List of articles № 87
Rats eat tomatoes: dietary preferences
Rattus norvegicus is an opportunistic omnivore that readily consumes fruit, seeds, insects and plant material. Field observations record a marked preference for ripe tomatoes, indicating that the species can incorporate fruit‑derived nutrients into its diet.. Date latest changes:
Ferrets are elongated carnivores with a flexible spine, weighing 0.7–2 kg and measuring 40–50 cm in body length. Their dense, short fur reduces drag during rapid sprints, while partially retractable claws aid in gripping prey. The dental formula includes sharp carnassials for shearing flesh, and a well‑developed auditory bullae enhances low‑frequency hearing.. Date latest changes:
Rats Eat Onions: Should It Be Allowed?
Rats are drawn to onions primarily by volatile sulfur compounds that create a sharp, pungent aroma. These chemicals stimulate olfactory receptors sensitive to strong, earthy scents, which rats often associate with nutrient-rich food sources.. Date latest changes:
How Long Do Rats Gestate? Pregnancy Duration in Rodents
Gestation denotes the interval between fertilization of an ovum and the birth of offspring, during which the embryo undergoes development within the maternal uterus. The process begins with implantation of the blastocyst, proceeds through organogenesis, and ends with parturition, all under the control of endocrine signals such as progesterone and estrogen.. Date latest changes:
When clipping a rat’s claws, the primary risk is accidental damage to the delicate toe pads and surrounding tissue. Proper restraint, appropriate tools, and careful technique eliminate most hazards. Use a pair of stainless‑steel nail clippers designed for small rodents;. Date latest changes:
Lethargic Rat: Causes and Treatment
Lethargy refers to a marked reduction in activity, responsiveness, and energy expenditure. In rodents, it presents as prolonged periods of inactivity, diminished interaction with the environment, and a reluctance to explore or eat. Physiological indicators include lowered heart rate, reduced respiratory frequency, and a decline in body temperature relative to baseline measurements.. Date latest changes:
Which Vegetables Are Suitable for Rats?
Rats require a diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support growth, immune function, and reproduction. Fresh vegetables supply many of these micronutrients when offered in appropriate quantities. Carrots – high in beta‑carotene (vitamin A precursor) and moderate potassium.. Date latest changes:
Cheese is a fermented dairy product composed primarily of water, protein, fat, and minerals. Its nutritional profile varies by type, but all cheeses share a high concentration of calcium and phosphorus, substantial amounts of saturated fat, and a moderate level of lactose.. Date latest changes:
Rats enter water for several biologically driven reasons. Access to liquid environments expands foraging opportunities; many insects, crustaceans and plant seeds become available only in or near water sources. Aquatic habitats also provide a means of thermoregulation, allowing rodents to cool their bodies during high ambient temperatures or to warm up when water retains heat after sunset.. Date latest changes:
How to Make a Rat Bed Yourself
Creating a rat bed at home reduces expenses compared with purchasing commercial products. Raw materials such as untreated wood, shredded paper, and fabric scraps are inexpensive and often available from household waste or discount stores. By sourcing these items yourself, the total outlay can be kept under ten dollars for a fully functional enclosure.. Date latest changes:
Rats possess a compact nasal cavity that channels inhaled air through a series of bony turbinates lined with mucous‑producing epithelium. The mucosa harbors ciliated cells that transport mucus toward the nasopharynx, maintaining a moist surface and trapping foreign particles.. Date latest changes:
Why Does a Rat Constantly Sneeze and Snort? Causes and Solutions
Rats rely on a delicate airway system that must remain clear of irritants and infection. Continuous sneezing or snorting signals disruption of this system and often precedes more serious conditions. Common triggers include: Viral or bacterial pathogens such as Sendai virus, Mycoplasma spp.. Date latest changes:
Where to turn for a rat problem in the house
Droppings and urine are the primary indicators of a rodent presence inside a residence. Fresh droppings appear as small, dark, pellet‑shaped fragments, typically 0.5–1 cm in length, and are commonly found along walls, behind appliances, and in hidden corners.. Date latest changes:
How to Make a Paper Rat: Simple Craft
Choosing the right material determines the durability and visual appeal of a paper rat. Thin printer paper (≈80 gsm) offers ease of folding and sharp creases, ideal for beginners seeking quick results. Heavyweight cardstock (120–200 gsm) provides structural support, allowing the figure to stand upright without additional reinforcement.. Date latest changes:
Ultrasonic Repeller for Rats and Mice: Path to a Clean Home
Ultrasonic devices emit sound waves at frequencies above 20 kHz, a range inaudible to humans but detectable by rodents. The transducer converts electrical signals from an internal oscillator into rapid vibrations, producing a narrow‑band acoustic field that propagates through air and solid surfaces.. Date latest changes:
Combating Ground Rats in Gardens and Greenhouses: Proven Methods
Ground rats that damage cultivated areas typically measure 20–25 cm in body length, with an additional 15–20 cm tail. Adult weight ranges from 150 g to 300 g, varying with sex and food availability. Coat coloration spans from brownish‑gray on the dorsal side to lighter, almost white, ventral fur;. Date latest changes:
Cats Eat Mice: Natural Prey of Predators
The interaction between felines and rodents has been recorded since the earliest agricultural societies, when grain storage attracted small mammals and domestic cats were welcomed for their hunting ability. In ancient Egypt, cats were venerated and depicted alongside mice, reflecting a recognized ecological function that protected food supplies.. Date latest changes:
Cognitive ability tests in laboratory mice
Mice are the preferred mammalian model for experimental assessment of cognition because their biological and practical attributes align with the demands of controlled behavioral research. Their genome is fully sequenced, permitting precise genetic manipulation that isolates or introduces specific neural pathways.. Date latest changes:
Games for Cats with a Mouse: How to Entertain Your Pet
Interactive mouse play provides cats with targeted movement that stimulates cardiovascular function. Rapid sprints, sudden stops, and short bursts of acceleration increase heart rate, supporting healthy blood circulation and reducing the risk of cardiac stagnation.. Date latest changes:
The rabies virus belongs to the genus Lyssavirus within the family Rhabdoviridae . It is an enveloped, negative‑sense single‑stranded RNA virus approximately 180 nm in length. The viral genome encodes five structural proteins: nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), glycoprotein (G) and the RNA polymerase (L).. Date latest changes:
Do Maine Coons catch mice? Study of cat behavior
Genetic studies reveal that the Maine Coon breed carries alleles linked to heightened predatory drive. The breed’s lineage traces to the ancient domestic cats of New England, where natural selection favored individuals capable of efficient rodent control.. Date latest changes:
The Role of Mice in the Ecosystem: Why They Matter
Mice consume a wide range of seeds and fruits, converting plant material into energy while influencing vegetation dynamics. Their foraging behavior reduces seed predation pressure on dominant species and creates opportunities for less competitive plants to establish.. Date latest changes:
Which Is Stronger: Mouse or Rat? Comparative Review
Weight and length are primary determinants of mechanical advantage in small rodents. An adult house mouse (Mus musculus) typically weighs 18–25 g and measures 7–10 cm from nose to base of tail, with the tail adding an additional 5–10 cm. In contrast, an adult Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) usually weighs 250–300 g and measures 20–25 cm body length, with a tail of similar length.. Date latest changes:
Rat and Mouse Repellent: Top Model Rankings
Ultrasonic devices dominate the high‑performance segment of rodent deterrent solutions, offering a non‑chemical alternative that targets rats and mice through high‑frequency sound waves. The technology emits frequencies beyond human hearing, typically between 20 kHz and 65 kHz, which provoke discomfort in rodents and encourage them to vacate the treated area.. Date latest changes:
How to catch a mouse without killing it
Droppings and urine trails provide reliable data for locating active mouse pathways. Fresh droppings are typically 2–5 mm long, dark brown, and have a pointed end. Accumulations near walls, cabinets, or food sources indicate preferred foraging zones.. Date latest changes:
What to Do If a Dog Eats a Poisoned Mouse
When a dog consumes a poisoned mouse, rapid recognition of toxic signs can be lifesaving. Symptoms appear within minutes to several hours, depending on the toxin type and dose. Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth Vomiting, possibly with blood Diarrhea, often watery or hemorrhagic Weakness, collapse, or inability to stand Tremors, seizures, or uncontrolled shaking Rapid or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia, arrhythmia) Pale or bluish gums indicating poor ci. Date latest changes:
Cottage Protection from Mice in Winter: Proven Methods
Mice entering a cottage during winter create direct health threats. Their presence increases the likelihood of exposure to pathogens, contaminates stored provisions, and triggers allergic reactions. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome – transmitted through inhalation of aerosolized rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.. Date latest changes:
Early records show arsenic compounds employed to curb rat populations in agricultural and urban settings during the mid‑1800s. Authorities distributed powdered arsenic mixtures to warehouses and grain stores, relying on the element’s acute toxicity to achieve rapid mortality.. Date latest changes:
How rats reproduce: detailed breeding cycle
Female rats become receptive when the estrous cycle reaches estrus, a phase lasting 12–14 hours. Hormone levels shift dramatically: luteinizing hormone and estrogen peak, triggering ovulation shortly after the onset of estrus. Physical indicators of readiness include swelling of the vulvar lips, a moist vaginal discharge, and a pronounced lordosis reflex when a male mounts.. Date latest changes:
Dexamethasone for Rats: Dosage
Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that mimics the actions of endogenous cortisol. It binds intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, translocates to the nucleus, and modulates transcription of genes involved in inflammation, immune response, and metabolism.. Date latest changes:
Feeding dates to laboratory or pet rats raises a nutritional question centered on the vitamins and minerals they contain. Dates are rich in several micronutrients, but their concentrations can exceed the levels rats require for optimal health.. Date latest changes:
Rats exhibit a range of defensive actions that directly influence the likelihood of a bite. When threatened, they may freeze, retreat, emit high‑frequency vocalizations, or adopt aggressive postures such as arching the back and baring teeth.. Date latest changes:
How to Fight Rats in the Home: Effective Methods
Rats living inside residential buildings act as carriers of numerous pathogens that can cause serious illness in occupants. Direct contact with rodent droppings, urine, saliva, or bites introduces infectious agents into the household environment.. Date latest changes:
Rats possess a highly developed olfactory system that enables them to identify individual humans through scent. Odor molecules emitted from skin, breath, and sweat create a unique chemical signature that rats can discriminate with remarkable accuracy.. Date latest changes:
Rats possess a compact yet highly organized brain that supports the acquisition of diverse behaviors. The structure combines sensory processing, memory formation, motor control, and emotional regulation, enabling rapid adaptation to training protocols.. Date latest changes:
Can Domestic Rats Be Given Apples?
Apples provide a range of micronutrients that can complement the diet of domesticated rats. The fruit’s nutrient profile includes: Vitamin C – antioxidant, supports immune function. Vitamin A (as beta‑carotene) – essential for vision and skin health.. Date latest changes:
Can Rats Be Fed Carrots: Pros and Cons
Carrots provide a range of nutrients that influence rat physiology. Vitamin A, present as β‑carotene, converts to retinol and supports visual function and epithelial integrity. Vitamin C occurs in modest amounts; rodents synthesize it endogenously, so dietary contribution is supplementary.. Date latest changes:
Naming a white female rat provides a clear identifier that distinguishes her from other rodents in a multi‑pet household, simplifies record‑keeping, and reduces confusion during veterinary visits. A distinct name also facilitates precise communication among caretakers, researchers, and suppliers.. Date latest changes:
How Many Offspring Does a Rat Have at One Time
The reproductive efficiency of laboratory rats depends on the regularity of their estrous cycle, which directly determines the number of pups produced in a single litter. Precise timing of ovulation within the cycle creates a narrow fertile window, and successful mating during this interval maximizes litter size.. Date latest changes:
How to effectively fight mice and rats
The residential environment typically hosts three rodent species that cause the greatest damage. House mouse (Mus domesticus) – Small, agile, gray‑brown coat, thrives in wall voids, kitchens, and stored food areas. Breeds rapidly, producing up to ten litters per year.. Date latest changes: