my cats ain't that nice to other things not even me, i need to make sure they don't eat my NEW rat, its going to be a male and im calling him gaara like from naurto. i wont gaara to feel save with me
2007-05-23 05:41:59 · 27 answers · asked by angelfangs_squirt 1 in Pets ➔ Rodents
I have had several cats as well as hamsters, rats, guinea pigs, mice, gerbils, etc... and not ONCE have my cats so much as looked at my pets. We also have birds, occasionally, as well, and none of my cats have ever lunged at them. I have a very strong belief that cats understand the difference between 'pets' and 'wild' animals, since my cats also enjoy decapitating wild field mice and leaving them on the back porch for me to find. XD But, you mentioned that your kitty isn't all that nice, so I don't know how it would react to having a rat in the house.
The best advice I can give is to make sure that your cat is either outside or locked in another room when you let your rats free-range. And yes, free-ranging is important -- please do NOT let them sit and marinate in their cages simply because you're afraid that your kitty will get at them. Rats need a considerable amount of time bonding with you outside their cage. If your kitty simply MUST be in the same room as you and your rats, keep your rats safely guarded away from her. I also suggest keeping them in a tank (or some similar form of container with glass or plastic walls and a SOLID lid) so that the kitty can't reach her paws in here. I've had a cat or two stick her paw through the slats of a wire cage (simply out of curiosity, not to hurt them) and scare my poor pets to death. xD
Also, one last thing. It sounds like you're getting only one rat? I'd suggest getting a pair, so that they can keep each other company. I think you'll soon find that rats are so addictive that you'll end up with a handful anyway. ;]
Good luck with your new ratties and your feisty little kitty! That's all the advice I've got for you.
2007-05-23 07:55:24 · answer #1 · answered by trothbetold 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
We have a rat. He has a nice big cage and we put the dog outside when we get the rat out each day. That way no mishaps.
You're gonna have to keep the rat AWAY from the cats. They'll stress him if theyre always trying to get at him and they might hurt or kill him.
2007-05-23 05:44:59 · answer #2 · answered by naturegirlkole 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just make sure the rat doesn't escape from the cage.. Also make sure your cat can't get into the cage. If either of these happen then your cat will kill the rat.
Not all cats eat rats, but ALL of them will kill them if they are given a chance. A lot of times they just play with them until they're dead. Once they're dead, they are no longer fun and they lose interest.
2007-05-23 05:46:36 · answer #3 · answered by ........ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Keep the rat in a cage with the door sealed tight!
I have had cats, dogs and rats co-exist in the same house. WIth the rats in their cages, of course. Make sure kitty is out or VERY well supervised when you have playtime with the rat outside his cage. It'll work out if you just use common sense.
2007-05-23 05:45:47 · answer #4 · answered by Nasubi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll never be able to train your cat to stop doing what it was born to do: kill small darty furry rodents.
The best you can do is get your rat a good cage and make sure he stays seperated from the cats. He shouldn't even have to look at them because the cats will seriously stress him out and he'll have health problems as a result.
Do not trust the cats for a second. They may not show it, but that rat will be on their minds all the time, and they will try to figure out how to get to him. My favorite cat trick is when they pretend they are grooming themselves or ignoring their desired prey until it moves a little bit. Then WHAM! CHOMP! It's dead.
2007-05-23 05:45:23 · answer #5 · answered by Retodd 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The dozens of cats I've known don't usually know what to do with prey until they 'accidentally' cut it while playing and draw blood - that smell of blood apparently triggering an instinctual eating desire. Mother cats teach their kittens this in the wild by bringing the prey to them to play with.
Depending upon how wild your cats ever used to be, I'd either keep them separate or dress your rat in a suit of armor. Rats can chew through just about anything except thick metal.
2007-05-23 05:51:12 · answer #6 · answered by Ben 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok. First, I love rats! Second, your rat must be kept in a secure cage where your cats cannot get to it. Also, you might consider keeping it on a high place, and keeping your cats out of that room. NEVER place a rodent cage close to a heater or vent, this will cause sudden temp changes which are unhealthy for any pet.
Dancing Star
2007-05-23 07:46:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Go to martincages.com They have cages that are especially made for rats. I have no problem with my cats and the rats. The cats are really interested in them but they do not do anything. You need to keep an eye on them. Also rats very sociallable pets and you need to have them out every day!!! You also need to bathe them often. They collect oil very quickly and may develop "orange back"
2007-05-23 07:13:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You need what's called a Norway rat. They make excellent pets. And they get real, real big. The baddest tomcat in the alley ain't gonna mess with a full-grown adult Norway rat. So your rat will be perfectly safe. The cats, on the other hand..... Hmmmm.... I know, maybe you should get a big lizard.
2007-05-23 05:55:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Treat your cats with a little more love and understanding and maybe they will give it back to you too.
As for the rat, he needs a sturdy cage with bars that NO cat or dogs can squeeze their paws thru and pull the rat out. Cats and dogs DO eat rats and mice - it's their nature - -so if you want your Rattie to be safe please keep all of this in mind..
i hope you enjoy your Rattie AND your kitties for a long long time.
He needs to be in his own room with the door closed..
2007-05-23 05:53:18 · answer #10 · answered by aattura 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋