A Quiz for Rat Lovers

Answer: Coloured head and stripe down its back

A hooded rat is a popular type of pet rat with a stripe of colour running from its head down its back. The stripe can be narrow or wide, depending on the individual rat. It looks like it's wearing a small hoodie with the hood pulled up, which is where the name comes from.

The coloured part usually starts on the head and continues in a line along the spine, while the rest of the body is white. It has no spots, just a clean white coat from neck to tail. These markings can come in lots of colours, such as black, brown, grey and ginger. Breeders often try to keep the stripe clean and straight. You'll often find hooded rats in pet shops because they're common and well-loved.

Answer: Larger size and more muscular build

One of the most noticeable physical differences between male and female rats is that male rats tend to be larger and heavier than females. They have a more muscular build. As they grow, males usually develop broader heads and thicker bodies, giving them a chunkier look overall. Their size makes them feel a bit more solid when handled.

Another clear difference is that male rats have visible testicles, which become quite prominent once they reach maturity. This makes it easy to tell them apart from females, who have a sleeker build and no external genitals. When trying to sex a rat, that's usually the first thing people check.

Answer: Dumbo rat

Dumbo rats are a type of pet rat that is easy to recognise because of their big, round ears that sit low on the sides of their head. These ears make their face look very cute and give them their name, which comes from the cartoon elephant Dumbo. They come in lots of colours and coat types, just like other fancy rats, and they are usually friendly and curious. They enjoy exploring their surroundings and can even learn to recognise their owners and enjoy being handled.

Compared to regular fancy rats, Dumbo rats are mostly the same in personality, but some people think they are a bit calmer and gentler. Like all pet rats, they need a safe cage, fresh food, clean water, and time to play outside their cage. Overall, Dumbo rats are popular pets because of their cuteness, and they're friendly, and easy to bond with.

Answer: Pup

Baby rats, called pups, are born hairless, blind, and very small. They depend completely on their mother for warmth and food. In the first few days, they mostly sleep and eat, and their skin is pink and delicate. At around a week old, tiny hairs start to grow, and by two weeks, their eyes open and they begin exploring a little.

Pups grow fast and learn from their mother and siblings. They start eating solid food at about three weeks old and can usually leave the nest soon after. Even though they are small and fragile at first, baby rats are curious and active, quickly learning to climb, play, and interact with their family.

Answer: False

Rats are naturally social animals that do best when they have companions. In the wild, they live in colonies where they interact, play, and groom each other. Keeping a rat alone can lead to loneliness, boredom, and stress, which can affect both their behaviour and overall health.

For this reason, it's recommended to keep rats in pairs or small same-sex groups. Female rats usually get along well in groups, while males may need careful introductions to prevent fighting. Having companions allows rats to communicate, play, and stay active, which keeps them happy and healthy as pets.

Answer: Siamese

Siamese rats are a type of pet rat known for their attractive colour pattern. They usually have a light cream or beige body with darker patches on their nose, ears, feet, and tail, similar to how Siamese cats look. These darker areas are called 'points' and show up more clearly as the rat ages. They often appear in shades like sepia, seal point, or blue point, depending on the specific genetic variations.

The point colouration in Siamese rats is a result of acromelanism, a genetic condition where the production of pigment is influenced by temperature. This occurs due to a mutation in the tyrosinase gene, which affects melanin production. In cooler parts of the body, such as the ears, nose, paws, and tail, the enzyme functions more effectively, leading to increased pigment and darker fur. In warmer central areas, the enzyme is less active or inactive, resulting in lighter-colored fur.

Answer: capped

The capped rat is known for its striking coat pattern. It has a solid patch of colour on its head, like it's wearing a little helmet or cap, and the rest of its body is usually pure white. The cap is usually black, brown, or another solid shade depending on the rat's genetics. The coloured part covers the top of the head and sometimes the ears, but it doesn't extend down the back or sides. This clean contrast makes capped rats stand out, and they're often bred for their neat markings.

These rats are part of the 'marked' group, which includes other patterns like hooded or Berkshire. The capped look comes from specific genes that control where the colour shows up, and breeders try to keep the markings tidy and symmetrical. Aside from their looks, capped rats are just as friendly and curious as any other pet rat. They're popular in shows and with owners who like its cap.

Answer: A large multi-level wire cage with solid flooring and narrow bar spacing

The best cage for pet rats is a big wire one with several levels, solid floors, and narrow gaps between the bars. Rats love to climb and explore, so ramps, platforms, and hammocks are ideal. Avoid cages with wire flooring, as it can hurt their feet. Flat plastic or metal trays are much safer. Good airflow is important, but make sure the cage isn't in a draught or direct sunlight. Fill the cage with tunnels, ropes, and hideouts to keep your rats busy and happy.

Glass tanks aren't suitable, as they don't let air flow properly and don't offer climbing space. Small cages made for hamsters or mice are far too cramped.

Answer: Omnivores

Rats are omnivorous. This means they eat both plants and animals. They have a very flexible diet, which allows them to survive in many different environments. They commonly eat grains, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts. They have very strong teeth that can chew through almost anything, even wood or soft metal, which helps them access a wide range of foods. Bananas are one of their favourite fruits. In some parts of the world, they're known as 'almond-eaters' because of their love of these nuts.

In addition to plant-based foods, rats will also eat insects, small animals, eggs, and human food scraps if they find them. Some rats are even known to store food for later, showing a surprising level of planning. This ability to eat a wide variety of foods makes them highly adaptable and is one reason they can thrive in cities, farms, and the wild.

Answer: Fetch small objects and jump through hoops

Pet rats are very intelligent and curious animals, which makes them excellent learners. With patience, consistency, and a few tasty treats, you can train them to do a variety of tricks. Because they are motivated by food, using small rewards when they perform the desired behaviour helps them learn quickly and enjoy the process.

Some common tricks include coming when called, standing on their hind legs, jumping through hoops, playing fetch and even riding on your shoulder. Training your rat not only provides mental stimulation but also strengthens the bond between you and your pet. With short, regular practice sessions, rats can pick up new skills surprisingly fast, making trick training a fun and rewarding activity for both of you.