The first rats domesticated were the Norway albino rats. They were bred for laboratory experimentation and through succeeding generations they became smaller and gentler.

But now laboratory rats come in a variety of colors. You can find black rats, cream colored rats and rats that come in a mixture of black and white. Maybe there are some other colors as well, but these are the most common.

Rats need to be housed in large cages. If you put one in a cage designed for a mouse, it’ll suffer for sure. But let that rat out to roam around the room for a few hours every day. Do keep an eye on her, though. Rats are born chewers. In fact, wild rats can even chew through concrete!

And another thing, be sure you feed your rat a nice mixture of healthy foods. Your veterinarian can recommend the best diet for a healthy rat.