Rat Facts for Kids: Discover the Amazing World of Rats

Rats are often misunderstood but they are very clever and sociable. They can solve problems, learn tricks and even fit through toilet systems. In this fact file, we will tell you where rats live, what they eat, how their life cycle works and some surprising rat facts for kids.

Picture: A rat on the streets near a tree

Quick Rat Facts

• Scientific name: Rattus

• Animal Type: Mammal

• Animal group: Rodent

• Diet: Omnivore

• Baby rat: Pup

• Group name: A mischief

• Habitat: Forests, towns, buildings, farms

• Lifespan: 1-3 years in the wild

Amazing Rat Fact: Rats can laugh! When they play or are gently tickled, they make tiny high-pitched squeaks that humans cannot hear without special equipment!

Rat Lifecycle

Now we will tell you about a rats lifecycle!

Newborn Rat Pup

A newborn rat is called a pup. Newborn rat pups have no fur, they are tiny, pink, blind and deaf. They depend on their Mum to keep warm, get milk and stay safe.

A mother rat usually keeps the baby rat warm in the nest using grass, leaves paper and fabric (on farms they use hay and bird feathers!).

Growing Rat Pup

After around two weeks, the pups open their ears and eyes. They start to grow fur and move around.

They still drink their mums milk, but they get quite active!

Young Rat

At around 3-4 weeks, a young rat starts scavenging and eating solid foods.

They spend lots of time playing, climbing, chasing and wrestling with their brothers and sisters. This helps them get strong and learn skills to help them survive and find food.

Young rats also learn how to groom themselves and live in a group.

Adult Rat

An adult rat is independent and able to find its own food, build a nest and live with other rats.

Adult rats are very sociable and like to live in groups. They use body movements (like whiskers) and high pitched squeaks to talk to each other.

Girl rats can have lots of litters in one year which is why rat populations grow so quickly!

How Long Do Rats Live?

Wild rats usually live for 1-3 years but many don't like long because of predators. Pet rats normally live for 2-4 years.

What Animals Eat Rats?

Rats are prey for lots of animals. Their predators include owls, hawks, foxes, cats, badgers and snakes. Sometimes, rats will fight over groups over territory.

Rats come out at night to help them hide from predators. They have good hearing and smell to warn them when danger is near.

Are Rats Important?

Rats are important because they are a food source to their predators. They also help spread seeds and breakdown left over animal bodies.

Rats have even helped scientists learn more about the human body!

Can Rats Spread Diseases?

Wild rats can sometimes spread diseases through their wee, poo and bites.

This is why you should never touch a wild rat or its droppings. Always tell an adult and wash your hands after touch a pet rat too.

Amazing Rat Fact: During the Black Death, fleas living on rats helped spread the plague between animals and humans. 🐀

What Do Rats Eat?

Rats are omnivores and they eat seeds, fruit, eggs, insects and even small animals. Rats live near people so they can eat left over food. They are really good at finding food and can remember where they found it!

Are Rats Intelligent?

Rats are very intelligent animals! They can learn routes through mazes, remember places and solve problems.

Pet rats can learn their names, recognise their owners and perform tricks.

Scientists have found that rats show empathy. They may even help other rats in trouble or if they are upset.

Amazing Rat Fact: Rats have flexible ribs that help them squeeze through sewer pipes, they can swim all the way through the toilet system! 🐀

What Have We Learned About Rats?

Rats are very clever, sociable mammals that belong to the rodent family. They can swim, climb and they can squeeze through tiny spaces (even travelling through the toilet system!).

Although wild rats can sometimes spread diseases, they are still fascinating animals with great survival skills.