Pet Rats Driving Tiny Cars Light Up Instagram After Canadian Couple’s Adoption

A Canadian couple has captured the hearts of animal lovers on Instagram with their videos of pet rats driving tiny cars. Kendal Crawford and Shaun Stephens-Whale, from British Columbia, originally considered adopting a dog but ended up bringing home two curious rats, Kronk and Kuzko, from a local animal shelter.

The couple quickly bonded with the rats, who snuggled up with them on their first night. Recognizing the rats’ intelligence and need for stimulation, Crawford and Stephens-Whale began teaching them various tricks. Their most impressive feat? Driving tiny electric cars.

Crawford was inspired by a University of Richmond study that demonstrated how learning new skills, like driving tiny cars, could reduce stress in rats. With electric cars provided by Crawford’s father, each equipped with three levers for directional control, Kronk and Kuzko quickly learned to navigate their miniature vehicles.

It took only a day for the rats to understand using the middle lever to move forward. Within a week, they mastered turning with the side levers. Their driving skills allow them to maneuver across the living room and even park in front of treats.

“Their ability to conceptualize where they are just as humans do when they’re driving is pretty incredible,” said Shaun. Kendal added, “Their experience of the world is so much deeper than we realize.”

The rats’ adventures have become a hit on Instagram, where the couple shares their delightful videos under the handle @emperorsofmischief, showcasing the unique bond between the pets and their owners.

Sophia H.