What are small rats called? - briefly
Young rats are called pups, also referred to as juvenile rats.
What are small rats called? - in detail
The juvenile stage of the common brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the black rat (Rattus rattus) is referred to as a pup. In laboratory settings and pet trade literature, the term young rat or kit is also used, though “kit” is less common. When the animals are still nursing and have not yet reached full size, they are typically called pups; after weaning, they become subadults before attaining adult status.
Key terminology:
- Pup – newborn to weaning age, usually up to 3–4 weeks.
- Young rat – general descriptor for any individual that has left the nest but is not fully mature.
- Subadult – post‑weaning phase, roughly 4–8 weeks, before sexual maturity.
- Juvenile – scientific term encompassing both pups and subadults in biological studies.
These designations appear in scientific papers, veterinary manuals, and breeding guides to differentiate developmental stages and to clarify care requirements.