What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Do you know that rats can actually swim? And they can also laugh? Probably not. Most of us know rats only as “laboratory experiment species”. And that is just plain wrong.
Rats are social and affectionate animals, and unless you have one as a pet, you probably do not know much about them. Many people cringe at the thought of rats being anywhere near them. But despite their bad reputation, rats are very interesting and amazing creatures. With that in mind, we give you some interesting facts about this laboratory animals.
Affectionate and social animals
Rats are very affectionate and social animals. You might not know this, but they take care of injured members of their group. When there is an injured or sick rat, others take care of him/her. And without companionship, rats can become lonely and depressed.
Excellent memory
When we discuss memory of animals, usually, we say that elephants have the best memory. But rats are not bad as well. Similar as dogs they can memorize their entire navigation route. Once they learn the route, they will never forget it.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Small Animal Cage: This 3-tier critter cage measures 25"L x 17"W x 38"H with a 0.65-inch wire spacing, perfect for housing small pet rodents such as rats (including fancy and Dumbo rats), ferrets, chinchillas, guinea pigs, and small rabbits/bunny (such as Holland Lop, Netherland Dwarf, and Lionhead)
- Anti-Spill Guard Design: The rat cage bottom features a splash guard that keeps bedding, urine, and food debris neatly contained. It helps prevent messes, reduces cleaning frequency, and keeps your home clean
- Non-Slip Ramp & Spacious Platform: The wide platform offers a comfortable resting area for your pet, while the non-slip textured ramp ensures safety. Its gentle incline prevents falls and injuries, helping your pet climb with confidence and stay active and healthy
- Easy to Clean: Equipped with detachable, paw-friendly plastic floor grates that filter out food debris and waste, keeping the habitat clean and your pet tidy. The 1-inch removable tray holds more litter, while the rounded-corner base eliminates dead spots for effortless cleaning. All parts of the chinchilla cage are fully detachable—simply release the clips and lift the wire frame to separate the base for quick, thorough maintenance
- Escape-Proof Door Lock: Features a wide front door that allows easy access for your furry friends. The upgraded two-finger locking system of ferret cage provides double protection—preventing clever escapes and keeping your pet safe from other animals, so you can stay worry-free
Rats can laugh
When rats are happy, they chatter or grind their teeth. This sensation is often accompanied by vibrating eyes.
When they play, they experience social joy. Yes, they laugh, and make laughter sounds, but not the same hearty chuckle you hear from humans. Instead, rats emit a high-pitched chirping noise.
Rank #2
- Two Story Double Unit Design: Features 4-tiers durable frame cage with full middle floor and 1/2-inch wire spacing, allowing pets to access between floors with ladder and durable wrought iron construction that is easy to assemble
- Tight Horizontal Wire Spacing: Narrow 1/2-inch wire spacing recommended for a wide variety of small animal critters to prevent escape and getting stuck, while allowing pets to fulfill their instinct to climb and explore in a secure environment
- Durable Front Access Doors: Features double large hinged front doors measuring 15 inches by 18 inches with improved safety lock, top hook door for easy access from the top measuring 8 inches by 9 inches, and includes 2 easy adjustable washable solid platforms and 2 anti-slip solid ramps safe for small animals
- Large Spacious Dimensions: Measures 24-inches long, 17.5-inches wide, and 53.5-inches high when placed on the rolling stand, providing ample space for small animals to move and play
- Complete Accessories Package: Includes 1 hammock, 1 water bottle, and 1 food bowl to provide everything needed for your small pet's comfort and care
Rats can swim
Speaking of another amazing ability by rats, they can also swim. Not all rats, of course. However, there are certain types of rats that can treat water for up to three days and hold their breath for three minutes. The urban legend is that rats pop up in toilets. Well, that is because they can make their way up their pipes, as some rats can swim for over a mile.
Peer pressure
Similar as humans, rats succumb to peer-pressure. Brown rats are prone to disregard personal experience, and they copy behavior of their peers. The logic is that they have an urge to conform so strong, that they can even choose to eat unpalatable food when they are in company of other rats eating the food.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #3
- Easy Portable Design: Cage dimensions measure 24 inches length by 16 inches width by 24 inches height, featuring all-metal construction with 3 levels, wire shelves, and ladders with tight 3/8-inch cross bar spacing
- Narrow 3/8-Inch Wire Spacing: Prevents escape and stuck incidents for baby to adult size small animals including chinchillas, ferrets, rats, dwarf hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, mice, gerbils, sugar gliders and other small critters
- Two Front Access Doors: Features doors measuring 6.5 inches by 11.5 inches with locking door clips for extra security, includes 1/2-inch wire spacing, metal grated floor, platforms and ladders with chew-proof construction
- Easy To Clean Design: Includes removable raised 3/8-inch bar spacing bottom grate and pull-out washable tray with animal safe epoxy coated finish for convenient maintenance
- Easy Foldable and Setup: Collapsible design folds for storage with two top side carrier handles for travel convenience, requires no tools for assembly and setup
No need of water
Humans cannot survive without water for more than 24 or 48 hours. Camels are known as the animals who can survive without water for the longest. For example, during winters in Sahara, camels can go six or seven months without actually drinking water. They get liquids from the plants. But speaking of not drinking water, rats can actually go longer than a camel without having a drink of water.
Appreciated by some cultures
If you thought all humans hate rats, think again. There is a temple dedicated to Karmi Mata, a Hindu goddess in northwest India where rats are revered. Some cultures appreciate them. In this specific temple, there are more than 15,000 rats. They are worshipped and protected, to the point human devotees think they will reincarnate as rats when they die.
Rank #4
- SPACIOUS 2-STORY HABITAT: Measures 36 x 24 x 63 inches with two full levels of living space. The 1/2" horizontal wire spacing safely contains rats, chinchillas, ferrets, sugar gliders and degus while allowing natural climbing behavior.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy metal wire design with a gray quartz hammertone finish, Critter Nation resists everyday wear. Complete with 2 removable base pans, 3 textured ramps with covers, and 2 full-width resting shelves.
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR HABITAT: Height-adjustable design lets you customize the perfect setup for your pet, with 2 wide expanse shelves and 2 full-width plastic pan floors to maximize play space. Compatible with a wide range of accessories.
- BUILT FOR DAILY LIFE: Full-width double doors provide maximum accessibility, with a swing-up locking ramp that lets you separate pets or section off areas during cleaning and feeding. Bottom level shelf provides storage area for pet accessories.
- BECAUSE LIFE GOES BETTER WITH PETS: A family-owned business based in Indiana, MidWest Homes for Pets brings over 100 years of pet product expertise and a commitment to quality, rigorous safety testing, and excellent US-based customer service.
Shy animals
While they are social and affectionate, they are also shy animals. They might be curious, but they prefer to run away than confront a potential threat. You might not know this, but rats are actually one of the cleanest animals. They spend hours every day in solitude grooming themselves and group members.
No sweat
Rats do not sweat like humans do. They have different techniques to keep themselves cool. Rats control body temperature by expanding and contracting blood vessels in the tail. It is their tail that keeps them cool. Their tails also help them keep balance and communicate.
Best Value
- SPACIOUS HABITAT: Measures 36 x 25 x 38.5 in. with a main level and upper shelf for comfortable living space. The 1/2" horizontal wire spacing safely contains chinchillas, rats, ferrets, sugar gliders & degus while allowing natural climbing behavior.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy metal wire design with a gray quartz hammertone finish, Critter Nation resists everyday wear. Complete with removable base pan, textured ramp with cover, and a full-width resting shelf, it's ready for years of use.
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR HABITAT: Height-adjustable design lets you customize the perfect setup for your pet, with a wide expanse shelf and full-width plastic pan floor to maximize play space. Compatible with our Add-On Unit for additional room.
- BUILT FOR DAILY LIFE: Full-width double doors provide maximum accessibility, with a swing-up locking ramp that lets you separate pets or section off areas during cleaning and feeding. Bottom level shelf provides storage area for pet accessories.
- BECAUSE LIFE GOES BETTER WITH PETS: A family-owned business based in Indiana, MidWest Homes for Pets brings over 100 years of pet product expertise and a commitment to quality, rigorous safety testing, and excellent US-based customer service.
Their teeth keep growing
Known for gnawing on things, there is a good reason rats do this. Their teeth never stop growing. In fact, they can grow up to five inches per year. Because of that, rats have to chew on things to wear their teeth down.
Prolific breeders
Similar as bunnies, rats can breed quickly. Female rat can reproduce every three weeks, and gives birth to six to ten babies. Pups become sexually mature when they are just three to four months old.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
