MOSCOW, RUSSIA: Moscow pet shops are reporting a run on rats, as keen astrologically-minded Russians snap them up ahead of the New Year, which is the Chinese Year of the Rat, Interfax news agency reported on Monday (December 31st).

Desperate shoppers are even resorting to buying mice, hamsters or gerbils in lieu of a real, domestic rat, according to one shop in the capital.

Chinese astrology is closely followed in Russia, which shares a long border with China, and where many newspapers deliver daily horoscopes - and advice on how to care for new pet rats given as presents on December 31.

Veterinarians have warned of the possible consequences of this new craze: "Not everyone is going to be delighted to get a real rat as a present, and those that can't house them will either return them to a shop, or release them in the streets," one Moscow vet said.

The same source said the proud new rat-owners would soon discover the intelligence, moderation and faithfulness of their new companions.