Did 'Ratatouille' Turn Kids into Pet Rat Owners? Sales Data Suggests Yes
From animation to adoption.
The 2007 animated film Ratatouille, which charmingly tells the story of a rat with a passion for cooking, had an unexpected impact on pet sales. Kids across the globe, inspired by the lovable vermin with culinary dreams, began asking their parents:
“Can we get a rat? I promise I’ll look after it.”
The film’s portrayal of Remy as a clever and endearing rat made the idea of owning a pet rat suddenly more appealing.
As a result, at least one major pet store chain reported a 50 percent increase in pet rat sales shortly after the movie’s release. This surge reflected the film’s influence on popular culture and children’s perceptions of rats as cute and intelligent creatures rather than pests.
However, it raises an amusing question: how many of those newly purchased rats quickly became responsibilities for parents to manage?
While many children may have been excited initially, caring for a pet rat requires commitment and proper handling. The spike in sales demonstrates how movies can shape consumer behaviour — sometimes leading to unexpected consequences.
Whether these rats found loving homes or ended up as unanticipated chores for their new owners remains part of the charming story behind Ratatouille’s cultural impact.
