Rats!

As I have mentioned, we have 3 pet rats. Long story... involves guilt and yet another ambulance ride among other things. I have never owned a rodent before... I am more a dog/cat type of girl. :)

So, when John and I g0t the rats we were directed towards a cage that we were assured would be sufficient. Within a month, we realized that when the rats could move the bars of the cage, so we knew were in trouble. Like any good rat owner (did I really say that in my out loud voice?) I started researching cages. I finally decided on one, measured to make sure it fit and ordered it. Now, as my husband would tell you... measuring and visualizing space is not one of my strengths.

The cage came. I started to put it together. John came home and started to laugh (I was only halfway done at that point). The cage is almost as tall as I am - I am really not sure how I missed that in the measurements. Sigh. :)

Here is 'THE CAGE: aka THE RAT MANSION"

Here are a few photos of the occupants:

Ginger (getting a treat) - she is the busy one and definitely the alpha of the three.

Micah the cat checking out Ginger. Our cats are rather scared of the rats. Although Micah is intrigued by the cage - he likes to get in it while I clean it.

Ling Ling is shy but is the most gentle of the three.

And here is Noel (aka Baby) who is the "baby" - she the most social, the sweetest and the favorite of all of us.

I never, EVER thought we would have rats but they have been such good pets for Melorah. She enjoys them so much. Their personalities are amazing and we are working on training them. They love to push a cat toy around the cage and then they will throw it down the stairs. So, now we are working on having them put it in little "basketball hoops." Our biggest challenge is to remind Melorah not to hold them by the necks. And not to open the cage without us. And not to feed the rats without telling us first (the only treats we give them are fresh fruits and veggies). And of course we make her wash her hands after playing with them. :)