Standard-coat Rat

Coat and looks how to spot one

Smooth, short, glossy coat (the normal fancy rat coat)

This is the everyday rat coat: short, sleek and lying flat against a long, slightly racy body, with a natural shine and straight whiskers. Bucks tend to have a thicker, rougher-feeling coat, while does have softer, finer fur.2164

Personality what they are like

A smooth-coated fancy rat is typically affectionate, inquisitive and loyal once used to people. Rats raised with gentle daily handling become confident companions that enjoy attention and learn readily.15

Daily activity how busy a day looks

As lively as any fancy rat. Most active around dusk and through the night, it needs daily supervised time out of the cage, things to climb and forage for, and short play or training sessions.57

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Rats groom themselves and their cagemates thoroughly, so the smooth coat needs no brushing or bathing. Regular cage spot-cleaning and daily handling are all the coat care needed.57

Home where they are happiest

The largest multi-level rat cage you can fit, with shelves, ropes, ladders, hammocks and hideouts, dust-free bedding such as shredded paper, placed in a quiet room around 19-23 C away from direct sun and draughts.73

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete rat nugget or pellet as the daily staple, with small portions of vegetables, a little fruit, grains and cooked egg counted into the ration. Keep sugary or fatty bits for training rewards, scatter some food to encourage foraging, and provide fresh water from a bottle at all times.8

Company who they like around

A very sociable animal that should share its home with at least one other rat, in a same-sex pair or small group or a neutered mixed pair, and enjoys daily time with its people.51

The story where it all began

Rat-catchers in 18th and 19th century England began keeping and taming unusually coloured wild brown rats, and the rat fancy was formally born in 1901 when a hooded rat won Best in Show at Aylesbury. Every later coat variety, such as Rex or Satin, is measured against this original smooth coat.1

Recognised by the official bits

American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (AFRMA)

Standard is the first of AFRMA's seven show varieties; the coat should be short, smooth and glossy, dense over the body, with males carrying slightly longer, coarser hair.2

Rat and Mouse Club of America (RMCA)

Standard is one of the four RMCA varieties; the coat should be smooth and glossy, with males a little longer and coarser in coat than females.9