Will this Harness fit my pet rat?

Question

I have 8 rats, and a few of them are very big boys!  Over 1 lb each!  
The local vets office, the shelter and the local pet supply store have asked me to bring in some of my rats and talk to thier employees and adopters about rats and how great of a pet they can be and are and thier specific needs!   I am known as the 'Rat Lady' in my town.
So for the couple of boys who are the really big boys i want to get them a harness to show how trainable rats are and how social and 'dog-like'  they are which most people in my town dont beleive.
In addition, i like to take my rats with me places, and they usually stay in their special carrier, and ride on my shoulder when i go somewhere that allows them to come out 'unleashed'.  But with a harness i could take them out more and educate people on the amazing world of the rat.  :-)
Here is the harness i am considering, and would like some input.  I've tried to use a small kitten harness, but they slip out too easy.  I have a good feeling about this harness, since it is more adjustable, and isnt as wide of a material.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=10570


Thank you for your input.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Harnesses are awkward for rats since they're legs aren't as big as a rabbits. The harness in your picture has very narrow cord, and it might be uncomfortable for your boys. It wouldn't look to good if they were fighting the harness.

I looked around and found this harness online. It goes around the neck and under the body so it might be better for a rat. Unfortunately it doesn't look very adjustable so your boys might be a bit big for it!
http://www.petcentreonline.co.uk/ecommerce/Scripts/prodView~idproduct~572.htm

Theres also this full body harness but again not so adjustable!
http://www.pet-bliss.ie/acatalog/Soft_Harness_for_Rats_and_Similar_Pets.html

I think your doing a really good thing, educating your town about how good ratties are! I hope I've helped.

Bubbles · Answer

I would not get the one on the link, only because it looks like it can tighten as they pull which would not be a good thing. My largest male is right under the 2lb mark!! I have a small ferret harness for him and it works amazing because I can adjust it around the neck and around the waist, and there is no way for him to wiggle his legs out of it. This isn't the exact one I have, but it's the same design/concept.

http://www.petco.com/product/11076/PETCO-Deluxe-Ferret-Harness-and-Lead-Set.aspx

? · Answer

yes it should...make sure u can adjust it so the rats can be safe and somewhat comfortable. you could ask a sales person at a pet store, they can tell you. also u might want to make sure the rats would want to use it

xx Baby Gurl xx · Answer

you could try it.but when you get it make sure it fits right or your rat could get loose.

? · Answer

you could try it if anything just return it

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Will this Harness fit my pet rat?

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