[3][4][5] Cloud rats are characterized by long furry or hairy tails and short hind limbs with grasping feet.

Cloud rats belonging to the genera Batomys, Crateromys, and Phloeomys are typically large, with the largest species being Phloeomys pallidus (reaching up to 2.7 kg (6.0 lb) in weight) and Crateromys schadenbergi (reaching up to 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) in weight).

The smallest are members of the recently-described genus Musseromys, with a recorded weight of only 15.5 g (0.034 lb) and body lengths of only 74 to 84 mm (2.9 to 3.3 in).

Cloud rats are primarily threatened with habitat loss and human encroachment due to the extensive deforestation of the Philippines.

In some areas, they are the most commonly hunted species, and hundreds of animals are estimated to be killed annually.