What is a pet rat called? - briefly
A pet rat is commonly referred to as a domestic rat, or simply a rat kept as a companion animal.
What is a pet rat called? - in detail
The animal kept as a companion is generally referred to as a pet rat, often called a “fancy rat.” In scientific classification the domestic form belongs to Rattus norvegicus domestica, a subspecies of the Norway rat. The term “fancy rat” originated in the early 20th‑century breeding community and distinguishes show‑bred or selectively bred individuals from wild specimens.
Key naming points:
- Common name: pet rat, fancy rat, domestic rat.
- Scientific name: Rattus norvegicus domestica.
- Breed descriptors: colors and patterns are added to the name (e.g., “Sapphire,” “Mink,” “Blaze”).
- Registry usage: organizations such as the National Fancy Rat Society list registered varieties under the umbrella term “fancy rat.”
The distinction matters for breeders, veterinarians, and hobbyists because it signals a lineage selected for temperament, coat characteristics, and health traits, rather than the purely wild phenotype.