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.
2:57
This Tiny Octopus Gets Excited When His Human Visits
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This Dog is... a CAT Person!
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10:46
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4:00
These Cute Koalas Will Melt Your Heart!
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4:21
The Owl: True and Funny Facts!
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The Natural Phenomenon That Will Take Place This Spring
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15:09
These Little Animals Are Nature's Architects and Engineers
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I Have Never Been This Moved by a Flower's Beauty
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22 of Nature Photography's Most Exquisite Moments!
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6:40
You May Learn Some New Dance Moves Thanks to These Birds
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Nature: What Made Two Groups of Chimpanzees Go to War?
What Made These Chimpanzees Go to War? Scientists Finally Have Answers
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Expect to See Lots of Butterflies with These Flowers
Here are 15 flowers you should add to your outdoor space in the hopeย of seeing more beautiful butterflies.
Fascinating Flowers That Are Both Beautiful and Edible!
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21 Gorgeous Reasons Nature Needs No Photoshop
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15 Magical Animal Moments Thatโll Make You Smile All Day!
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13:49
Say Hello to the Tiniest Bird You'll Ever See!
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The Power of Nature's Fury Captured in Poignant Photos
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18 Exquisite Prehistoric Ancestors of Modern Day Animals
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These Books Should Be on Every Nature Loverโs Bookshelf
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5:00
Why Do Cats Sport Vertical Pupils?
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17:25
Take an Intimate Look at the Secret Life of Orangutans
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These Unusual Creatures Can Only Be Found In Madagascar...
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8:10
Video: The Most Incredible Moments of Nature Photographers
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You Wonโt Believe This Most Magical Winter Place: Lapland!
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9:09
15 Bizarre Looking Insects and How to Behave Around Them
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See Stunning Bird Photos From the Annual Audobon Awards
A great nature shot is always stunning to behold, however this award-winning bird photography is something else altogether. Here are the Audobon Awards winners.
14 Special Animals You Didnโt Know Existed
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