Rats Vs. Hamsters as Pets

Both rats and hamsters make great pets for people of all ages, charming owners with their intellect and interesting habits. And, happily, neither needs to be taken for a walk outside on a bitter cold night.

  1. Types

    • Hamsters come in the Syrian or Dwarf variety, each of which feature different hair lengths and color patterns. Domesticated rats are typically either fancy, hairless or dumbo, which features larger ears.

    Size

    • Syrian hamsters can reach a length of about 8 inches, while dwarf hamsters are closer to 4 inches. Rats are can grow up to 11 inches long, according to the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association.

    Similarities

    • Both hamsters and rats live on average between two and three years. They each enjoy exercise wheels and need a constant supply of wooden toys to keep their teeth trimmed.

    Differences

    • Syrian hamsters prefer to live alone, but dwarf hamsters prefer to have cage-mates. Rats are very social and enjoy grooming and sleeping with each other, according to the Pet Rat Information Sheet.

    Misconceptions

    • Rats are often associated with dirty sewers. However, they are very clean. Hamsters seem cute and cuddly, but they are more likely to bite their owner when startled, according to DogBreedInfo.com.