The roof rat (Rattus rattus), also called the black rat, is best known as a pest or the medieval plague rat. It is a different species from the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), also called the brown rat or fancy rat, which is the one usually kept as a pet. Ours are selectively bred for tameness. Here is how the two compare, and why roof rats are pets, not vermin.
Roof rat vs Norway rat: how to tell them apart
| Roof rat (black rat) | Norway rat (brown rat) | |
|---|---|---|
| Tail vs body | Tail longer than the body | Tail shorter than the body |
| Build | Slim, light, an agile climber | Heavier, stockier, a ground-dweller |
| Ears | Large and thin (reach the eye if folded forward) | Small, close to the head |
| Snout | Pointed | Blunter |
| Where they nest | High up (roofs, attics, trees) | Low down (burrows, basements, sewers) |
A quick note on names: the Norway rat is the same animal as the brown rat, and the roof rat is the same animal as the black rat. That is why searches for “brown rat vs black rat” and “roof rat vs Norway rat” both land on this page.
On this page
- Are roof rats a pest or a pet?
- Are these tamed wild rats, or are they bred?
- Whatâs the difference between a roof rat and a fancy (Norway) rat as a pet?
- Do roof rats climb more than fancy rats?
- Can roof rats and fancy or Norway rats interbreed?
- Do roof rats get tumors and cancers like fancy rats?
- How long do roof rats live?
- What are roof rats, exactly?
- Why donât pet stores sell roof rats if theyâre so cute?
- Arenât roof rats dirty or diseased like wild rats?
- How long does it take to tame a roof rat?
- Is it legal to keep a roof rat as a pet?
- How domesticated are they really, at this point?
- Where are you located?
Are roof rats a pest or a pet?
Both, historically, but ours are pets. The roof rat (Rattus rattus) is the same species people know as the âblack ratâ or a pest, but weâve selectively bred ours for tameness for years. The animal you see climbing onto a hand for a treat is a domesticated companion, not vermin.
Are these tamed wild rats, or are they bred?
Bred. Weâve been selectively breeding this species for domestication for years — these animals were never wild. Our rats trace back through several generations of selective breeding; we know their parents and grandparents.
Whatâs the difference between a roof rat and a fancy (Norway) rat as a pet?
Fancy rats are domesticated Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), stocky, ground-dwelling, bred as pets for over a century. Roof rats (Rattus rattus) are a different species: slimmer, with bigger ears and eyes and a longer tail, and arboreal, they evolved to live in trees, so they climb constantly. Ours are bred for tameness and make affectionate pets, but theyâre more athletic and need vertical space.
Do roof rats climb more than fancy rats?
Yes. Theyâre arboreal — they evolved to live in trees. Fancy (Norway) rats are fossorial; they evolved to live in burrows. A roof rat will use every inch of vertical space you give it.
Can roof rats and fancy or Norway rats interbreed?
No — theyâre different species and canât produce offspring together. A male roof rat might befriend female Norway rats, but they cannot make babies.
Do roof rats get tumors and cancers like fancy rats?
In our experience, far less often. I almost never see tumors in our roof rats, and I have never seen a mammary tumor in this colony. One of our males lived to over four years and died of old age, not cancer. I suspect tumors are simply less common in this species.
How long do roof rats live?
They usually live about 3 years, and can reach 4 or 5 with good care. That is longer than a pet Norway rat, which usually does not reach four.
What are roof rats, exactly?
Domesticated black rats (Rattus rattus). In Europe theyâre called âblack ratsâ, the same species blamed for the medieval plague. Ours are bred for tameness, so theyâre a domesticated pet version of that species, not wild animals.
Why donât pet stores sell roof rats if theyâre so cute?
Because, as far as we know, weâre currently the only ones breeding domesticated roof rats. If you run a local breeder or pet store, please get in touch — weâll happily gift friendly, healthy breeding pairs so you can start your own colony.
Arenât roof rats dirty or diseased like wild rats?
A domesticated, well-cared-for roof rat is no dirtier than any other pet rat. The disease reputation comes from wild populations living in unsanitary conditions, not from the species itself. (For what itâs worth, the bacteria behind âmycoplasmaâ in rats is not the same organism that infects people.)
How long does it take to tame a roof rat?
It depends on the individual — some are more curious and lower-stress than others, just like people. Our bred-for-tameness babies start out friendly; a truly wild adult may never fully tame.
Is it legal to keep a roof rat as a pet?
It varies by location — check your state and local rules. If itâs legal where you are and youâve found a friendly one, a check-up with an exotics vet is a good first step.
How domesticated are they really, at this point?
Effectively domesticated already. We still have work to do before the best traits always breed true: our breedable rats are all tame in behaviour, but some may be heterozygous for the many genetic factors behind tameness, so I think it will take a few more generations.
Where are you located?
Central Florida, near Orlando.
More on the science of the line on The Project and Whatâs Different About These Rats.
Thinking about keeping or breeding roof rats yourself? See Successor Breeders Wanted and What It Takes, or get in touch.