Domestic rats, also known as fancy rats, are part of the rodent family and are a domestic version of the Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus) which is found on every continent except Antarctica. Domestic rats have become very popular pets as they are intelligent, social and affectionate animals.
There are currently 7 different types of domestic rats. They are mostly nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night and sleep during the day. Rats eat an omnivorous diet consisting of grains, vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, insects, eggs and sometimes meat.
Their teeth continuously grow throughout their lifetime, so they need to chew and gnaw to keep them worn down. Rats generally have a short lifespan of about 2 years on average.
