Rats are great companions for both adults and kind, responsible kids. Because rats are so small, children under age 8 should interact with rats under adult supervision to insure proper handling. They're very personable and bond to people. Most rats will beg to be petted or to come out and play, and many will show affection by grooming their people with licks and gentle nibbles. Many rats like to sit on a shoulder just to be with their person.
Rats are smart enough to learn their name and to come when called.
They can even learn to sit up, jump through a hoop, play basketball and do many other tricks. Any bad odor is caused by wastes and means the cage isn't being cleaned often enough for the type of litter being used. Naturally nocturnal, rats are most active in the morning and evening when most people are home from work or school. But they will easily adjust their schedule to come out for attention during the day. And unlike some other companion animals, rats are very quiet.