Meet Our Extended Family

Animals can feel empathy just like humans do. Empathy for each other, for us, and even for other species.

Rats

1. Rats are medium-sized rodents with a long tail. A group of rats is called a ‘mischief’! 2. Rats are mainly nocturnal and live underground. Although they vastly outnumber humans, we rarely see them. They are experts at staying out of sight! 3. Rats’ super-strong teeth never stop growing! They have to keep nibbling to wear them down – or eating would become impossible! 4. Their whiskers are more sensitive than human fingertips! 5. Rats brush the long hairs against objects or the floor, helping them build up a detailed picture of their environment. 6. Rats can hear well, including sounds that are too high-pitched for humans to hear. 7. Rats also ‘smile’ with their ears! When they’re happy their ears relax, become droopy and slightly pinker. 8. They wash by constantly licking their fur – sometimes they’ll even ‘comb’ it into place with their teeth.

Yes, rats are squeak-y clean! 9. Rats are extremely social and affectionate animals. They enjoy the company of other rats and domestic rats love being with humans too. 10. Rats take care of injured and sick rats in their group. 11. Without companionship rats tend to become lonely and depressed. 12. Rats’ tails help them to balance, communicate and regulate their body temperature. 13. A pregnant or mother rat is called a dam, while a male rat is called a buck. Baby rats can be referred to as either kittens or pups. 14. The presence of the hormone oxytocin in the central amygdala makes a mother rat willing to put her life in danger in order to protect her offspring. 15. When rat babies are born, their mothers lick them in a mammalian bonding gesture like human cuddling and caressing. 16. Rats make happy “laughter” sounds when they play. 17. Rats are excellent climbers, jumpers, and swimmers. 18. Out of all the foods rodents consume, their top two loves are generally fruits and berries. 19. Rats cry blood when stressed. 20. Rats are very social and love to hang out with human family members on the couch or on peoples' shoulders or in their laps. They will even try to groom their human companions as if these people were other rats in their “rat pack.” Pet rats love the warmth and contact of their caretakers and are actually very cuddly!