What are the secretions of rats called? - briefly
Rats excrete urine and feces as their primary waste products. Their glandular secretions used for communication are referred to as rat pheromones.
What are the secretions of rats called? - in detail
Rats produce several distinct bodily fluids that serve physiological and communicative functions. The most commonly referenced excretions are urine and feces. Urine contains a complex mixture of nitrogenous waste, electrolytes, and volatile organic compounds that act as pheromonal signals, enabling individuals to convey reproductive status, territory boundaries, and individual identity. Fecal pellets consist primarily of undigested fiber, bacterial mass, and metabolic by‑products; they also carry scent markers that complement urinary cues.
In addition to these waste products, rats secrete substances from specialized glands. The preputial (or clitoral) gland releases a lipid‑rich secretion rich in steroids and fatty acids, which is deposited on the fur during grooming and functions as a long‑lasting scent marker. The Harderian gland, located near the eye, produces a watery, protein‑laden fluid that contributes to ocular lubrication and contains minor pheromonal components detectable by conspecifics. Lacrimal glands excrete tear fluid that, beyond eye protection, can carry trace amounts of chemical signals.
Male rats possess a pair of ventral sebaceous glands that emit a buttery, waxy secretion composed of cholesterol derivatives and fatty acids; this substance is transferred during mating and influences female receptivity. Female lactating rats produce milk, a nutrient‑dense secretion containing proteins, lipids, lactose, and immunoglobulins essential for pup development.
Each secretion differs in chemical composition, mode of release, and behavioral relevance, reflecting the sophisticated chemical communication system that underlies rat social organization.