Differences Between Rats and Mice
If you're thinking of adopting a mouse or a rat as a pet, you've came to the right place. Both are very clever and social animals which you'll love if you commit to adopting one.
This AnimalWised article will provide an overview of the differences between the two animals, including their physical features, intelligence and behavior. Find out all of the differences between rats and mice along with some interesting facts that will surprise you for sure.
Don't forget to leave a comment if you have any questions, or if you want to share pictures of either rodent with our community. Let's go!
Physical differences between mice and rats
To begin with, you should know that rats and mice don't belong to the same species. Rats belong to the Rattus genus, which includes up to 57 different species such as the very common black rat (Rattus rattus) and brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). The mouse, on the other hand, belongs to the Mus genus, of which there are 38 different species including the Mus musculus, known as the "house mouse".
Physically and generally, rats and mice can be distinguished by their size: rats can measure up to almost 30 centimeters (12 inches) in length, while mice are smaller at around 15 cm (6 inches) long, although some grow to be over 20 cm (8 inches).
However, the best way to physically distinguish a rat from a mouse is by looking at its physical features, taking note of the small details: Rats usually have larger legs than mice, whilst mice have bigger ears than rats. Mice tend to have longer whiskers than rats because they have worse eye sight, which is compensated by a highly developed sense of hearing and smell.
The color of the rodent is another physical difference to take into account, since rats are usually darker in color (brown, black, or grey-ish) and mice display a combination of light and dark colors (brown, white, grey).
Behavioral differences between rats and mice
Here we will make a small distinction between the behavior of these rodents, especially when kept as pets:
- Rats are capable of behaving in several different ways to express their emotions. A happy rat can be identified when it jumps, moves its tail or grinds its teeth. When it feels threatened or tense, on the other hand, it usually makes quiet high-pitched squeaks, bites, and is even capable of hitting wildly. It's highly recommended not to disturb a rat that whistles, shows its teeth or has its hair standing on end.
Rats are very social animals which enjoy the company of other rats. They often preen, sniff and show affection to one another. Here you can learn more about the different types of domestic rats.
- Mice are also very social animals that should live in the company of other members of their species. A male should only be placed with several females (who have been spayed), with the exception of two males who have grown up together since birth. If not, serious conflicts can arise.
Mice don't usually get aggressive as quickly as rats do. However, they can stand up on their hind legs (with the help of the tail) in preparation to launch an attack, if necessary. Generally, we can say that they're more docile than rats, although this can vary from case to case.
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