Rats are mammals which belong to the rodent family having large incisor teeth that are continually growing necessitating gnawing to prevent the teeth from overgrowing. The word 'rodent' is derived from the latin word 'rodere' which means 'to gnaw'.
Rats form the Genus Rattus under the sub-family of Murinae. There are many different species of rats throughout the world and the rat domesticated and kept as a pet is the Brown Rat, also known as the sewer rat (Rattus norvegicus) and is often referred to as the Fancy Rat.
Rats are pack animals and this helps to ensure survival in the wild in many different environments.
A list of rat species with common name, scientific name and alternative names.