What do a rat, hamster, and mouse look like? - briefly
Rats have elongated bodies, pointed snouts, coarse fur in shades of brown or black, and long hairless tails about the same length as their bodies; hamsters are compact, with short stubby tails, rounded ears, dense fur ranging from golden to gray, and a body length of roughly 8–10 cm; mice feature slender builds, large ears, soft gray or brown fur, and long hairless tails roughly 7–10 cm long.
What do a rat, hamster, and mouse look like? - in detail
Rats are medium‑sized rodents, typically 20–25 cm in body length with a tail of similar length. Their fur ranges from dark brown to black, occasionally grey, and is dense, short, and sleek. The head is elongated, featuring a blunt muzzle, prominent whiskers, and small, rounded ears positioned near the top of the skull. Eyes are relatively large, providing good night vision. The feet are padded, with four toes on the front paws and five on the hind paws, each equipped with sharp, curved claws for climbing and digging. The tail is hairless, cylindrical, and covered in fine scales, giving it a slightly rough texture.
Hamsters are compact, stocky rodents measuring 10–15 cm in body length, with a short, stubby tail usually less than 2 cm. Their coat varies by species: Syrian hamsters display a golden‑brown dorsal color with a white belly, while dwarf varieties may be grey, white, or black. Fur is soft, medium‑length, and often exhibits distinct facial masks or stripes. The head is round, with a short snout, large cheek pouches extending to the shoulders, and ears that are small and concealed by fur. Eyes are small but bright, and whiskers are long and sensitive. Front paws have four toes; hind paws have five, both bearing blunt claws suited for burrowing. The tail is barely visible, covered in sparse hair.
Mice are small rodents, typically 7–10 cm in body length with a tail slightly longer than the body. Their fur is fine, short, and commonly light brown or grey on the back, with a paler underside. The head is triangular, featuring a pointed snout, prominent whiskers, and proportionally large ears that extend outward from the sides of the head. Eyes are proportionally large relative to the skull, aiding nocturnal activity. Front paws contain four digits, hind paws five, each ending in tiny, sharp claws. The tail is slender, hairless, and covered in fine scales, providing balance during agile movements.