<p>In this photo taken Wednesday, March 10, 2010, Karen Robbins, president of the Riverside-based American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association holds a pet rat and at her home in Los Angeles. To a small and active group of fans, the rat is a pocket pet, a charming companion that acts like a human, is loyal as a dog and cleaner than a cat. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)</p>
March 20, 2010
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March 20, 2010 9 p.m.
Fans say rats are perfect companion pet
LOS ANGELES - History and Hollywood cast them as vermin responsible for plagues, famine and famous movie lines like "You dirty rat!" But to a small group of fans, the rat is a charming pocket companion as loyal as a dog and cleaner than a cat.