AWLQ Gold Coast fat rats for adoption need to lose weight

RATS Harry and Ron just need a little bit of magic to tip the scales in their favour. The chunky pair weigh more than 1.3kg combined.

RATS Harry and Ron just need a little bit of magic to tip the scales in their favour.

The pair are only supposed to weigh about 500 grams each, but Harry is 650 grams, while Ron weighs a staggering 785 grams.

Animal Welfare League of Queensland education programs co-ordinator Kathryn Calthorpe said the two besties were now available for adoption from the Coombabah shelter – with one condition.

Harry the rat is keen to lose some weight with a little less food and more exercise. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“They will need an experienced ratty owner to help them lose weight,” she said.

“Otherwise this weight can shorten their already short life spans.”

AWLQ Education Manager Kathryn Calthorpe with undesexed males Harry (black) and Ron (cinnamon) are in need of a good home and a diet. Picture Glenn Hampson

Ms Calthorpe said the pair had been given a clean bill of health from the shelter vets, but needed to get more exercise and to reduce their food intake.

She said potential owners needed to feed them a good quality food including fresh fruit and vegetables and to avoid sugars and starches.

Ron weighed in at 785 grams! Picture Glenn Hampson

Harry was a little less greedy and weighs 650 grams. Picture Glenn Hampson

“As much as they like toast and sweet treats, it’s not healthy,” she said.

“I think they’ve been fed a little too much food. Like other pets, they were loved a little bit too much.”

Harry and Ron were recently returned to the shelter one year after being adopted out due to a lack of pet-friendly accommodation.

Harry and Ron need good homes and a good diet. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Ms Calthorpe said the pair were originally found at a Molendinar home over a year ago in an outside run with guinea pigs “in squalid conditions”.

She said rats made wonderful pets, groomed themselves more often than cats and could be easily trained with food rewards.

Harry and Ron are litter-trained and cost $40 to adopt.