Gerbil/Cat trouble.

[Sevaede]

I have two female gerbils. I, also, have three cats and a puppy.

The latter four are constantly trying to torment the gerbils. They sit on their cage, around it, bat it, etc. We have set it high, set it low. We have covered it, set heavy objects on top of it, etc. My husband even fashioned some clips that should hold the top should it fall over. Mind you, they are all scolded and shooed away every time they are caught near or on the gerbil cage.

The gerbils don't seem to be bothered by it, really. However, what they don't realize is that they are not the size that they think they are and are very vulnerable should they escape, cage tips, etc.

I have ONE door in my house (excluding the entrance) and that is the bathroom door. So I cannot put them in there because the room is very small and there are no shelve spots for them. Also, the cats litterbox, food, and water dish are in there.

I am really at a loss of what to do. I had a very real dream the other night that the cats tipped over the gerbil cage and *got* them. I fear that this will happen. Ideas? Suggestions? I would try Feliway but it is a while before another payday and something could happen between now and then. Besides, would that even work? Would it be detrimental to the gerbils and their health?

Edit: It's been agonizing debating over this for a while (meaning a couple of months). I have come to the conclusion that I would MUCH rather see them in another home than eaten, tortured, etc. There is no place where I can keep them that the cats won't try to knock over, etc. My home is not suitable for the stress-free life they need, I suppose.

I know I will probably catch a lot of flack for this. However, please trust that this decision was made with Bijou and Rota BEST INTEREST in mind. They deserve to not have to worry about the threat of being eaten, etc.

If ANYONE has a better solution then please share it. I want them to stay with me but their longevity and happiness is more important than my desires.

[Chilli]

I'm proud that you're thinking more for the gerbils than for yourself. Its a very admirable thing to do.
Really, I wish I had a suggestion for you, but the only thing that comes to mind is to put them in a room the cats cannot reach, and you're already confirmed that to be near impossible.
Good luck in whatever you do!

[moosmom]

It's a very difficult decision. But you have to do what's in the best interest of the girls. Have you thought about calling around to pet stores to see if they'll take them? I know we take in finches at my pet store, so it's possible. The Humane Society also takes in gerbils, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. That's another suggestion.

Good luck.

[TamanduaGirl]

you could get a large aquarium and get or build a good top and that should be pretty topple proof. They are found pretty cheap at thrift stores around here, sometimes yard sales or something like freecycle even. You could even use a cracked one just reseal it well since you wont be filling it with water.

I've also heard of putting upside down mouse traps or rigging something sao it pops or snaps when they hop up on a counter to scare them but not hurt them. They need to be scared of going up there not just scared of you finding them up there.

[Chilli]

The post above mine did remind me of tanks!
I've kept mice & dwarf hamsters in 10gs before, and they do perfecty fine as long as its cleaned regularly(which I know you would do) so that ammonia doesn't build up. Cats are able to sit ontop if you have a wire hood(like the kind sold at petstores for reptile)... and the weight of the aquarium makes it pretty hard to tip over... none of our three cats have tipped one over. For your two gerbils you could even buy a 20gl(20 gallon long) so that your girls have extra room, and its even less-likely to tip over. You can usually find a used 20gl in good condition for a good price($15-$20) in the classifieds.

Just a suggestion, if you still feel that it will be in their best interest to be rehomed, thats perfectly fine. You know your gerbils way more than I do!
I know this is a super tough decision, and I know you'll do whats best. =)

[jackie]

It is a very hard decision to make, but you need to do what you think is the best for them.

[Sevaede]

Thank you everyone for your support and suggestions! I really appreciate it, very much!

They're in tank with the mesh lid. What we also did was cover part of it up with a towel (loosely) and then put a book on top of that. The towel was because it seems that they enjoy their dark spots (they have a hidey spot that they LOOOOVE) and the book was for weight. My husband fashioned some clips so the top can't come off as easily. We've put their habitats up on VERY high shelves and they have gotten knocked over and broken (scary at 4 in the morning!) and they headbutt and try to knock the cage over now.

My BIGGEST fear is that the cage will get knocked over and you-know-what will happen to them. The clips are sturdy but *may* be able to be pulled off by the cats if they try hard enough. The cage, right now, is blocked by a HUGE recliner, a trash can, and some laundry baskets. I feel that is just not the kind of life they deserve. I call them my little Napoleons because while they are almost fearless, the cats aren't afraid of them either and try with all their might (and instinct, everyone tells me and I am reluctant to accept).

There are tears as I type this as I have thought it over and over for the past couple of days. I love rodents. PLEASE, please, please, don't think that this is a decision that I am taking lightly or easily. I have always felt a kinship with rodents (they are little guys and I am a short person, we have the same 'tudes, etc) and I have always stuck up for their equal welfare and will continue to do so. I love love love LOVE my girls but I know that the home they are going to is going to provide them with so much relief on top of love. The family they are going to is gerbil experience. The woman/mom used to breed and raise gerbils but lost her husband a few years ago and could not do it for a while. She and her children (older and respectful) pieced their lives back together and are ready again.

It is with sadness and happiness that they scamper off with their new family (). I LOVE YOU GIRLS, NEVER EVER FORGET THAT. (Of course, you're welcome back with two sets of open arms any time!)

[Sevaede]

The gerbils have arrived at their new home!

She came and picked up Bijou and Rota today. She immediately picked them up, started loving on them, and fell totally in love. This is going to be fantastic for them.