The Differences Between Male and Female Rats

Before you decide to adopt a rat, you should know there are some slight behavioral and visual differences between the male and female rat. Beyond the fact that male rats start developing testicles around two weeks of age, at which time anyone looking can see the differences between the two genders. Male rats have a more laid back personality in comparison to female rats.

While most female rats are very active and will run all over the place and all over you while they are awake, male rats are more likely to just sit on you and want to cuddle. Females are more independent than male rats and will be more likely to be curious about everything and everyone around her.

In my experience, female rats also have more health problems than male rats do. My female rats did seem more prone to getting tumors than my male rats did, so that should be another consideration before choosing your pet. Male rats are also usually bigger and sometimes fatter than female rats.

No matter what gender of rat you get the chances of getting a bite from one of them is less likely than from most other small rodents. Today the rats we keep as pets are selectively bred to be friendly and gentle and so they rarely bite. A rat will still bite if they feel threatened, but for the part you are more likely to get bitten from other animals than you are a pet rat.

Both male and female rats have long tails that are covered with short hairs, the hairs on their tails give them a smooth silky texture instead of the cold dry texture most people think of when they see a rats tail.

Both male and female rats can learn tricks and even their names with enough time and patience from their owners. They like to play and even though males are a bit more affectionate than female rats are, both genders love to be with people and will beg to come out and play with you.

Some rats will shove their heads up to the tops on the lids if they can reach that far and tap the top so you know they want to come out. Or they will run back and forth when they see you, hopping up and down on their back paws to let you know they are happy to see you and want you to come and let them out so they can spend time with you.

While some female rats won't ever be as affectionate as their male counterparts, with enough time around their owners and enough love and affection from you they will show you love in return. Both male and female rats like to be petted and have their heads rubbed. A lot of times they will give you kisses by licking your hands, fingers or face in an effort to show you affection. If you are lucky enough to get ratty kisses, you are very loved by your rats.