To think that this woman was rude?

[Topaz25]

I'm probably being a bit oversensitive due to the circumstances. I took my rat to the vet today to have a lump looked at. It's only round the corner so I walked home through the allotments. I said hi to a lady I know in passing, she asked what was in the pet carrier and when I said it was a pet rat she made a point of telling me how much she hates rats. He was in a pet carrier so I was clearly bringing him back from the vets and obviously I care about him. AIBU to think this was rude and unnecessary?

YANBU. I'm a dentist. I always get "I hate dentists". I smile sweetly while thinking "I hate tactless idiots but I have the sharp implements and you are paying my mortgage". You should have said "the rat hates people so you are in good company". Hope your rattie is ok. I had one with a lump that was removed (breast cancer apparently), she lived another 2 years.

Is he okay btw?

for ratty

Yes, I know they are not that unusual corus but still (I don't think) considered a mainstream pet.

There will always be a big mouth waiting to offer an opinion, you get that with a boring old cat!

I really think it can't be the first time op would have had a negative comment.

I agree that there was no need to say anything... But like AIBU, it seems most of us need to

Agree qith you OP. People wouldn't say this to a dog or cat owner on their return from the vet.

I don't think it is the "wrong kind of pet"

but I believe for some people rats are unusual.

For that reason ( if you are tactless) you'd probably feel justified in passing opinion.

It is not okay, but I think to be expected.

I agree, she was rude.

Hope rat feels better soon.

But I have to say most people (I don't care) tend to think of rodents (mice, rats) especially not pets as not pleasant animals. and they're quite vocal in their dislike of them. It shouldn't have been said but it's not the end of the world.

Yabu and ridiculous. How many people do you actually hear of saying they have rats as pets. I hate rats too.

My friend laughed and said my beautiful persion cat looked funny. Yes I was offended. It was very insensitive, because your rat is ill and your pet.

My sons had rats when they were tweens/teens. They're make very good pets, much better than hamsters. People did comment on it though, not sure why, it's not as if we were going to say, 'oh golly, you're right, they are absolutely dreadful'. Saying that, I've also had people tell me they hate cats and dogs. Some people don't seem to realise that if you do like them you really couldn't give a toss what they think

Hope your little ratty is okay OP!

I have three lovely pet rats, but know that folk get a wee bit sniffy about them as they have phobias. Don't take it to heart.

Hope your rat is ok Topaz. I keep rats, people often seem surprised that I pay for vet treatment when they're sick! I've had the 'I hate rats!' Response loads of times. I generally smile sweetly and tell them it's ok, I hate humans so I understand.

Hope your rat is ok OP. I had one of mine operated in for a lump and she lived for another year. Rats are awesome pets

Most people are horrified at the prospect of having a rat as a pet. It's not going to change anytime soon.

I am a bit at the idea of paying money to a vet to treat a rat. I just shake my head in disbelief.

I think 'Most people are horrified' is a bit of an overstatement, Countess

And on paying money for a rat to be treated, well, some people feel differently. Hey ho.

Why wouldn't you pay for a rat to see a vet?! They're intelligent creatures with feelings, it would be beyond cruel to leave them to suffer!

Rats are fabulous pets. They're so intelligent and interesting to be around and they all have their own personalities.

My rats are even toilet trained, going in a special tray and when they're all snuggled up together in a heap to sleep, they're amazingly cute.

I don't see why anyone would be surprised about someone paying vets bills for a rat. They're a family pet and when you live with them and get to know them, you'd not think twice about looking after them properly and getting treatment for them when they're poorly.

I think it was rude. I shudder at the thought of wild rats, pet rats are quite lovely though. But I would never say any of this to someone who had a pet rat. Good grief, if you had taken your pet MAGGOT to the vet I would have tried to find something nice to say and failed miserably.

Agreed with other posters that it's best to put it down as probably a phobia and try to forget about it, but it was pretty hurtful. Hope ratty is better soon.

I'm quite certain it's most.

I'm sorry about your rat :( I hope he's ok. I used to keep rats and there made fantastic pets.

I think the lady was a bit tactless. I know rats are not popular, but there is so much ignorance about them.

I had a pet budgie and a friend didn't like birds. She kept making 'jokes' about sending her cat round to kill him. Later on, she gave birth to two repulsively unpleasant and spoiled children - I wonder what she would have said had I said I would send my budgie round to peck them to death?

I had a lot of people going 'eurggghhh' when I told them about my rats. I just thought they were a bit silly.

She was a bit insensitive, but it's hardly the worst thing to have said to someone. I wouldn't overthink it if I were you.