How do you call a domestic rat? - briefly
A domesticated rat is commonly known as a pet rat, often referred to as a “fancy rat.”
How do you call a domestic rat? - in detail
The animal kept as a companion in homes is most commonly referred to as a pet rat. In scientific and breeding circles the term domesticated brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) is used to distinguish it from wild populations. Veterinarians and pet‑store literature also employ the label house rat when describing animals that live permanently indoors. Regional variations include:
- United States: “pet rat” or “domestic rat”
- United Kingdom: “house mouse” is avoided; “pet rat” remains standard
- Laboratory settings: “lab rat” when the animal is used for research, though this does not imply a household environment
When discussing breeding standards, the phrase show rat identifies individuals entered in conformation contests. For owners emphasizing the animal’s role as a companion, “family rat” appears in informal communication but lacks formal definition.
In formal documentation, the scientific name Rattus norvegicus domestica may be employed to indicate a lineage selected for temperament and health traits suitable for indoor life. This designation appears in veterinary textbooks, academic articles, and breed registries.
Overall, the accepted terminology varies by context—commercial, scientific, or casual—but “pet rat” remains the primary identifier for a rat kept in a domestic setting.