10 Captivating Facts About Rats
Rats originated in South Asia years ago and are now found all over the world. After their spread from South Asia, North Asia, and then the Middle East, people started keeping them as pets. These medium-sized, thin-tailed rodents proved to be their owners’ most extraordinary companions.
10 Facts About Rats
These social animals thrive in the companionship of their fellow rats. They have been found in the world’s rural, urban, and suburban areas for centuries, but do you know some interesting facts about these curious little rodents? Here in this guide there are some captivating facts about these furry companions that you should know. It will give you an insight into the fascinating world of these pets. Let’s move forward and understand the fun facts of these rats rodents.
1. Rats Have Good Memory
It has been scientifically proven that rats have perfect memory and are intelligent rodents. The episodic memory of these pets enables them to remember 32 items in context. This means they can remember past events in terms of time, place, and emotions. In addition, they can remember people because of their excellent ability to smell and
hear. Their excellent memory and intelligence help them learn and perform tricks such as playing fetch, jumping, and running. According to research, the giant pouched rat was trained to identify specific scents because of their excellent smelling abilities. Their sniffing ability can detect drugs, bombs, and diseases in humans.
2. Rats Are Social Animals.
These furry creatures are considered social pets that thrive in their companions’ group, also known as mischief. Their owners are advised to keep them in pairs, which will keep them happy and free from stress. In their wild habitat, they live in large groups where they build nests, search for food, and protect the territory with the help of each other.
They grow better in the company of their kind and with your proper attention. On the other hand, domesticated rats form a good bond with humans. You’ll need to interact with them; they’ll hang out happily on your lap or shoulder.
3. Rats are very Suspicious.
Interestingly, these pets have a suspicious nature. They become suspicious whenever a new thing is introduced to them and take some days until they get used to it. The neophobic nature of these furry creatures makes them fearful and suspicious of every new thing. This behavior acts as a survival kit for these pets. Their suspicious nature alerts them about any trap; therefore, they are not catchable and escape from it without triggering it.
4. Rats are Very Clean and Hate Getting Dirty.
These little creatures don’t like to get dirty. They require little time to clean and are good at grooming. They require little maintenance and get clean quickly. Besides this, whenever they get dirt in their fur in the wild, they start cleaning each other.
5. Rats are Color-blind and Have Poor Eyesight.
It is undeniable that these little pets are color blind. But do you know they have an excellent sense of hearing and smell? Their sense of smell can help them navigate towards food and water. They can also detect diseases and scents and hear sounds not visible to humans.
Additionally, they communicate with each other using their sense of smell. They also recognize anions by their specific odor. It is true that they are color blind, but beside this they can adapt themselves with fluctuating environmental conditions because of their ability to smell and hear.
6. Rats are Excellent Cimbers, Jumpers and Swimmers.
They are excellent in Climbing, jumping, and swimming. Because they are impressive runners and jumpers, they can jump over from the surroundings with agility. In addition, they are considered excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for up to 3 minutes. Their intelligent and adaptable behavior helps them adapt to changing environmental conditions.
7. Rats have Sharp Teeth.
These little fellows belong to the rodent family, so they have constantly growing incisors. The sharp, growing teeth need some chewy items to wear down their teeth.
In some cases, failure to wear down the constantly growing teeth leads to serious dental issues like malocclusion. Therefore, they protect their teeth from overgrowth and dental issues by chewing toys. These rodents’ sharp and durable teeth allow them to chew hardwood, soft metals, and soft concrete.
Additionally, they communicate with each other using their sense of smell. They also recognize anions by their specific odor. It is true that they are color blind, but beside this they can adapt themselves with fluctuating environmental conditions because of their ability to smell and hear.
8. Rats have an Incredible Tail Function.
Do you know the tails of these playful pets have incredible functioning? Thermoregulation and balance are the two main functions of their tails. Their tails’ functionalities, like thermoregulation, balance, communication, and sensory inputs, make them unique pets. Because of their thermoregulatory ability, they can control body heat and rising environmental temperature.
9. There are More Than 60 Species of Rats in the World.
There are about 60 known rat species worldwide. Different rodents are involved in this diverse group. Because of their availability in other species, they can be found in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Norway, black & brown rats are some of its common species. Besides their different species, the characteristics and features of these pets are almost the same, such as adaptability, durable teeth, and smelling & hearing senses.
10. Rats Breed all the Time.
These little pets have a polyestrous cycle, which means they breed year-round. There is no specific season for their breeding. The breeding cycle starts when both counterparts reach the age of about 4-5 months. After three weeks, babies are born, and in each litter, there are about 6-12 babies. Female rats are estimated to give birth to about five to ten litters annually.
Summing Up!
Whether you are a rat parent or have these little creatures just for research purposes, knowing everything about the world of these furry pets is essential. Their versatility and amazing facts make them successful rodents.
Their good memory, social and suspicious behavior, grooming habits, excellent sense of hearing and smelling, sharp tenths, jumping, swimming, and running ability, and incredible tail functions make them unique in the family of Muridae. These rat facts eliminate all your concerns by updating you about their lifestyle and habits.
Matthew Daviss
Explore the insightful world of rodents with our exciting articles written with expertise and passion by our rodent care specialist, Dr. Matthew Daviss.
