Some of the rats live to 80, sometimes 90 years old.

I had no idea.

I thought rats would make great pets but the idea that you get attached to a guy who would die in a couple years is quite discouraging. You updated my knowledge.

My grandmother had an African grey parrot she had inherited from someone.

Hey there, sorry to confuse you but that was a bit of a joke, real rats max lifespan is 7, but we have those other rats that will live to 80 or even 90... But yes, the parrot issue is real, people will get those without thinking for even a second about how old they can get. We have one in our family that has outlived three owners.

Ah! Thanks for clarifying.