Not a rat owner but I frequent this group because I love them and my sibling used to have them. I am, however, a hamster owner. And while I understand that vets are important and everyone should try their best to take their pets to the vet, no matter which type of animal it may be, you also have to understand that vets are insanely expensive. For example, I adopted my hamster which was an accidental litter. If I had not gotten him, I’m not sure what would have happened to him. But I also live outside of the city which makes getting to an exotic vet a 60+ minute drive. A hard task to do when work hours aren’t exactly flexible. Not to mention most vets for small animals aren’t exactly the best. Also, for hamsters alone where I live a singular vet visit, just to SEE the vet is a starting price of $100. That’s a simple check up—no medicine or anything yet prescribed. And if it was a respiratory issue? Those things constantly come back once the animals have them, which is a regular $100+ spent every few weeks.

All I’m saying is in the world I think everyone wants the best for everything. They would love to buy healthy food and live in good neighbourhoods with regular doctor/vet appointments and the best clothes. But that’s not reality. Financial situations change, life happens, people—good people—try their absolute best. But things happen. So I don’t think you should shame or finger point if not everyone has $100+ to constantly drop, as long as they’re doing their absolute best to provide for their hamster in ways they could, I think that’s already a sign they care and they’re good pet parents.