Hi
I am having a dilema which I would really value any and alls input on
please, as owners of small and furries.
My sister in law called last night and asked if we can take in their cat. To
cut a long story short they have just been told that their two year old
sons' skin condition is caused by an allergy to cats so they have to get rid
of him (the cat, not the son).
Its a 7 year old male, he's been neutured, and they used to have a rabbit
which they let run in the house for freetime and the cat just sniffed it and
left. They also have a couple of dwarf hampsters in a plastic cage thing
which he ignores.
Problem is I have 3 gerbils and 2 guinea pigs. I am worried, not so much
about how the cat is with them, but how they will react to having a
"predator" in the house. Is it true that just the sight of a predator can
give guinea pigs and gerbils a heart attack?
The gerbils live in 2 acquariums in the living room which are up at eye
height but a cat could easily get to. They have secure mesh lids so he
couldn't in to them, but they are going to be scared if he is leaning down
over them. The guinea pigs are in the bedroom in a wooden hutch which again
is at eye level height.
What do you think? I wouldn't even contomplate this except that if we don't
take the cat in they will have to take him to the RSPCA and what chance does
a 7 year old cat have of being rehomed?
Can cats and small and furries live in harmony? I would imagine that if
they are introduced as kittens you have a better chance but what about a 7
year old?
Any advice would be gratefully recieved. I am torn between by feelings and
my common sense here.
Beki
Mom to Milly, Molly and Mandy the supergerbs
Daphne and Jamima the superflumps
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