One of the first 'fat furry' characters (from an independent anthroartist) I had discovered was 'Fat Rat' - a round rodent - created by Mitchell R. Beiro of Tucson, AZ. Beiro's credits include issues of furry fanzines "Rowrbrazzle" and "Gallery". He hopes to contribute something special for the 100th issue of "Rowrbrazzle" (coming out in January, 2009).

Beiro was kind enough to send me (back in the 1990s) a T-shirt with a large image of 'Fat Rat' on it, as well as an animation cel illo of 'Rob Cat' and his own rodental 'fursona' (with the both of us wearing said T-shirt)! Said cel is hanging on one of the walls in my bedroom...

As for the character himself, 'Fat Rat' has been drawn in a variety of sizes - from obligatory 'mouse' size, all the way to 'macro' size - but always in his round, fat form.

Since the days of summer are dwindling down to a precious few, I thought I'd post a comic gag (from 1992) set at the beach, where the lounging bobcat encounters the rotund rat (in 'mouse' size). 'Fat Rat' found out (the hard way) one of the disadvantages of being so obese: being mistaken for (*sigh*) a piece of sports equipment...

'Fat Rat' © Beiro
'Rob Cat' © his player