Here's What a Rat Looks Like When It's Happy

Now we know what facial expression the rodents make when they’re feeling good.

Do rats feel joy? It can be hard to tell, since they can’t exactly greet us with a grin.

But now, for the first time, scientists have spotted the rat equivalent of a smile—and it’s all in the ears.

They found that happy laboratory rats not only can be literally tickled pink, but they relax their ears so that they hang loosely to the side.

The study is the first to look for signs of positive emotions on rats’ faces, such as pleasure or happiness. Other research on rat facial expressions has focused mainly on pain, showing that suffering rats narrow their eyes or squeeze them shut, flatten their nose and cheeks, and curl their ears forward. There’s even a rat "grimace scale"

DON'T MISS THE REST OF THIS STORY!
Create a free account to continue and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles, plus newsletters.

Create your free account to continue reading

No credit card required. Unlimited access to free content.
Or get a Premium Subscription to access the best of Nat Geo - just $19
SUBSCRIBE

Read This Next

SeaWorld violated the Animal Welfare Act. Why is it still open?
'World’s worst shipwreck' was bloodier than we thought
World’s first ultrasounds of wild manta rays reveal a troubling truth

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet