What do pet rats look like? - briefly
Pet rats are medium‑sized rodents, about 7–10 inches long, with a smooth, hairless tail and fur that can be white, black, brown, gray, or a combination of these colors; they have pink or black noses, dark eyes, and small rounded ears. Their bodies are compact, muscular, and their whiskers are long and sensitive.
What do pet rats look like? - in detail
Pet rats are small mammals typically measuring 7–10 inches (18–25 cm) from nose to the base of the tail, with tails that add another 7–9 inches (18–23 cm). Their bodies are compact, featuring a rounded chest, short neck, and a slightly arched back. The head is proportionally large, with a blunt snout and prominent, dark eyes that provide excellent night vision.
Fur covers the entire body except for the whisker pads, ears, and the underside of the paws. Common coat colors and patterns include:
- Solid shades: black, brown, white, and gray.
- Mixed colors: agouti (banded hairs giving a speckled appearance), cinnamon, and chocolate.
- Patterns: hooded (dark fur on the back with a lighter belly), sable (dark dorsal coat with a lighter ventral side), and tuxedo (dark front with a white belly).
- Special varieties: rex (soft, wavy hair), hairless (minimal fur), and dwarf (shorter body and tail).
Ear size is modest, covering roughly one‑third of the head width, and the ears are covered with fine hair. Whiskers are long, stiff, and highly sensitive, extending laterally from the snout to aid navigation. The eyes are set forward, providing a wide field of view. Teeth are continuously growing incisors, white and sharp, visible when the animal gnaws.
The tail is hairless, cylindrical, and flexible, serving as a balance organ. It is covered in fine scales and can be used to gauge temperature; a healthy tail feels warm and supple. Feet are equipped with small, clawed toes and padded pads that facilitate climbing and gripping. The hind limbs are slightly longer than the forelimbs, giving rats a characteristic hopping gait.
Sexual dimorphism is subtle. Males may exhibit a slightly larger body size and a more pronounced anogenital distance, while females often have a broader pelvis. Age influences appearance: juveniles display softer, finer fur and proportionally larger heads; adults develop thicker coats and more defined musculature.
Overall, domestic rats present a compact, fur‑covered body, a long hairless tail, and a range of coat colors and patterns that can be precisely identified through visual inspection.