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Steve Higgins is sometimes a Psychologist, sometimes a Neuroscientist, and sometimes even a Human Factors Engineer. He works for the U.S. Government. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois in Psychology.
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Category: Animals • Biology • Psychology • Video
Posted on: June 12, 2007 9:32 AM, by The Omnibrain
Ever see a rat tickled? You can now - and evidently they laugh :)
[via scienceblog]
Here's another video of rats playing with their owner. I knew they could be friendly but this is something new to me. I didn't know that they could have so much personality - I was pretty sure they just crept around sewers or sat in a nest all day.
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Comments
I'm always glad to see rats get their due. They're playful and affectionate pets. Rat owners have always known that rats laugh when they get tickled - they sort of pant. They're also highly intelligent in my opinion. Next to my cats and dogs, they're the most interactive sort of pet I've ever had.
Posted by: jon | June 12, 2007 10:55 AM
Not to be crude... but is it possible the rats were being stimulated, you know, sexually? I'd like that too.
Posted by: Brian | June 12, 2007 11:47 AM
I agree with Jon. I've had a few hooded rats, and they're easily some of the coolest mammals you can have around. They'll use pretty much anything you toss in their cage for something useful, they'll hang out on the couch with you, and they're just plain adorable.
Posted by: JD | June 12, 2007 12:26 PM
hehe, there is so much people do not know about animals.
Check my bunny out, I am sure she will impress you a lot!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zi2vZ8WbBgY
Posted by: conge | June 12, 2007 7:43 PM
I agree with Brian.
Laughing when tickled seems very interesting, but, the real question is: What is a rat's reaction to the show 'Last Comic Standing'?
Posted by: OCD On A Stick | June 13, 2007 12:38 AM
That is so cute. My rats love and trust me very much , and i spend alot of time with them. But this has made me realize that i should really ACTUALLY PLAY with them more. They are so intelligent and social, and they really need their brain to be stimulated to be smarter and not let these amazing animals get bored. I want them to have an interesting life full of experiences. I'm going to make them a mini playground and play with them and chase and tickle them. After all their love and loyalty, they definitly deserve it.
Posted by: Jo | June 27, 2007 1:56 PM