Blame this.
the-new-saxony-silk-rat-rattus-sericum-google-docs
The New Saxony Silk Rat
(rattus sericum)
This species of domestic rat appears to have been cultivated for its wool for at least six thousand years. It is somewhat larger than a Norwegian rat: feral specimens average about a foot and a half long, and about three pounds in weight (a fully-bred Silk Rat is a bit larger). The species is fully domesticated, and make affectionate, intelligent, and loyal pets. The wool of the Silk Rat can be gathered or sheared without harming the rat, and is particularly valuable for its uncanny resemblance to silk. Depending on the location, in fact, Silk Rat wool is either openly sold as a silk substitute, or it is passed off as actual silk. The species is typically kept in check by local predators; most carnivores find them tasty snacks.