Often maligned and overlooked for their cute cousins, rats get recast in these photos as the sweet and smart creatures they are.
Forget everything you think you know about rats. These adorable creatures don’t get enough credit, but photographers Jessica Florence and Ellen van Deelen are making up for that with their sweet photographs of the gentle animals. Whether it’s snuggling up with a teddy bear or crawling into a glove, rodents are ready to cuddle.
Neither Florence nor van Deelen knew the other was photographing rats—Florence lives in Great Britain and van Deelen is based in the Netherlands—but because the internet is what it is, both of their photographs went viral around 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 photos prove.
These rats love cuddling so much their tails form a heart.
This rat loves its teddy bear.
Sometimes even rats need a sweater to keep cozy.
Rats like more that teddy bears! Toys elephants are popular, too.
Rats are good at sharing. At least while they’re sleeping.
Rats are even cute in elegant monochromatic photos.
Sometimes you need more than a teddy bear. Sometimes you need a huge stuffed lion.
“I’ll be the mommy and you be the baby.”
This rat cannot sleep with his teddy and his blanket.
Cozy sleep goals.
Because sometimes you just need another rat to cuddle with while napping.
Who knew rats and teddy bears could be so cute?
Sometimes, a small teddy bear just won’t cut it.
Did you ever have someone whom you held hands with while you slept?
Cue Ernie singing “Rubber Duckie.”
One of these things is not like the other.
Note to self: Find giant teddy bear to snuggle with.
Reminder to surround yourself with hearts.
This is the only time the phrase “rat burrito” will be adorable.
Sweet dreams are made of these.
Who needs a teddy bear when you have a pompom sleeping cap?
No blankets? No problem! A pet bed is great for rats.
