What is the rat that looks like a cat called? - briefly
The animal is commonly called a cat rat. It is a rodent species whose size and coat give it a feline appearance.
What is the rat that looks like a cat called? - in detail
The rodent that most closely resembles a feline is the African giant pouched rat (Cricetomys gambianus). It belongs to the family Muridae and is one of the largest members of the order Rodentia, reaching body lengths of 30–45 cm with a tail of similar size. Its fur is short, sleek, and often a shade of gray‑brown that mirrors the coat of many domestic cats. The animal’s head is elongated, with a pointed snout, large forward‑facing eyes, and prominent whiskers that give it a cat‑like facial profile. Ears are proportionally large and mobile, allowing precise sound localisation, another trait shared with felines.
Key characteristics
- Size and weight: Adults weigh between 1.0 kg and 1.4 kg, making them considerably larger than typical rats but still smaller than most small carnivores.
- Habitat: Native to sub‑Saharan Africa, it occupies savannas, forest edges, and agricultural lands where it digs extensive burrow systems.
- Diet: Omnivorous; consumes seeds, fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. The ability to process a wide range of foods parallels the opportunistic hunting habits of cats.
- Behavior: Primarily nocturnal, solitary or found in small family groups. Exhibits keen curiosity, rapid movements, and a tendency to stand on hind legs to survey surroundings—behaviors often likened to cat posturing.
- Reproduction: Breeding occurs year‑round in favorable climates. Litters range from 2 to 6 pups, with a gestation period of about 30 days.
- Human interaction: Frequently trained for scent‑detection tasks (e.g., locating landmines, tuberculosis). Their intelligence and trainability are comparable to that of domestic cats, contributing to the “cat‑like” reputation.
Taxonomic details
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Rodentia
- Family: Muridae
- Genus: Cricetomys
- Species: C. gambianus
Conservation status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the species as Least Concern, reflecting a stable population across its broad range. However, habitat fragmentation and hunting for bushmeat can create localized pressures.
In summary, the African giant pouched rat is the most accurate identification of the feline‑resembling rat, distinguished by its size, facial morphology, and behavioral traits that collectively evoke the appearance and demeanor of a cat.