Why Do Rats Jump Ship? (Origins of the Saying Explained

Brown Rat on a rock in vegetation 1

You’ve probably heard the old saying “rats jumping ship” used to describe people abandoning a bad situation. But where did this phrase actually come from? Is it based on real rat behavior, or just an old myth? Why do rats jump ship? Rats jump ship when they sense danger like sinking, flooding, or fires. They’re … Read more

Why Do Rats Jump at People? (Fear or Defense Explained

Brown Rat jumping over a railing

Few things are more terrifying than having a rat suddenly jump at you. Whether you’re walking through an alley, cleaning out a basement, or just minding your own business, a rat launching itself toward your face can make anyone scream. So why do rats jump at people? Are they attacking, or is something else going … Read more

Why Do Rats Jump Into Deep Fryers? (Chasing Food Smells

Black rat next to a large rock

If you’ve worked in restaurants or food service, you might’ve heard horror stories about rats jumping into deep fryers. These stories sound crazy (and really gross), but they actually happen more often than you’d think. So why would a rat jump into hot oil? Is this some kind of bizarre suicide, or is something else … Read more

Are Rats Incontinent? (How They Control Their Bladder

Brown Rat in the rain

If you’ve ever kept rats as pets or dealt with a rat infestation, you’ve probably noticed something pretty gross: they pee everywhere. Unlike dogs or cats that can be house-trained, rats seem to just let loose wherever they happen to be. Are rats incontinent? Can they actually control their bladder at all? Rats are not … Read more

Why Do Rats Tails Get Tangled? (“Rat King” Explained

Thirteen rats with tangled tails on display in a glass case

One of the strangest and most disturbing images you can find of rats is what’s called a “rat king.” Multiple rats literally stuck together by their tails, creating a writhing mass of bodies that can’t separate. It looks like something out of a horror movie. Historical accounts describe finding these tangled groups of rats, sometimes … Read more