How Large Can Rats Get?

If you want to know how large can rats get, you have to be prepared for the fact that they can grow to be four pounds, and even bigger. The fact is that rats keep growing throughout their lifetimes, and they’re not limited to the size of the city. Rats are incredibly adaptable, and can survive in deserts and urban areas alike. In fact, they can reach lengths of up to four feet, including the tail.

One rat species that grows to be quite large is the Sumatran bamboo rat. This species is smaller and lighter than other species, but it can grow to be over 20 inches long, without a tail. This species is native to China and Sumatra, and it feeds on bamboo and sugarcane. This means that it’s a potentially harmful pest for crops.

Brown rats can reproduce year-round, and they have a relatively short gestation period (around 21 days). After reaching sexual maturity, they can grow up to five litters a year. During this time, the rats grow rapidly: their lifespan increases by about three and a half months, and their population can grow from two to fifteen thousand in a single year.

While most people think of rats as disease-ridden creatures, you can actually keep them as a pet. Rats make excellent pets and can become very affectionate. Depending on the breed, they can be small or large.