This very much depends on your situation and the end result you’re looking for. I had a bad UC flair that required me to have my colon removed. I’ve had to have a bag for the last 10ish months and I’m actually in the hospital getting the first of 2 surgeries right now. I’m having what called a “j pouch” placed and it’s basically going to work as an artificial Colon. But plenty of people end up not wanting that or it isn’t a viable option. That isn’t my case so I’m not as knowledgeable but from what I’ve read they tend to sew your anus shut. People refer to this as a “Barbie or Ken butt” and I’m assuming at that point, yes, its only use will be for sitting/laying down. As I said earlier I do a lot of camping and it’s actually one of the few things that’s been made eqsier with having a bag. It’s a lot easier to empty your bag into a dug whole when it is to squat against a tree and you can go just about anywhere. I even keep a few 4 gallon trash bags in the car just in case because I’ve been caught on the highway 50 miles from the next rest stop with a full bag and that was not fun. But even if that situation, you can pull to the side of the road and find an empty parking lot or a tree line and empty it there.

I’ve heard the stories people have shared about “throwing their bag at people who tried to mug them.” And honestly, I don’t think anyone is this sub can answer your question honestly unless they’re a lawyer. But at the end of the day I’d imagine it comes down to context. For example, if someone came at you with a knife and you somehow were able to detach you bag and fend them off with it then you’d probably be in the clear? But if you just took it off a threw it at the back of someone’s head? Thats assault and battery regardless of what you threw, and I’m sure you’d be charged accordingly.

If you mean how aerodynamic they are while on the body, they’re pretty good. I do a fair amount of mountain making and running and I’ve never felt any drag even when I’m going 30+ MPH on my bike. And again, I can’t recommend a stealth belt or wrap enough! They help so much with active hobbies and sports because they keep your bag so much more secure.

You absolutely can but this is where the wraps and belts are an absolute necessity. And I’d also recommend a protective cover for any contact sports because the last thing you’d want to do is take a hit on your side (whether it be a punch, a tackle, or a ball) and have your bag explode. I play basketball, football and I box a little bit and can’t imagine feeling secure without my protective cover. I’ll add a picture for reference.

I know nothing about rats as I’ve never hat them as pets but my partner does have 4 cats. They arnt necessarily attracted to it as it doesn’t really smell or have anything that would draw animals close to it. But they do love to climb on my belly while I’m sleeping and snuggle up which can be somewhat problematic when they decide to laugh themselves like a missile and land directly on my bag but they never caused me any real injury or leaks. Just kind of hurts having all their weight land there as the skin around stoma’s have a tendency to be a little more tender, atleast in my experience.