Environment
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What are Some Different Types of Rats?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Rats come in a number of colors and sizes, with 56 species alone in the genus Rattus, which contains the “true rats.” In addition, a number of animals which are not in this genus are referred to as rats, such as the naked mole rat, bandicoot rats, and pack rats, also called wood rats. The incredible diversity reflected in the number of types of rats illustrates the importance of the niche which these animals fit into. Many rat species are very unique, found only in isolated regions of the world.

Many rat species are named for the regions in which they are found, including Mentawi, Nillu, Bonthain, and Dusky Field Rats. These types of rats may not be well known to most people, since they live on small islands and in remote areas of the world. The two most famous types of rats are probably brown rats and black rats. The black rat is also known as a roof rat, ship's rat, or house rats. Black rats are very good climbers, and they are very clever animals, able to worm their way into extremely small spaces. Black rats can be found all over the world, thanks to their skill at stowing away on boats. They are especially infamous with humans because they are known carriers of the plague.

A brown rat.
A brown rat.

Brown rats, also called Norwegian, common, or wharf rats, are also very widely distributed around the world. Most rats kept as pets are brown rats, selectively bred to become “fancy rats” in an array of colors. Fancy rats are also bred to be fairly even-tempered, although they retain the traits of agility and curiosity associated with their wild cousins. Brown rats are also used extensively in scientific research.

Rats often build nests under piles of wood.
Rats often build nests under piles of wood.

Rats have been maligned throughout history because many types of rats carry diseases which are harmful to people. Rats have also been known to spoil food by urinating or defecating in it, and many people associate the presence of rats with uncleanliness and untidy habits. Health inspectors especially are known for not being fans of rats in the facilities they examine, despite the fact that rats are almost an unavoidable occurrence in urban areas.

Many pet rats form strong emotional bonds with their carers.
Many pet rats form strong emotional bonds with their carers.

Despite their negative associations, rats are actually very interesting, sensitive animals. Numerous types of rats display amazing levels of intelligence and problem solving skills, for example, and they often have a complex social structure. Rats also appear to be among the few animals which laugh to express joy, although the laugh of a rat is not audible to humans. Many pet rats form strong emotional bonds with their carers, and people who keep rats say that they are very loyal, friendly animals.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

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Discussion Comments

anon169705

I think that rats are amazing but the second most gross animal in the world. the first would be a spider. i hate spiders. But I also like them because they get rid of gnats, flies and wasps, so i guess if we did not have rats they couldn't eat away the dead animals so at least my cat likes them.

anon115922

There is the albino which is a white rat with red eyes. There are these black and white ones and they are normally really nice. I am 12 and have those type of rats so those are the only types i can think of.

anon88832

i am looking for a pet rat. can someone please tell me a couple of different types? Thank you.

anon58543

Does anyone know of a website where you can see a picture and a description of the different types of rats? I have some in my backyard (white underbelly, gray coat) that are freaking me out. They show up dead all over the place with no apparent cause of death (O.o)

cpearson93

Gerbils are in the rat family. after all, they are called sand rats.

;(

cpearson93

Rats cannot mate with humans because the DNA doesn't match up.

anon48322

No rats cannot mate with humans. Yes rat brothers and sisters will mate, but you shouldn't let them.

anon44374

i would want to know if rats can mate with humans and what would the outcome be?:)

anon38046

hi my name is keri. i am 12 and i have owned about 30 rats in the past year from them mating a lot and i was wondering if brothers and sisters will mate?

cdkint

I would like to know if gerbils are rats or in the rat family? Thanks.

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    • A brown rat.
      By: Ilia Shcherbakov
      A brown rat.
    • Rats often build nests under piles of wood.
      By: mema
      Rats often build nests under piles of wood.
    • Many pet rats form strong emotional bonds with their carers.
      By: nastjanova
      Many pet rats form strong emotional bonds with their carers.
    • Domesticated rats can be safer to keep as pets than some cats or dogs.
      By: Maslov Dmitry
      Domesticated rats can be safer to keep as pets than some cats or dogs.