About Rats

Rats are one of the most successful creatures on the planet, partially because they have learned to live around humans. They are not fussy eaters and can thrive on just about anything they find. There are many species of wild rat, which look and act differently from domesticated rats. Rats have a temple dedicated to them in India honoring the rat goddess Karni Mata.

  1. Misconceptions

    • Rats are not just big mice. Rats and mice cannot interbreed. Also, rats hate mice and vice versa and will attack one another.

    Identification

    • Rats have long chisel-shaped teeth that keep growing throughout their lives. Rats come in a variety of sizes, colors and ear shapes, but mostly they are an elongated version of a mouse with a longer head. They have long, naked tails that are usually pink. They eat whatever kind of food they can get and prefer to live with other rats.
      There are species of rodents, like bandicoots, called rats and have many ratlike features but are not considered "true" rats by scientists and rat fanciers.

    Geography

    • Rats can be found all over the world (except Antarctica), but where the first true rat species originated is uncertain. It is thought that the black rat and brown rat originated in Asia and colonized other parts of the world by stowing away on ships. Pet rats are descendants of brown rats.

    Function

    • Domesticated rats are bred for living as pets, competing in rat shows, feeding large pet reptiles and being part of laboratory experiments. Many strains of medical lab rats have been bred to have a specific illness or disorder.

    Considerations

    • Domesticated rats make excellent pets, even for children, due to their gentle natures and like to keep themselves clean. Compared with other pets like dogs, birds, mice or even rabbits, rats are the least likely to bite.

    Expert Insight

    • It is now common for small animal vets to take care of pet rats. Neutering male rats is becoming a common operation, making unwanted baby rats less likely and helping decrease urine marking. Neutered rats also get along better with other rats than entire males and get into fewer fights.