There’s a reason why people often call pets “rodents” even if they don’t look like one. After all, who can resist the wide-eyed innocence of a hamster or the soft fur of a guinea pig? But there are quite a few animals that look like rodents but aren’t actually classified as such. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at ten of them! Interested in learning more?
Animals That Look Like Rats
Rodents are one of the most diverse groups of mammals on Earth. With more than 2,000 species, they are found on every continent except for Antarctica. Rodents are also popular as pets for many reasons. Although there are exceptions like the capybara, most rodents are smaller, and many readily adapt to life in captivity.
Some rodents take on characteristics of species they are not related to, like springhares, which are designed like kangaroos, and Patagonian maras, which have long legs and can run up to 40 miles per hour. In addition to their physical diversity, rodents also exhibit a wide range of behaviors. For example, some species dig burrows while others build nests. Some rodents are social while others are solitary. Despite their diversity, there are some commonalities among all rodents. For instance, all rodents have teeth that grow continuously throughout their lives.
Read More: 9 Cuddly and Affectionate Exotic Pets
10 Animals That Look Like Rodents(But Aren’t!)
1). Mongoose
Although mongooses look like rodents, they are actually members of the Herpestidae family, which is closely related to felines. There are more than 30 species of mongoose, and they are found in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Mongooses range in size from the dwarf mongoose, which is just over a foot long, to the Egyptian mongoose, which can grow to be more than three feet long.
2). Jerboa
The jerboa is a small rodent-like mammal that is found in the deserts of northern Africa and Asia. There are more than 50 species of jerboa, and they range in size from the three-toed jerboa, which is about the size of a mouse, to the great Basin kangaroo rat, which can be more than twice as large.
Jerboas are characterized by their long hind legs, which they use for jumping, and their short front legs, which they use for digging.
3). Hedgehog
Hedgehogs are small, spiny mammals that are found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. There are more than a dozen species of hedgehog, and they range in size from the African pygmy hedgehog, which is about the size of a tennis ball, to the European hedgehog, which can be more than twice as large.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, and they use their spines for defense against predators.
4). Pika
Pikas are small, rabbit-like mammals that are found in the mountains of Asia and North America. There are more than 30 species of pika, and they range in size from the collared pika, which is about the size of a rabbit, to the giant pika, which can be more than twice as large.
Pikas are herbivores, and they use their long fur-covered ears to help them regulate their body temperature.
Read More: 15 Pets That Looks Like Pokemon
5). Sable
The sable is a small mammal that is found in the forests of Asia and North America. There are two species of sable, the Japanese sable, and the American marten.
Sables range in size from the Japanese sable, which is about the size of a cat, to the American marten, which can be more than twice as large. Sables are carnivores, and they use their long, sharp claws to help them climb trees.
6). Polecat
The polecat is a small mammal that is found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. There are three species of polecat, the European polecat, the steppe polecat, and the black-footed ferret.
Polecats range in size from the European polecat, which is about the size of a cat, to the black-footed ferret, which can be more than twice as large. Polecats are carnivores, and they use their long, sharp teeth to help them kill their prey.
7). Bat
Bats are small mammals that are found in the caves of North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
There are more than 1,000 species of bats, and they range in size from the bumblebee bat, which is about the size of a bumblebee, to the great fruit-eating bat, which can be more than three feet long. Bats are nocturnal animals, and they use their wings to help them fly.
8). Opossum
The opossum is a small mammal that is found in the forests of North and South America.
There are more than 60 species of opossum, and they range in size from the Virginia opossum, which is about the size of a cat, to the giant opossum, which can be more than three feet long. Opossums are nocturnal animals, and they use their tails to help them climb trees.
9). Skunk
Skunks are small mammals that are found in the forests of North and South America. There are more than a dozen species of skunk, and they range in size from the striped skunk, which is about the size of a cat, to the hog-nosed skunk, which can be more than three feet long.
Skunks are nocturnal animals, and they use their tails to help them spray their predators with a foul-smelling liquid.
Read More: Can You Keep a Squirrel as a Pet?
10). Weasel
The weasel is a small mammal that is found in the forests of North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. There are more than 100 species of weasel, and they range in size from the least weasel, which is about the size of a mouse, to the giant weasel, which can be more than three feet long.
Weasels are carnivores, and they use their sharp teeth and claws to help them kill their prey.
This article is designed to provide accurate and up-to-date information on the risks associated with owning a pet. However, it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, please be sure to consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to provide you with the most comprehensive and individualized care for your pet.
