Pet Wiki

Harley Rat

Rattus norvegicus domestica

Also called Harley, Long-haired rat

Rare breedShort profile

From United States: first found in a pet shop on 1 September 2002 by Debbi J. Needham of Odd Fellows Rattery, Washington.1

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male0.45 to 0.65 kg2
Weight, female0.35 to 0.45 kg2
Length20 to 25 cm3
Lifespan1.5 to 3 years42
Sizesmall

General figures for the domestic rat species from the MSD Veterinary Manual; club standards set no separate weight for this coat type, which shares the standard fancy rat body.

Distinctive long, wispy coat with a satin-like shine
One of the few long-haired rat coats
Friendly fancy rat temperament
154

Coat and looks how to spot one

Long, fine, wispy coat

The Harley has a light, airy coat of fine, wispy, long straight hairs without a dense undercoat. The fur has a shine reminiscent of a satin, and the whiskers are fine and delicate.15

Personality what they are like

Like other fancy rats, a Harley is typically sociable, curious and affectionate with the people it knows.54

Daily activity how busy a day looks

As lively as any fancy rat. Most active around dusk and through the night, it needs daily supervised time out of the cage, things to climb and forage for, and short play or training sessions.46

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Rats groom themselves, so the fine Harley coat does not need brushing; handle gently and keep bedding clean and dust-free so the light coat stays tidy.146

Home where they are happiest

The largest multi-level rat cage you can fit, with shelves, ropes, ladders, hammocks and hideouts, dust-free bedding such as shredded paper, placed in a quiet room around 19-23 C away from direct sun and draughts.62

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete rat nugget or pellet as the daily staple, with small portions of vegetables, a little fruit, grains and cooked egg counted into the ration. Keep sugary or fatty bits for training rewards, scatter some food to encourage foraging, and provide fresh water from a bottle at all times.7

Company who they like around

A very sociable animal that should share its home with at least one other rat, in a same-sex pair or small group or a neutered mixed pair, and enjoys daily time with its people.45

The story where it all began

The Harley coat turned up in a pet-shop rat in Washington State in 2002 and was taken on by Debbi J. Needham of Odd Fellows Rattery. It behaves as a recessive trait and remains an unrecognised, rarely seen coat type.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The very first Harley rat was spotted in a pet shop in 2002.1

  2. 2

    Its coat shines in a way AFRMA compares to the Satin.1

  3. 3

    The Harley coat is recessive, so both parents must carry the gene for babies to show it.1

Recognised by the official bits

American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (AFRMA)
Listed among AFRMA's non-recognized rat coats; not standardised.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Harley Rat. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Hamster and Gerbil Fresh Veggie and Herb Mix

A simple, safe daily supplement that provides essential vitamins, hydration and enrichment for hamsters and gerbils.

You need

  • 1 small piece of carrot (about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small piece of broccoli (about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small piece of cucumber (about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small piece of apple (without seeds, about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small leaf of basil or parsley

How

  1. Wash all fresh ingredients thoroughly.
  2. Cut the carrot, broccoli, cucumber and apple into pieces no larger than a pea.
  3. Tear the herb leaf into tiny pieces.
  4. Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.
  5. Offer a total of 1.5 to 4.5 teaspoons of this mix per day, depending on the size of your pet.

How much: 1.5 to 4.5 teaspoons per day for hamsters and gerbils

Recipe from Oxbow Animal Health

Rat-Friendly Veggie and Egg Treat

Rats are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. This treat provides protein and enrichment, and encourages natural foraging behaviour.

You need

  • 1 small slice of carrot (about 1cm thick)
  • 1 small floret of broccoli
  • 1 small slice of cucumber (about 1cm thick)
  • 1 small slice of apple (without seeds, about 1cm thick)
  • 1 small piece of cooked egg (about the size of a pea)

How

  1. Wash all fresh ingredients thoroughly.
  2. Cut carrot, broccoli, cucumber and apple into small pieces (about 1cm cubes).
  3. Cook an egg until hard-boiled, then cool and peel. Take a small piece about the size of a pea.
  4. Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.
  5. Offer this as part of your rat’s daily food allowance, not in addition to it.

How much: A small amount as part of daily food allowance for rats

Recipe from RSPCA

Small Furries Safe Snack Plate

A selection of safe, low-sugar vegetables and herbs that can be offered as occasional treats to hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice.

You need

  • 1 small piece of carrot (about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small piece of broccoli (about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small piece of cucumber (about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small piece of apple (without seeds, about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small leaf of basil or parsley

How

  1. Wash all fresh ingredients thoroughly.
  2. Cut carrot, broccoli, cucumber and apple into pieces no larger than a pea.
  3. Tear the herb leaf into tiny pieces.
  4. Arrange on a small plate or scatter in the cage for foraging enrichment.
  5. Offer only in small amounts alongside their regular pelleted food.

How much: A small amount as an occasional treat for hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice

Recipe from Burgess Pet Care

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Harley Rat?

Offer a complete rat nugget or pellet daily as the staple, plus small portions of vegetables, fruit, grains and cooked egg. Scatter some food to encourage foraging and always provide fresh water from a bottle.7 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Harley Rat eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a complete rat nugget or pellet daily, with small amounts of vegetables, fruit, grains and cooked egg. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, avocado, citrus, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, raw meat, raw eggs, and xylitol.78

Should I bathe a Harley Rat?

Rats groom themselves, so bathing is not needed. Keep the bedding clean and dust-free to help the fine coat stay tidy.146

Does a Harley Rat need brushing?

No, the fine Harley coat does not need brushing. Handle gently and keep the environment clean.146

How do I look after a Harley Rat's nails and teeth?

Check nails every three weeks and trim if needed, but ask a vet or good breeder for guidance. Provide safe chew toys to help wear down teeth naturally.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much space and exercise does a Harley Rat need?

Provide the largest multi-level cage you can fit, with shelves, ropes, ladders, hammocks and hideouts. Give daily supervised time out of the cage for at least an hour, plus things to climb and forage.62 Pet Wiki plan

Should a Harley Rat live alone or with friends?

Harley Rats are very sociable and should live with at least one other rat, in a same-sex pair or small group, or a neutered mixed pair. They also enjoy daily time with their people.45

How long does a Harley Rat live?

The typical lifespan is 1.5 to 3 years, so enjoy your time together and provide good care throughout.42

Is a Harley Rat a good pet for children?

Harley Rats are sociable and affectionate with people they know, but they need gentle handling and supervision. They can be good for older children who understand their care needs.54

How do I hold a Harley Rat?

Support the rat's body gently with both hands, letting it feel secure. Always handle calmly and avoid sudden movements. For specific techniques, ask a good breeder or vet.4

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Satin RatStandard-coat RatFancy Rat

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. AFRMA - Non-Recognized Rat Coats afrma.orgused for origin, status, coat description, genetics
  2. MSD Veterinary Manual - Description and Physical Characteristics of Rats msdvetmanual.comused for weight, lifespan
  3. AFRMA Rat Standards afrma.orgused for recognition, body type, body length
  4. RSPCA - Rats rspca.org.ukused for lifespan, temperament, social needs
  5. Fancy rat - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for long straight wispy hairs
  6. RSPCA - Rat environment rspca.org.ukused for housing, temperature, enrichment
  7. RSPCA - Rat diet rspca.org.ukused for diet basics
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.