What are the external differences between a rat and a mouse? - briefly
Rats are larger (up to 300 g), with thick bodies, blunt snouts, short coarse fur and a short, hair‑covered tail; mice weigh 15–30 g, possess slender bodies, pointed noses, proportionally larger ears and a long, hairless tail.
What are the external differences between a rat and a mouse? - in detail
Rats and mice can be separated by several visible traits that remain consistent across most species.
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Overall size: Rats are substantially larger, with body lengths of 9–11 cm (head and torso) and weights of 150–300 g. Mice measure 6–9 cm and weigh 15–30 g. The size gap is evident even when the animals are young.
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Tail: Rat tails are thick, short relative to body length (about 70 % of the body), and often hairless. Mouse tails are slender, longer than the body (approximately 100 % of body length), and covered with fine hairs.
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Ears: Rat ears are proportionally small, rounded, and sit close to the head. Mouse ears are large, round, and extend noticeably beyond the head’s outline.
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Snout and facial profile: Rats possess a blunt, robust snout with a relatively flat forehead. Mice have a pointed, delicate snout and a more acute facial angle.
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Fur texture and coloration: Rat fur is coarse, with a denser coat on the back and a lighter belly; common colors include brown, black, or gray. Mouse fur is finer, often uniformly soft, and may display a wider palette, including white, gray, or agouti patterns.
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Feet and claws: Rat hind feet are larger, with well‑developed pads and strong claws for climbing and digging. Mouse feet are smaller, with less pronounced pads, suited for rapid sprinting.
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Whisker length: Rat whiskers extend several centimeters, aiding navigation in larger tunnels. Mouse whiskers are shorter, reflecting the animal’s smaller head and tighter spaces.
These characteristics provide reliable criteria for distinguishing the two rodents in field observations, laboratory settings, or pest‑control contexts.