question about pet rat?

Question

well I am thinking about getting a pet rat, but I have a cat and I dont want to get a rat if it will be scared of the cat or if the cat wont be comfortable around the rat...so do you know if rats and cats get along? and what are some things I can do so they do get along?? thanks!

Answer 1

I've kept rats for years and they make outstanding pets. I also have two adult cats. More than likely, when you first bring your new pet into your home, the cat will be intrigued by it and want a closer look. It's just their nature. The cat will probably sit in front of the cage for hours trying to figure a way to get the rat out. This is the routine that happened with all of my rats when I brought them into my home. Eventually, once my cats realized that there was no way into the cage to get to the rat, they pretty much lost interest. Occasionally they still went up to the cage and watched the rat, but nothing terribly drastic happened. Make sure you get a cage for your rat that is sturdy and secure. Make sure that wherever you keep it, there is no chance of it getting knocked over or falling off of it's surface. Also make sure that the cage bars are close enough together that your rat won't be able to squeeze through them. If their head can fit through them, they can get the rest of their bodies through.

Needless to say, you never want to let your cat and rat play together. If you want to let your rat out of it's cage for some playtime and a little extra exercise, seclude you and your little friend in a room where the cat can't get in.

You'd be surprised at how brave a lot of rats are. When my cats would try to find a way into the rat's cage, or would paw at the bars, the rat would usually be as interested as they were! he would put his nose through the bars and sometimes try to nibble their paws when they put them up to the cage.

Good luck, and I don't think you have too much to worry about. Even predator and prey can live peacefully in your home as long as you're a responsible pet owner and take necessary precautions.

Answer 2

As long as your rats are in a secure cage you can have both cats and rats. My cats enjoy watching the rats, they think it's a special show just for them! My rats are in an aquarium with a cage topper so we all have a clear view of them. The cats paw at the cage sometimes but the rats are feisty and the cats will back off. Make sure you get two rats so they keep each other company. My rats love to be out, they play on my bed, "help" me wash dishes and so on. Of course I do this only when the cats are outside or asleep! I hope enjoy both your rats and your cats. Pet rats are the best!

Answer 3

I've had a cat and a rat at the same time. The rat was not scared of the cat at all. But the cat wanted to attack the rat. So at first I put them together and whenever the cat was going to attack the rat I interfered and showed him that the rat was my friend. I did this a few times and finally the cat understood not to attack the rat. Thats my story. hope it helps

Answer 4

I have a cat, and 3 rats. They don't bother each other at all (but of course, they're supervised and the rats are never allowed loose in the room).

The entire time I've owned rats (7 yrs), I've always had at least one cat at the same time.

They either ignore them, back away from them, or become pals.

I've never came across one that wanted to intentionally cause harm to my rats.

Answer 5

We have either one of them. My daughter has a albino lavender king snake plus we have now eleven rats. Some nevertheless rats are up for adoption. We do not reside feed her (snake) and mice or rats handiest frozen fuzzies we get from a puppy retailer. We even have mice, Syrian hamsters, dwarf hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, cats, puppies, cockatiels, a couple of fish, a tarantula, an iguana, a wolf hybrid, a Pygmy goat and a crimson sheep. They are stored at my residence and no longer in a safe haven or puppy retailer.

Answer 6

I've had both and can assure you with 100% certainty that the cat may want to kill your rat. Just house your rat in a room with the door closed. Domestic cats are considered one of the most dangerous predators because they also kill for sport. Thank goodness they are small. Have a great day everyday.

Answer 7

Catsandratsandelephants? Haha...sorry. Make sure the cage has a good lid, and kitty can't push it off of anywhere high or stick her toes through any wiring and you should be okay. Also, you might want to supervise for the first couple of days. I've seen instances (rarely) where rats have been frightened to death. But you should be okay.

Answer 8

i have a dog, a cat and a rat, the rat rules, she has bit both of them on the nose, they now leave her alone. she had no fear of them at all. i would get the rat, they are awesome pets, but they need lots of love they are not like a hamster. mine goes camping, on road trips, she even rides on my shoulder when i ride my bike, they are great. good luck.

Answer 9

i doubt if they will get along...we have 9 rats. our cat is scared of them while they're out of the cage. he used to get on top of the cage and try to put his paw inside to bat at them...same way with my birds. the rats however, are very territorial, and they will bite the kitty and attempt to pull him into the cage. so he doesn't get on top of the cage anymore, but will sit on top of the fish tank next to the cage and watch the rats for hours. cats naturally try to catch little critters that move around a lot...it stimulates their natural instinct to hunt. of course, there are special circumstances i've heard of where animals who are natural enemies do get along. anyway, good luck. if you need info on rats, go to this website...the rat lady lives in my town, and is considered to be the foremost expert on rats....
www.ratfanclub.org/

Answer 10

well i have rats and mice and a dog who tries to cstch anything that moves but she has left the mice alone and the rats. they make excellent pets if you get one research rat tricks i did and one of mine walks on a tightrope, a thick rope but he still does it. good luck