The North American Rat Registry

Satin vs 'Shiny' Rat
One of the most common cases of mis-identification we have seen in the registry is satin. Many rats have been registered as satin, which according to the pedigrees attached, is very unlikely that it is a true genetic satin. Often, owners/breeders may identify their rats by phenotype (what they look like) vs genotype (what they are genetically). This is VERY common when it comes to satin as some that view the rat think "Oh it's shiny, so it must be satin." Satin is a genetic mutation just like any other mutation: color, color point, dumbo, etc. Satin is a double recessive gene where both parents must either carry the gene or express it in order to pass it on. The registry strives to record accurate information and therefore feels it important that traits are recorded based on genotype as well as phenotype. Review pedigrees thoroughly and register your rats accordingly. If something doesn't seem to make sense, there is a likely a reason for it. History of Satin The original Satins showed up in California at Karen Robbins (KK) rattery in February 1990. They were out of a Cinnamon Pearl and a Pearl Rex (sister/brother pairing) that were from her pure English line. A thorough article of satin origins can be found here. Standards for Satin AFRMA "Satin rats may be shown in any recognized color or markings. The ideal coat has a unique and distinct appearance with its lustrous sheen. The coat is thinner and longer looking. The hair should be fine to the touch. The coat has a sparkling look on some colors; white on the animals will have a yellow cast." 09/08 NFRS "The satin shall have a high sheen coat resulting in a satin like or metallic gloss. The colour may be that of any recognized variety. Satinization will appear to increase the intensity of any colour and this should be taken into account." 09/08 RatsPacNW "Longer silky coat, fine hairs, satiny sheen, white on body may tend to yellow." 09/08 RSA "Satin rats may be shown in any recognized color or marking. The ideal coat has a unique and distinct appearance with its lustrous sheen. The coat is thinner and longer looking. The hair should be fine to the touch. The coat has a sparkling look on some colors; white will have a yellow cast." 09/08 URS "Fine to the touch, with longer and softer guard hairs that give an overall glossy look or sheen. Satin lends some colors a sparkling appearance, and a yellowish cast on white and Siamese. Whiskers to be wavy and point in varying directions." 09/08 (above) Russian Blue Point Siamese Satin: Note the coat sheen as well as the length. Satin will make the lighter colors such as white and siamese appear more yellowish.	Black Satin Babies: Notice how the coat length and appearance is totally different than a standard rat coat. There is no mistaking that there is something different about these babies. Photo by BlueShuze
	Satin and non Satin babies: Note how all of the babies have a healthy shiny coat but see the difference in the actual coat between the satin and non satin babies. The hair is actually longer with a darker hue.
	(above) Russian Silver Point Siamese Satin: Note the length of the coat.
Satin rats also as babies will have notably different whiskers than both standard and rex babies:

Last Updated: 04/03/09

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