We currently have two indoor cats... how feasible is it for me to keep a pet rat?

Question

Is this a good idea? I'm thinking if I kept the rat in my room and tried to keep the cats out, it might be possible... any insight?

Answer 1

I would certainly worry more about the cats! Once the neighbor's cat got into our apartment and was pawing at the rat. The rat was attacking the cat. I reached into get the cat and got bit by the rat. I know he didn't bite me intentionally. He was after the cat! (He was really a sweet rat!) I wasn't mad at him. I would keep them separated for both of their safety.

Answer 2

We have three indoor cats and have always had hamsters and mice -- and now we have a rabbit.

You need to make sure you get the right habitat for the rat. A large glass tank would work well -- make sure it has a vented or screen top that latches on tightly. Using a glass tank keeps the cats from being able to put their paws into the cage and hurting the rat -- it also keeps the rat from being able to bite the paws that are put into its cage. With a secure top, you won't need to worry about the rat escaping or the cats making their way in to the tank. The cats may sit and stare at the rat through the tank, but it won't take but a few minutes for the rat to realize they can't get in; so he shouldn't be stressed. When you're gone for long periods, keep the rat in your room or another room where the door can remain shut - keeping the cats out.

And as long as the cats are kept in another part of the house when you let the rat out of it's cage for exercise, you shouldn't have a problem.

Answer 3

I grew up with 5+ cats and a few hamsters. That said, yes, the cats went after my hammies a few times. The key would be to get the rat a large enough, secure enough cage. Both so he can't get out and the cats can't get in.

Keeping the cage in a separate room (all the better if the door is closed so the cats can't get in), would probably work.

A large, heavy cage will also give the rat an advantage, since the few times my cats managed to get on the shelf where the hammies were, they knocked the cage off the shelf to get to the hammies (they escaped and we caught them). Something the cats can't easily knock over would be a good start. Wire cages are good for ventilation, but give a nice place for a kitty claw to hook in and use as leverage. A solid-sided cage might be a better choice.

Whatever you choose, just keep in mind if the kitties do 'get' the rat at some point, they aren't being bad, they're just doing what cats do.

I should also add we have a Toy Fox Terrier (bred to be ratters) and had mice when she was a puppy. She loved those mice. She thought they were her puppies. They got loose a few times and she was the one who found them. She was absolutely crushed when they died. In fact that was three years ago and just the other day my husband said , "Where are the mousies?" and she ran to the end of the couch, where the end table had been and expected them to be there. We were totally shocked and will never, ever ask her that again because she was so sad when they weren't there. We even moved to a new place and she remembered where they had been.

We got her a hamster just after the mice died (she was just so depressed! We thought a new 'pet' for her would help) and she was freakishly obessed with it. Bob seemed to like her as well and luckily Bob passed when the puppy was at the boarder and we were on vacation so we quietly cleaned out the cage and the pup only sort of knew something was different and didn't get quite as depressed as when the mice died.

No more critters for our pup, she gets too attached to them.

Answer 4

I have two indoor cats and and a rat too. The cats were curious at first, and would stand around my rat's cage and would sniff her. But when I take the rat out of the cage, I usually try to keep the cats away, or just watch very carefully and make sure the cats are nice. After the cats are around the rat for a while, they kind of just forget she is there and don't pay her any mind. Its totally possible to have cats and a rat.

Answer 5

We live with 4 cats, 5 rats & a few other small animals & I've known several ppl who have had both cats & various rodents. It's very feasible with some simple precautions, several of which you'd probably want to take even if you didn't share your home with cats.
Your rats (please get 2) will need a fairly roomy cage. It should be sturdy enough so that it can't be knocked over by accident, or by a cat jumping onto it. Make sure the cage door can be securely fastened & if you get females make sure the bars aren't too far apart so the girls don't squeeze out & go exploring. Any time that the rats are out of they cage, they should be closely supervised-- either hold them or have them in a closed room while the cats are somewhere else (be careful about the space under the door).
I've known cats & rats who have actually been friends but I wouldn't push it. Our cats tend to be mildly curious @ best toward our rats, except for the kitten who wants to investigate everyone. Our hairless rat actually bit the kitten's paw through the cage bars & held onto it til I interceded-- no damage, just a momentarily freaked-out kitten who has learned which rats he can approach & who to avoid.
Cats & rats are both wonderful companions. Sharing our home with them is a fascinating experience.

Answer 6

Indoor cats & pet rats can get along just fine. Rats are kept in a cage, therefore are safe against the cats. The only time the cats need to be out of the room, is when you bring the rat out.

Of course, that may not even be needed, since often cats will ignore a rat unless it's running across the floor.

I've owned rats & cats at the same time, for YEARS. Never had a problem. I've only encountered one cat that couldn't handle the rats, and it wasn't my own, it was a roommate's cat.

My very first rat, Howie, was actually the ''best buddy'' to my cat. She was quite depressed when he passed away. She is great around my small critters, in fact, if one got loose, I'd put her in the room, and she'd round the critter up and wait for me to pick them up. The idea of harming them, never crossed her mind.

Answer 7

Well I've got 4 cats and a rat. I don't use a regular wire cage for several reasons, 1. cats can get, 2. mess floor, litter and etc tossed out 3. wire isn't good for them to walk on 4. hard to clean and more but I use a large aquarium with a lizard lid. cedar and pine mix for bedding, toys and wheel. When clean I find it best with a dust pan, bleach spray and pappertowels. It sounds weird but I tried it when I brought Hairy home (he's a hairless) I rubbed a towel on all the cats them him! They would site and looked at him for a long time, but after a year they ignore him. It can be done just gotta think safety for you new friend. Plus do your cats have a high hunt drive? Is there a safe room in the house the new buddy can stay til they all (hopefully) adjust? Best of luck:)

Answer 8

You need to be very careful. Rats are clever little rodents and really good escape artists. And cats are hunters. DON'T keep the rat in a cage it can chew out of, like a habitrail. (Found that one out the hard way.) But I've kept rats and cats at the same time too. It works if you're careful. Only problem was when one of the little Einsteins got himself loose. Almost lost him then.

Answer 9

its very possible, keep the rats in a secure cage, keep the cats out of the room. I do recommend more than one, of the same sex. rats are social animals and need to live in pairs or more to be healthy.

Answer 10

Very possible!

I have 4 indoor cats and 3 pets mice. I keep my mice in a glass aquarium with a mesh lid that locks in place. The cats don't come in my room (I close the door)

Try the same thing, I guarantee it'll work.