ROSALIE

Rats have a demonstrated ability to feel emotions such as fear, pleasure, and empathy. Studies show that they can laugh when tickled, avoid painful situations, and engage in altruistic behaviors, such as freeing a fellow rat in distress. This reveals a subjective experience of the world, comparable to that of other mammals.
Their intelligence, learning capacity, and emotional and cognitive complexity are impressive. Yet, rats are often used in scientific research or treated cruelly in urban environments.