Rats can be super-adorable, including curling up with tiny teddy bears! (Photo: Jessica Florence)
Forget everything you think you know about rats. These adorable varmints don't get enough credit, but photographers Jessica Florence and Ellen van Deelen are making up for that with their aww-inspiring photographs of these gentle critters. Whether it's snuggling up with a teddy bear or crawling into a glove, rodents are ready to cuddle!
Neither Florence and van Deelen knew the other was photographing rats — Florence leaves in Great Britain and van Deelen is based in the Netherlands — but because the internet is what it is, both of their photographs garnered attention at the same time. It's an adorable bit of serendipity.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, van Deelen said the rats were eager to play for the camera. "It seemed only natural to take pictures of my rats. I started buying props for the rats and as they're inquisitive animals, it wasn't long before they started picking them up."
And the rats are super-cute when they do, as these photo prove!
These rats love cuddling so much their tails form a heart. (Photo: Jessica Florence)
This rat loves its teddy bear. (Photo: Ellen van Deelen
Sometimes even rats need a sweater to keep warm. (Photo: Jessica Florence
It's more than just teddy bears that rats like! Toys elephants are popular, too. (Photo: Ellen van Deelen
Rats are good at sharing. At least while they're sleeping. (Photo: Jessica Florence
Rats are even cute in artistic photos. (Photo: Jessica Florence)
Sometimes you need more than a teddy bear. Sometimes you need a huge stuffed lion. (Photo: Jessica Florence)
'And I'll be the mommy and you be the baby.' (Photo: Ellen van Deelen)
This rat cannot sleep with his teddy and his blankey. (Photo: Jessica Florence)
This is some good snoozing. (Photo: Jessica Florence)
Sometimes you just need another rat to cuddle with while napping. (Photo: Jessica Florence)
This rat just loves its teddy bear so much it gives the toy a little kiss. (Photo: Ellen van Deelen)
Sometimes, a small teddy bear just won't cut it. (Photo: Jessica Florence)
'I can only nap when we're holding paws.' 'Same.' (Photo: Jessica Florence)
Everyone should have a rubber ducky regardless of how they feel about bath time. (Photo: Jessica Florence)
Can you find the real rat? (Photo: Jessica Florence)
This teddy bear loves its two rats. (Photo: Jessica Florence)
Sleeping in a snuggly blanket of hearts is the best. (Photo: Jessica Florence)
This is the only time the phrase 'rat burrito' will ever be adorable. (Photo: Jessica Florence)
Sweet dreams, rat friend. Sweet dreams. (Photo: Jessica Florence)
This rat doesn't need a teddy bear. It just needs its sleeping cap. (Photo: Jessica Florence)
No blankets? No problem! A pet bed is great for rats. (Photo: Jessica Florence)
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