List of articles № 179

Rat Intelligence Comparable to Child Development

The study of animal cognition began with Aristotle, who recorded observations of birds solving problems for food. Descartes later argued that non‑human animals acted merely as mechanistic automatons, a view that dominated European thought for two centuries.. Date latest changes:

Can Decorative Rats Eat Watermelon? Myths and Reality

Watermelon consists of roughly 92 % water, providing a rapid source of fluid for small mammals. The liquid component delivers a modest amount of electrolytes, primarily potassium (≈ 170 mg per 100 g) and a trace of sodium. These minerals help maintain cellular osmotic balance, which is essential for normal nerve and muscle function in rodents.. Date latest changes:

Can Pet Rats Be Given Bread?

Bread provides primarily carbohydrates, with modest amounts of protein and very little fat. Rats require a diet where macronutrient ratios support rapid growth, high activity, and efficient metabolism. Typical rat feed contains roughly 60 % carbohydrates, 20 % protein, and 5 % fat, supplemented with fiber and micronutrients.. Date latest changes:

How to Properly Bathe Fancy Rats?

Fancy rats maintain coat health through instinctive grooming actions. Their paws, equipped with sensitive pads, enable precise removal of debris from fur. The whiskers and facial vibrissae aid in detecting dirt, prompting targeted licking. Saliva contains enzymes that break down light oils, contributing to a natural sheen.. Date latest changes:

What to Do If a Rat Is Vomiting

Rats lack a functional vomiting reflex because their esophageal sphincter and stomach structure are adapted for rapid digestion and nutrient absorption. The lower esophageal sphincter remains tightly closed, preventing backward flow, while the muscular coordination required for emesis is absent.. Date latest changes:

Why Do Rats Scrape Themselves to the Point of Injury? Behavioral Causes

Rats maintain their coat through short, regular bouts of self‑grooming that focus on whisker cleaning, ear clearing and removal of loose fur. Typical sessions last a few seconds, occur several times a day, and leave the skin intact. Excessive scraping differs in several measurable ways:. Date latest changes:

Key differences between a rat and a mouse

Rats are consistently larger than mice. Adult brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) typically measure 20–25 cm in body length, with an additional 15–20 cm tail, and weigh 300–500 g. House mice (Mus musculus) average 7–10 cm in body length, a 5–10 cm tail, and 15–30 g in weight.. Date latest changes:

How to Tame a Rat to Your Hands: Pet Store Tips

Recognizing fear and stress in a pet rat is essential for successful hand‑training. A rat that feels unsafe will retreat, freeze, or display aggressive gestures, hindering trust‑building efforts. Common indicators include: Body posture:. Date latest changes:

Can Rats Be Given Shelled Walnuts?

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are polyunsaturated lipids that rats cannot synthesize and must obtain from the diet. The two primary families are omega‑3 (alpha‑linolenic acid, ALA) and omega‑6 (linoleic acid, LA). Both are required for membrane fluidity, neural development, and inflammatory regulation.. Date latest changes:

How Long a Rat Can Survive Without Food and Water

Age and physiological condition dominate the duration a rat can endure without nourishment. Younger animals possess elevated metabolic rates and minimal fat stores, limiting their endurance to a few hours after water deprivation and roughly one day without food.. Date latest changes:

Effective Sound Signals to Repel Rats and Mice from Home

Rodents possess a highly developed auditory system that detects ultrasonic frequencies far beyond human hearing. Sensitivity peaks between 10 kHz and 50 kHz, with the greatest responsiveness near 20 kHz. This range aligns with the natural communication bandwidth of rats and mice, enabling rapid detection of airborne sounds.. Date latest changes: