Our usual reactions to the rodents we commonly see are shrieks, groans of disgust, or sheer frustration at the now semi-gnawed door in our home. But don’t judge the whole family based on one or two pesky relatives. These are some of the most surprisingly cute cousins of rats you’ll ever see.

(By Illustratedjc / Wikimedia Commons)
I thought porcupine's were supposed to have sharp edges, but this one is all fuzzy!
2. Chacoan mara

Is it a pony? Is it a rabbit? Is it a kangaroo? Who can tell.
3. Eurasian Red Squirrel

(By Peter Trimming / Wikimedia Commons)
This little guy looks like it has seen something very shocking!
4. Cape Mole Rat

(By Professor Nigel C. Bennett / Wikimedia Commons)
I did not know that mole rat's came in fluffy-form!
5. Indian Giant Squirrel

(By Yathin S Krishnappa / Wikimedia Commons)
Why does this playful squirrel remind me of my cat?
06. Paraguaian hairy dwarf porcupine

(By Syrio / Wikimedia Commons)
Again, with the confusingly cuddly porcupines! Make up your mind, Nature! Although, I am definitely scared of those claws.
07. Muskrat

(By Jumpingmaniac / Wikimedia Commons)
This musky rodent is just one giant ball of fuzz (hiding some crazy sharp teeth!)
08. Northern Viscacha

It looks like a bunny, and hops like a bunny, but this is no bunny!
09. Long-tailed chinchilla

(By Yabopomonofonomopo bay / Wikimedia Commons)
Daw. This funny looking chubster has giant everything except for front paws.
10. Southern mountain cavy

(By Melisa Nemecek / Wikimedia Commons)
Are those the biggest eyes you've ever seen?
11. South African springhare

(By Revolutionrock1976 / Wikimedia Commons)
This furry friend of ours is like a pocket-sized kangaroo!
12. Dassie Rat

(By Vernon Swanepoel / Wikimedia Commons)
I bet all the other rats are envious of his long luxurious tail.
13. Laotian rock rat

(By Jean-Pierre Hugot / Wikimedia Commons)
I wonder if it got it's name because it resembles the cuddliest rock you will ever find.
14. Val's gundi

(By Momofelit / Wikimedia Commons)
It's fur...looks so so soft.
15. Desmarest's Hutia

(By © Salix / Wikimedia Commons)
It's like watching a family of tiny bears.
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