Why Do Rats Have Red Eyes?

While the red colour of rats’ eyes is commonly attributed to rabies, the actual cause is not clear. Rats generally have brown or black eyes, and the red eye is a symptom of an eye infection or retinal damage. Rats’ eye colour is a recessive trait, meaning that the genes that control coat colour also control pigmentation on other parts of the body.

Rats can only see a few feet in front of them, but their eyes are a sensitive part of their visual system. This means that they cannot discern bright or dark colors and will often react to the presence of a shadow instead. Their poor vision is a contributing factor to their red eyes, which makes them prone to light aversion.

In older rats, it can be a sign of a variety of diseases and conditions. It may be the result of a color mutation, an injury, or an overproduction of porphyrin. While this condition will not affect your rat, older rats may need assistance cleaning their eyes. In this case, it is advisable to seek veterinary care for a diagnosis.

Red-eyed pet rats have a unique appearance. Many people prefer them over other varieties, as they are so unique in color. Though some people have misconceptions about red-eyed rats, these animals are actually a friendly and lovable species. In addition to the red color of their eyes, red-eyed rats are not blind or deaf. While they are considered to be less social than their albino counterparts, they can grow accustomed to humans and other humans.

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