Albino Rats: 18 Amazing Facts About These White Rats

Last Updated on December 12, 2023 by Fumipets

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Albino rats often at least warrant a second look, despite the fact that many people automatically shudder when they see a rat. Because of their vivid coats and brilliant eyes, these creatures are difficult to overlook and are often kept as pets.

How much do you truly know about these species, even if you may be acquainted with them? You’re in luck if you responded, “Not enough,” since we’re going to provide you with 18 astounding facts about these extraordinary creatures.

18 Facts About Albino Rats

1. They’ve Been Around for Hundreds of Years

Conrad Gessner, a Swiss naturalist, first mentioned coming across an all-white rat in 1553 when writing about his experiences in Norway. Gessner discovered a wild rat, and we can only assume that Norway would be a wonderful habitat for an all-white rat.

It sounds terribly ominous that Gessner spotted the beast at a graveyard, however we must warn you that Gessner passed away soon after the incident (10 years later of unrelated causes, but still).

2. They Must Have Pink Eyes to Be Considered “Albino”

There are numerous all-white rats in the world, but they are not truly albinos unless they have pink eyes. These rats are just referred to as “light-colored luxury rats,” which functions as both a praise and a jab.

3. Their Eyes Aren’t Actually Pink, 

The light reflects off the blood vessels in their eyes, giving their peepers a pink tint.

4. They’re Also Known as “PEWs”

Breeders often refer to albino rats as “PEWs,” which stands for “Pink-Eyed White.” Although it isn’t really original, it is quite true.

5. They Were the First Rats to Be Kept as Pets

This makes sense since albinos are among the most easily seen and captured rats in the wild (unless you live in a wintry wonderland, like Conrad Gessner). They were originally kept as pets in the 18th century, and in the years since then, they have become completely tamed.

6. Albino Rats Dream About Their Days

When researchers observed how an albino rat navigated a labyrinth, they were astounded to see that the rodent’s brain displayed the same patterns when it was asleep. This suggests that albino rats recall and relive their days when they sleep.

Unfortunately, the researchers were unable to ascertain whether the rats were genuinely dreaming that they were racing around the labyrinth without their trousers on (we’ve actually experienced the identical dream).

7. They Occasionally Have Red Tears

Many people think that albino rats weep blood, like a Bond villain, which is a myth. However, the pigment known as porphyrin, which is thought to aid in shielding their eyes from light, is what gives their tears their red color rather than blood.

8. Their Eyesight Isn’t as Strong as That of Other Rats

Nobody is certain why PEWs have more difficulty perceiving objects than non-albino rats do. However, because most rats use senses other than their vision to navigate, it is not a significant disadvantage.

9. They’re Prone to Being Dazzled

They’re not merely targets for magic tricks when we remark that they’re often impressed. Furthermore, as they lack any eye-protective pigment, they are susceptible to being startled by intense flashes of light.

10. Albino Rats Purr 

When they are really comfortable or joyful, albino rats emit a sound termed “bruxing” similar to a cat purring. Their teeth are clattering together, which is making a noise. Like with cats, you shouldn’t let your guard down simply because they’re joyful since it helps keep their teeth sharp.

11. They Groom Themselves Constantly

Albino rats really spend more time cleaning themselves than cats do, despite having a bad image as dirty animals. They’ll really spend a third of their time cleaning their body’s numerous sections. You won’t have to wash them yourself thanks to this.

12. Albino Rats Are Commonly Used as Lab Rats

The medical world uses albino rats for testing for a variety of purposes. They have two advantages: they are simple and inexpensive to obtain in large quantities, and they are docile and tame. However, one of the main causes is that they share a lot of genetic traits with people, which enables us to predict how different medications would affect people before human trials even begin.

13. There Are Types of Albino Rats Bred Exclusively for Research Purposes

In fact, numerous varieties of albino rats are raised only for laboratory usage since they are so well-liked by researchers. The Wistar, Sprague Dawley, Long Evans, and Lewis subtypes are among them.

14. Albino Rats Are Notable for Their Empathy and Compassion

An albino rat will attempt to assist a fellow rodent in need even at the danger to themselves if they are in difficulty. They have shown extraordinary empathy and commitment by making attempts to release their fellow countrymen from captivity.

15. An Albino Rat Has Been to Space

Hector, an albino rat, was sent into space by France in 1961. Hector reached heights of at least 90 miles, and once his mission was complete, he was successfully retrieved. Can you picture the nature of his fantasies that evening?

16. These Rats Are Notoriously Afraid of New Things

Neophobic, or fearful of unfamiliar circumstances and things, albino rats may need several hours to muster the bravery to examine new items.

Because albino rats are especially wary of unfamiliar meals, they will nibble at it for a few hours before really chomping down. Due to their inability to vomit, scientists think this care is warranted.

17. Some Albino Rats Are Hairless

In order to avoid having to deal with a lot of furs, scientists created hairless albino rats for study. However, as they are just as simple to maintain as conventional rats, you may also see hairless albinos being kept as pets.

18. Albino Rats Have the First Genetic Mutation That Was Deliberately Created by Humans

Albino rats did occur naturally, but now they are far more prevalent than they were in the past due to breeders intentionally breeding for their genetic abnormality. Albino rat mutation is usually seen as being worthless, at least in terms of adding anything useful to the X-Men.

What Albino Rat Fact Do You Like Best?

It’s hardly surprising that albino rats would be so well-liked since they’re as fascinating as they are adorable and cuddly. In fact, if forced to choose just one, we’d have to declare that this is our favorite fact about albino rats: They make wonderful pets.

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