Why chinchillas are rats

The chinchilla (scientific name: Caviaporcellus) is a rodent, belonging to the guinea pig family. Unlike rats, guinea pigs lack the grinding teeth and tails that characterize the rat family, and so do chinchillas. Therefore, in terms of scientific classification, chinchillas and rats do not belong to the same class of animals.

2, the appearance of chinchillas and rats

While chinchillas are known as one of the "three great hamsters of China" in China, but compared to rats, their appearance is not so typical of the rat image, more adorable. Chinchillas have fluffy bodies, short and dense tails, large heads, flat noses and long eyes, and large ears. Rats, on the other hand, have the typical long tail and sharp teeth.

In addition, chinchillas are larger, have soft and long fluffy body hair, and typically weigh between 300 and 1,500 grams. Rats, on the other hand, usually weigh only a few dozen grams to 200 grams. This is another aspect that distinguishes the two.

3, chinchillas habits and food

About 400 years ago, from South America into Europe before reaching China famous chinchillas, nature is relatively docile, lively, curious. They are used to twilight activities, good at climbing trees, suitable for breeding in the woods damp, by the grass or shady places. Mice, on the other hand, are more adept at surviving and thriving in human habitats and can adapt to a variety of environments, including abandoned houses and basements in urban settings.

In addition, chinchillas are phytophagous, feeding mainly on a variety of herbs, fruits, vegetables and hay. Rats, on the other hand, are omnivores and will eat meat, insects, etc. in addition to plant foods.

4. Cultural symbols of chinchillas

In China, chinchillas are very popular pets, and they are loved by many people for their lively, cute and gentle relatives. And some cultural works, Totoro is also given other symbolism. For example, the anime movie "Totoro", in which Totoro is depicted as a magical, mysterious animal that represents nature, guardianship and beauty.

At the same time, Totoro is also seen as a good-luck symbol in traditional Chinese culture, representing peace, good luck and wealth. It can be seen that there is also a clear difference between chinchillas and rats on a cultural level.