Why is the doctor suprised about the question of rabies from the Rats of NIMH?

In "The Rats of NIMH," the doctor is surprised by the question of rabies because the idea of rats being capable of intelligent conversation and complex reasoning is unexpected. He is accustomed to viewing rats as mere pests, not as creatures capable of higher cognitive functions. This moment highlights the theme of underestimating the intelligence of animals, emphasizing the novel's exploration of animal behavior and ethics. The doctor's astonishment reflects the broader narrative of empathy and understanding that develops throughout the story.