What does a small rat and mouse look like? - briefly
A small rat measures about 6–9 inches, featuring a stocky body, coarse brown or gray fur, a blunt snout, and a relatively long, hairless tail. A mouse is roughly 3–4 inches long, with a slender build, soft pink‑to‑gray fur, a pointed snout, and a thin, hair‑covered tail.
What does a small rat and mouse look like? - in detail
A juvenile rat typically measures 4–6 cm in body length, excluding a tail that doubles the total length. The body is covered with fine, dense fur that ranges from light brown to gray, sometimes exhibiting a slight pinkish hue on the underbelly. Ears are small, rounded, and lie flat against the head, while eyes are relatively large, dark, and positioned on the sides, granting a wide field of vision. The snout is short, tapering to a delicate nose with prominent whiskers (vibrissae) that aid tactile sensing. Limbs are proportionally short; forepaws possess five small, dexterous digits with tiny claws, and hind paws feature four digits, each ending in a claw suited for climbing. The tail is slender, hairless, and covered with fine scales, often pink or lightly furred near the base.
A young mouse is slightly smaller, with a body length of 2.5–5 cm and a tail that roughly equals the body length. Fur is soft, usually light tan or gray, and the ventral surface is pale, sometimes white. Ears are proportionally larger than those of a rat, thin, and positioned high on the head, giving a characteristic “mouse” silhouette. Eyes are proportionally larger relative to head size, appearing black and prominent. The snout is pointed, ending in a tiny, moist nose surrounded by long whiskers. Forelimbs have five delicate digits, while hindlimbs have four, each bearing minute, curved claws. The tail is thin, hairless, and covered with fine scales, often uniformly colored or slightly darker at the tip.
Key visual differences: