Who is bigger: a rat or a cat? - briefly
A cat is significantly larger than a rat, both in size and weight.
Who is bigger: a rat or a cat? - in detail
When comparing the size of a rat and a cat, it is evident that a cat is significantly larger. Cats, as domesticated animals, typically weigh between 3.6 to 4.5 kilograms on average, with some breeds like the Maine Coon reaching up to 8 kilograms or more. Their body length, excluding the tail, ranges from 46 to 76 centimeters, and they stand about 23 to 25 centimeters tall at the shoulder. In contrast, rats, particularly the common brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), are much smaller. An adult rat usually weighs between 200 to 500 grams, with a body length of 20 to 25 centimeters and a tail length of approximately 18 to 25 centimeters. Even larger rat species, such as the Gambian pouched rat, rarely exceed 1.5 kilograms in weight. The physical differences between the two animals are substantial, with cats possessing a more robust and muscular build, while rats are leaner and more compact. This size disparity is rooted in their evolutionary adaptations and ecological niches, with cats being predators and rats often occupying roles as scavengers or prey. Thus, in terms of overall size and mass, a cat is undeniably larger than a rat.