Are Rats and Hamsters the Same Species?
WouterRats and hamsters are not the same species, but they do have a few things in common. They both belong to the Order of Rodentia, which means that they have some similarities. Despite their similarities, there are a few key differences as well.
Rats rarely bite, while hamsters can be more aggressive, even to the point of breaking skin. Rats generally prefer fleeing over biting and will only bite when they are socialized. If you’re looking for a pet, you’ll find a rat mellower than a hamster.
Hamsters have a nocturnal diet and are usually active at night. They are also noisy, especially if they’re on a wheel. Children and adults may find hamsters noisy. Hamsters also lack the intelligence and affection of rats. They are nocturnal and live sixteen to thirty days, depending on the species.
Hamsters are often grumpy towards humans. Rats, however, are much less prone to bite, and can live with other rats without fear of killing them. Rats are also highly intelligent animals. You can train them to respond to your name, and they are also excellent at small problem-solving tasks. Rats need a lot of mental stimulation, so be prepared to spend a lot of time with your rat.
Hamsters require less maintenance than Rats, and the cost of owning a hamster is much less than that of keeping a Rat. In addition, hamsters do not require as much care or affection as rats. Consequently, they are a great choice for first-time pet owners.
