How does a live rat look? - briefly
A live rat has a slender body covered in coarse fur, usually brown or grey, with a pointed snout, small rounded ears, and a long, hairless, scaly tail. Its eyes are black, and prominent whiskers surround the muzzle, providing tactile sensing.
How does a live rat look? - in detail
A live rat presents a compact, elongated body measuring typically 20–30 cm in head‑to‑body length, with a proportionally long tail that adds another 15–30 cm. The torso is cylindrical, covered by dense, coarse fur that varies from brown, gray, black, to mottled shades depending on species and environment. Fur density is greatest on the back and shoulders, tapering toward the ventral surface where the skin appears thin and pinkish.
The head features a pointed snout equipped with a highly sensitive olfactory epithelium. Nostrils are small, rounded, and positioned at the tip of the snout. Eyes are relatively small, dark, and set laterally, granting a wide field of vision; the retina contains a high proportion of rod cells, facilitating nocturnal activity. Above the eyes, a pair of large, thin, hairless ears protrude laterally, each capable of rotating independently to capture sound from multiple directions.
Whiskers (vibrissae) extend outward from the muzzle and above the eyes. These stiff, tactile hairs are arranged in organized rows, providing precise spatial awareness. The dentition includes continuously growing incisors with orange‑colored enamel on the front surface and a darker dentin behind, enabling the animal to gnaw through various materials.
Limbs consist of four short, sturdy legs. Forelimbs possess five dexterous digits with sharp, curved claws, while hind limbs have five digits with broader claws for climbing and digging. Musculature is well‑developed, allowing rapid bursts of speed and agile maneuvering through confined spaces.
The tail is hairless, naked, and covered by a thin layer of skin rich in blood vessels. It functions in thermoregulation and balance, acting as a counterweight during climbing. The tail’s length typically equals or exceeds the body length, providing excellent stability.
Overall, the physical characteristics of a living rat combine a streamlined silhouette, adaptable sensory organs, and robust musculature, enabling survival in diverse habitats ranging from sewers to agricultural fields.