What does a white rat look like? - briefly
A white rat displays an entirely white fur covering its body, with pink or pale skin on the ears, nose, and paws, and its eyes are usually red or pink due to the absence of pigment. Its size, body shape, and tail are otherwise identical to those of standard laboratory rats.
What does a white rat look like? - in detail
A white rat typically exhibits a uniform, creamy‑to‑snow coat that lacks any pigment. The fur is short, dense, and may appear slightly glossy when clean. The skin underneath is pale pink, and the fur does not contain the darker hairs found in pigmented varieties.
The head is rounded with a short, blunt snout. Ears are proportionally large, thin‑skinned, and pink, matching the skin tone of the face. Eyes are usually red or pink due to the lack of melanin, though some individuals may have pale blue irises. The whiskers are long, white, and extend laterally from the muzzle. The tail is slender, covered in fine hair, and displays the same white coloration as the body; it is typically longer than the head‑body length.
White rats can be classified into two main types:
- Albino: completely lacking pigment, with red eyes and pink skin.
- Pure white (non‑albino): retains a white coat but may have dark eyes and slightly pigmented skin.
Typical dimensions for an adult specimen are:
- Body length: 20–25 cm (8–10 in)
- Tail length: 15–20 cm (6–8 in)
- Weight: 250–350 g (0.55–0.77 lb)
Limb structure mirrors that of other laboratory rats: forepaws with four digits, hind paws with five, all ending in sharp claws. The overall silhouette is compact, with a smooth, streamlined profile that facilitates agile movement.