Background
Rats (Rattus norvegicus or Rattus rattus) are descended from the brown rat or, less commonly, the black rat. They are popular pets known for their intelligence and they were domesticated in the 19th century by rat catchers who bred them for street fights.
Appearance
Rats weigh around 250g. They mainly have short coats, but breeds such as the Sphynx are hairless.
Behaviour
Rats are very docile pets, but their personality and behaviour often differs from breed to breed. It’s advisable to do your research when you’re thinking about buying a rat.
Lifespan
The lifespan of rats is usually 2 to 3 years, although some have been known to live up to 7 years.
