Kingdom : Animalia Class : Mammalia Family : Muridae Scientific Name : Rattus Rattus Size : 20 - 50cm (7.8 - 19.7in) Weight : 200 - 900g (0.4 - 2lbs) Top Speed : 13km/h (8mph) Life Span : 2 - 5 years Colour : Grey, Black, White, Brown Skin Type : Fur Special Features : Large, sharp front teeth and long, thin tail
- Rats are small scavenger animals found all around the world.
- They are thought to have originated in Asia and migrated to other continents through human voyages.
- They are very adaptable animals that are widely spread.
- There are two species of rats- the black rat and the brown rat.
- The biggest distinguishing feature between rats and mice is the size, with the rats being larger.
- Rats are considered as pests and they are known to carry and spread diseases.
- They are also known to kill small livestock.
- Rats are kept as household pets as they do not pose any special risk that other pets do not pose.
- Rats, when tame, can be very friendly and can also be taught to perform selective tasks.
- The wild rats have their predators in snakes, wildcats and birds of prey.
- Rats are omnivores feeding on plant and animal matter.
- The new generation rats are much larger as they feed on high rubbish levels.
- In some parts of South-East Asia, rats like Bandicoots are consumed by humans.
- Rats breed very fast, the female rats give birth to 6-10 babies per litter after a 22-day gestation.
- The female rats can breed from 5 weeks to 18 months of age.
- On an average they live to be around 2-5 years old.