I am hoping that the rat(s) will not want to enter my house with a dog and 2 cats. It's just the idea of them being around though! I find that every time I go outside, I stomp around and make a lot of noise, so that I don't startle them and they run towards me............I'm a wimp, I know.

I might try the cayene pepper thing too.

About the bird feeder- try and keep it out aways from your house if you can, otherwise I don't know if I would do it. The two favorite foods of rats are: cat/dog food, and birdseed.
I actually had the birdfeeder for quite awhile before I noticed the rats. I don't know whether they were there all along, or I just did not see them.