural habitat.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Rat and mice make great pets</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>While some may be scared of rodents, rats and mice can actually make amazing and loving companions. They are highly intelligent and easily trainable, making them fun to interact with. Plus, they have unique personalities that will keep you entertained for hours!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>They're perfect for small spaces</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>If you live in a smaller home or apartment, a rat or mouse is the ideal pet. They require minimal space and don't need to be taken outside for walks - which means less cleanup for you! Just make sure they have plenty of toys and activities to keep them stimulated.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>They promote education and awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>American Fancy Rat & Mouse Day is a perfect opportunity to educate people about these often misunderstood animals. By celebrating this holiday, we can raise awareness about proper care for pet rats and mice and dispel any negative stereotypes surrounding them.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rats and mice are incredibly sociable creatures</h3><p class='facts-content'>Whether in captivity or the wild, rats and mice are known to live in close-knit communities, sharing food and even taking care of injured or sick members.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fancy rats are touted for their intelligence and problem-solving skills</h3><p class='facts-content'>Fancy rats can learn tricks, recognize their name, and solve complex puzzles, making them fantastic pets for interaction and engagement.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fancy mice have a rich history as show animals</h3><p class='facts-content'>From the late 1800s, fancy mice have been bred for competitive showing, including a range of categories from color to type, to ear carriage and more!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rats have outstanding memories</h3><p class='facts-content'>Once rats learn a route to navigate, they never forget it – an attribute which makes them excellent survivors in the wild.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fancy Rats and Mice can bond with their human owners</h3><p class='facts-content'>Provided they are handled often and socialized from young, rats and mice can develop strong bonds with their owners, often seeking out human interaction and attention.</p></div></div>
American Fancy Rat & Mouse Day is celebrated on November 12 every year. In 2024 American Fancy Rat & Mouse Day will occur on a Tuesday.
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