How the black rat colonized Europe in the Roman and Medieval periods

ScienceDaily ^ | May 3, 2022 | University of York

[SunkenCiv]

When they bring the kill to a special spot, they need a reward from their employer. :^) Back before warfarin, rats used to be ubiquitous here in The Boonies (this is according to the old folks, who, alas, are no longer around to tell these stories). A local butcher shop had a professional catcher who lived in the store (try that now...). The cat would be waiting inside the back door, with the rat kills all lined up, waiting for liver from the boss. :^)

[PghBaldy]

“live around humans by taking advantage of food and transportation..” -— Soccer mom carpools?

[Scarlett156]

My cat Divot (now deceased) would - when I lived in a ratty old trailer - sit and kill mice all night long sometimes where they were getting in through the wiring for the washing machine. It was kinda nerve-wracking to listen to but it kept them out of the food.

[jdsteel]

I believe the people of that time thought cats were evil and killed all the strays.

That’s why the rat population soared.

[SunkenCiv]

R.A.U.S? I don't think they exist.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

I thought for sure the White Rat caused all problems…

[Clemenza]

Whitey “The White Rat” Herzog caused all our problems? Him and the Redbirds gave my Mets hell in 1985 and 1987, but I wouldn’t blame him for too much.

[Albion Wilde]

Today's rats just settle for colonizing one Royal Family: