Pet Wiki

Hairless Rat

Rattus norvegicus domestica

Also called Hairless fancy rat, True hairless rat

Recognised breedShort profile

From Several hairless mutations have been recorded in laboratory rats and fancy lines; the fancy variety was standardised in the United States by AFRMA in 1994.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male0.45 to 0.65 kg3
Weight, female0.35 to 0.45 kg3
Length20 to 25 cm4
Sizesmall

General figures for the domestic rat species from the MSD Veterinary Manual; club standards set no separate weight for this coat type, which shares the standard fancy rat body.

Striking bare-skinned look with very large ears
Thin, bright skin that still shows the rat's colour and markings
Friendly, curious fancy rat personality
125

Coat and looks how to spot one

Hairless (bare skin)

A hairless rat shows thin, bright, slightly see-through skin, which can be any colour and carry the usual markings. Some wrinkling is allowed, the ears are especially large and smooth, and the whiskers are very short and curly or missing altogether. Fanciers separate true hairless rats, which lack whiskers, from the double rex type.12

Coloursany recognised colour or marking, shown in the skin1

Personality what they are like

Hairless rats share the gentle, inquisitive nature of other fancy rats and become very tame with daily handling.25

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.56

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

With no coat to groom, care is about comfort: soft bedding without sharp edges, a warm, draught-free room and gentle handling, plus plenty of soft nesting material and hammocks to curl up in.126

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.63

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.7

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.52

The story where it all began

Research papers since the 1950s have described several different hairless mutations in laboratory rats, including the Charles River hairless rat. Fanciers took up hairless rats as pets, and AFRMA wrote a show standard for them in 1994.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The AFRMA standard allows wrinkling and calls for very large ears.1

  2. 2

    A true hairless rat can be told from a double rex because it has no whiskers.2

  3. 3

    Australia does not allow foreign rodents to be imported, so hairless rats are not found there.2

  4. 4

    The skin of a hairless rat still shows colour and markings, so you can have a hooded hairless.1

Recognised by the official bits

American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (AFRMA)
Standardised on 9 October 1994 as one of AFRMA's seven varieties; the ideal is as hairless as possible, with thin, bright, slightly translucent skin.1
Rat and Mouse Club of America (RMCA)
Hairless is one of the four RMCA varieties.8

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Hairless Rat. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Hamster and Gerbil Fresh Veggie and Herb Mix

A simple, safe daily supplement that provides essential vitamins, hydration and enrichment for hamsters and gerbils.

You need

  • 1 small piece of carrot (about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small piece of broccoli (about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small piece of cucumber (about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small piece of apple (without seeds, about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small leaf of basil or parsley

How

  1. Wash all fresh ingredients thoroughly.
  2. Cut the carrot, broccoli, cucumber and apple into pieces no larger than a pea.
  3. Tear the herb leaf into tiny pieces.
  4. Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.
  5. Offer a total of 1.5 to 4.5 teaspoons of this mix per day, depending on the size of your pet.

How much: 1.5 to 4.5 teaspoons per day for hamsters and gerbils

Recipe from Oxbow Animal Health

Rat-Friendly Veggie and Egg Treat

Rats are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. This treat provides protein and enrichment, and encourages natural foraging behaviour.

You need

  • 1 small slice of carrot (about 1cm thick)
  • 1 small floret of broccoli
  • 1 small slice of cucumber (about 1cm thick)
  • 1 small slice of apple (without seeds, about 1cm thick)
  • 1 small piece of cooked egg (about the size of a pea)

How

  1. Wash all fresh ingredients thoroughly.
  2. Cut carrot, broccoli, cucumber and apple into small pieces (about 1cm cubes).
  3. Cook an egg until hard-boiled, then cool and peel. Take a small piece about the size of a pea.
  4. Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.
  5. Offer this as part of your rat’s daily food allowance, not in addition to it.

How much: A small amount as part of daily food allowance for rats

Recipe from RSPCA

Small Furries Safe Snack Plate

A selection of safe, low-sugar vegetables and herbs that can be offered as occasional treats to hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice.

You need

  • 1 small piece of carrot (about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small piece of broccoli (about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small piece of cucumber (about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small piece of apple (without seeds, about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small leaf of basil or parsley

How

  1. Wash all fresh ingredients thoroughly.
  2. Cut carrot, broccoli, cucumber and apple into pieces no larger than a pea.
  3. Tear the herb leaf into tiny pieces.
  4. Arrange on a small plate or scatter in the cage for foraging enrichment.
  5. Offer only in small amounts alongside their regular pelleted food.

How much: A small amount as an occasional treat for hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice

Recipe from Burgess Pet Care

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Hairless Rat?

Feed your Hairless Rat a daily staple of complete rat nuggets or pellets, plus small portions of vegetables, fruit, grains, and cooked egg. Always provide fresh water from a bottle, and scatter some food to encourage natural foraging.7 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Hairless Rat eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A Hairless Rat should eat a complete rat nugget or pellet as its main diet, with small amounts of vegetables, fruit, grains, and cooked egg. Dangerous foods include chocolate, caffeine, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, so avoid these entirely.79

Should I bathe a Hairless Rat?

Bathing is not usually needed for a Hairless Rat, as it has no coat to groom. Instead, focus on providing soft bedding and a warm, draught-free environment to keep its skin comfortable.126

Does a Hairless Rat need brushing?

No, a Hairless Rat does not need brushing because it has no fur. Its care revolves around comfort, such as soft bedding and gentle handling, rather than grooming.126

How do I look after a Hairless Rat's nails and teeth?

Check your Hairless Rat's nails every three weeks and trim them if needed, but never name specific tools or medicines. For teeth, provide chew toys and hard foods to wear them down naturally, and ask your vet for guidance on any issues. Pet Wiki plan

How much space and exercise does a Hairless Rat need?

Provide the largest multi-level rat cage you can fit, with shelves, ropes, and hideouts, placed in a quiet room around 19-23°C. Daily supervised time out of the cage for at least an hour, plus climbing and foraging activities, is essential.63 Pet Wiki plan

Should a Hairless Rat live alone or with friends?

A Hairless Rat is very sociable and should live with at least one other rat in a same-sex pair or small group, or a neutered mixed pair. It also enjoys daily time with its people.52

How long does a Hairless Rat live?

The lifespan of a Hairless Rat varies, but like other fancy rats, it typically lives around 2 to 3 years with proper care. For specific details, ask your vet or a good breeder.

Is a Hairless Rat a good pet for children?

Hairless Rats share the gentle, inquisitive nature of other fancy rats and become very tame with daily handling, making them suitable for calm, supervised children. Always teach gentle interaction and supervise playtime.25

How do I hold a Hairless Rat?

Hold your Hairless Rat gently and securely, supporting its body with both hands, and avoid squeezing its delicate skin. With daily handling, it will become very tame and enjoy your company.25

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. AFRMA Fancy Rats - Varieties afrma.orgused for recognition, standard date, skin and whisker description, colours, research history
  2. Fancy rat - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for two hairless types, whiskers, Australia fact
  3. MSD Veterinary Manual - Description and Physical Characteristics of Rats msdvetmanual.comused for weight, lifespan
  4. AFRMA Rat Standards afrma.orgused for recognition, body type, body length
  5. RSPCA - Rats rspca.org.ukused for lifespan, temperament, social needs
  6. RSPCA - Rat environment rspca.org.ukused for housing, temperature, enrichment
  7. RSPCA - Rat diet rspca.org.ukused for diet basics
  8. RMCA Rat Standards rmca.orgused for recognition
  9. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.