Will Your Silver Fox Hamster Turn into a Rat Over Time?

It's a common concern for new hamster owners: will your adorable silver fox hamster eventually transform into a rat? The simple answer is no. Silver fox hamsters, like all hamsters, will remain hamsters throughout their lives. The fear of them morphing into rats is unfounded, unless, of course, you were accidentally sold a rat instead of a hamster in the first place. Distinguishing between these two rodents is crucial, and thankfully, there are some key differences that can help you avoid confusion. Silver fox hamsters are popular for their beautiful silver-white fur and are generally inexpensive, typically costing around $3 to $5 from reputable pet stores. These popular little pets are definitely not rats.

Silver fox hamsters are indeed a popular choice for a pet. Their captivating silver-white coats and endearing, beady eyes make them irresistibly cute. Their affordability, around $3 to $5, contributes to their popularity. However, these concerns can be especially true for those who are new to hamster ownership. It's completely understandable to wonder if they will eventually grow to resemble rats, this is a common misconception, but rest assured, that will never happen. There are fundamental distinctions between hamsters and rats. Even as a silver fox hamster grows, it will always remain a hamster; it's genetically impossible for it to turn into a rat, unless it was always a rat. If you purchased your hamster from a reputable pet store, you most likely will not encounter this issue. Pet stores almost never try to sell rats as hamsters.

How to Distinguish Between Hamsters and Rats

1. Mouth Shape

Rats typically have pointed and elongated mouths, whereas hamsters have mouths that are short, small, and rounded.

2. Fur Color

Hamsters come in a variety of colors and patterns, with fur that is soft, smooth, and often very clean looking. On the other hand, rats generally have fur that comes in only a few colors, and most often is grey. The coat of a rat can appear much more coarse and unkempt than that of a hamster. These fur differences make the two creatures easy to tell apart before you buy them.

3. Tail

Hamsters have short tails that are covered in fur. Rats have long, slender tails without hair.Follow us for updates:Pet Training