Fluffed up - just old age?

[malude]

Just wondering whether it is normal for an OAP rat to be a bit fluffed up without any underlying illness? Could it just be old age?
George has a definite fluffiness to him most of the time these days but seems otherwise well apart from general old age. He's around 28 months old and has had respy issues in the past. His breathing is perhaps a little bit side-sucky but not actually laboured at all and absolutely silent at the moment even though he's one who sometimes does have a bit of a chortle either due to scarring or the odd flare up. He has lost a bit of weight slowly over the past 2-3 months but nothing severe and he's on daily treats as well as daily bisolvon with nutrical and senioraid. I can't feel any lumps or bumps anywhere. He is a little quiet but he's never exactly been a boisterous lad. He is eating and drinking well and not drinking any more than normal. I have given him metacam a few times in case it's pain related but it makes no difference and he certainly doesn't appear to be in pain - moving all limbs normally, he has no HLD and is as mobile as I'd expect a an elderly gent to be.
So could his fluffing up just be a sign of old age? Cos I can't find anything wrong with him!

[acapae_wolf]

I find older rats can get a bit fluffier, but in a changing texture sort of way rather than looking poofy.

Not sure if these help much as they're from my old camera at silly angles, but aged fluffy girl:


And aged fluffy boy:

[Sarah_B]

One of my rescue rats is getting on a bit and the texture of his fur has changed. It's not soft and smooth any more, but more fluffy. He is fine though!

[beckie2040]

Yes, I think it's most likely to just be a sign of old age.

I found that my boy Patch's coat improved a bit after I started giving him Ipakitine, but he's certainly not silky smooth like he used to be!

[hlcasey]

My older girls (Topsy, Miya and Rhea) all were distinctly fluffed up in the old age

[malude]

Phew, I shall stop worrying too much then!

[Neotoma]

It's probably age. However, if he is side-sucky, I'd have his chest checked even if you can't hear anything - deep chest problems aren't always audible.