Hi Beki,
There are currently two cages of two gerbils at our house--summer
residents from my children's school. Before that, we had our own
pair for several years. The first cat came after the first two
gerbils, and I soon discovered why gerbils were given a latin name
that means "clawed warriors"!
We keep our gerbils in cages on a counter where kitty could easily
get up to investigate the interesting noises and smells. I watched
closely at first to see if the gerbils would get distressed, or if
kitty could get her paws in between the bars. When I found that
there was no way the cat could hook one of the boys, I sat back and
enjoyed the show.
Over the years, those two gerbils would deliberately taunt that cat
(and later, her son). They might be sleeping when she jumped up to
investigate, but they'd come out and parade back and forth in front
of her. Sometimes they'd just sniff noses. Sometimes, one of the
boys would sit right in front of the cat and eat as if she wasn't
there. And when kitty couldn't stand it any longer and try to get
her paws into the cage, the gerbils would attack! I don't think they
ever nailed her, but it wasn't for want of trying.
Our recent adoptees have also shown no sense of anxiety when the cats
are around, so rest assured, at least on the gerbils' account.
Laura
