Is there a video of a rat washing itself? - briefly
Yes, footage exists of rats grooming themselves, commonly uploaded to platforms such as YouTube. Searching for “rat grooming” will reveal several examples.
Is there a video of a rat washing itself? - in detail
A video showing a rat performing a self‑cleaning action does exist and has been widely circulated on video‑sharing platforms. The footage typically features a laboratory‑bred brown rat placed in a shallow water tray; the animal repeatedly dips its forepaws and snout, shaking its body and grooming its fur. The behavior is interpreted as a form of hygienic washing rather than a purely instinctive grooming routine, because the animal deliberately seeks out the water source.
Key characteristics observable in the recording:
- Environment – clear acrylic container, water depth of 1–2 cm, neutral lighting.
- Sequence – the rat approaches the water, scoops water with its paws, splashes onto its head, then rubs the wet paws over its body.
- Duration – each washing episode lasts 10–20 seconds, repeated several times over a minute‑long clip.
- Physiological signs – whiskers and fur become visibly damp; the rat’s breathing rate slows during the activity.
The clip was originally uploaded by a university research group studying rodent hygiene and later reposted on major video sites under titles such as “Rat washing itself” or “Rodent bath behavior.” The upload date precedes 2020, and the video has accumulated millions of views, confirming public interest.
For verification, locate the video by searching the following identifiers on popular platforms:
- Title keywords: “rat bath,” “rat washing,” “rodent cleaning.”
- Channel name: “University Animal Behavior Lab” (or similar academic source).
- File format: MP4, resolution 720p or higher, length around 1 minute.
The existence of the recording provides concrete visual evidence that rats can engage in deliberate water‑based cleaning when presented with an accessible source.