How Small Can Rats Be?
WouterWhen it comes to how small rats can be, there are many variables that influence their size. Rats’ size can vary by many factors, including their size, how they are built, and the type of substrate they use. The age of a rat is another factor that can influence its size. Juvenile rats that are freshly weaned can fit through much smaller holes than adult rats.
Rats’ body length is about the same as that of a cat. They are bony and have joints and cartilage, which make them extremely flexible. Because of their ability to fit through small spaces, people have wondered how small they are. A rat is typically between five and seven inches (12 to 17 centimeters) long.
Most adults are about three to four inches long. However, this does not mean that they are small. In fact, adult rats can reach nine to eleven inches in length, with a seven to nine-inch tail. Their lifespan is two or three years, though most house rats will die during the first year of their lives. However, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, 16 rat species are listed as threatened due to habitat loss and population decline.
While some rats may be small, they are extremely agile. They can squeeze through tiny holes and climb walls. Adult rats can fit through a hole smaller than a quarter. They can even fit through telephone lines. Although they are incredibly agile and can move around indoors, they prefer lower levels of a structure. The damage they can do is considerable, and they can be dangerous to humans.
