Thanks for all the responses. My husband says no rat! So it looks like we are going with a guinea pig. We are going to first look at resues for one. I am waiting to hear back on two right now. So I have a few more question right now, I am reading alot that the cages from the store aren't big enough and alot of people talking about C & C cages, this are just the organizer things you can buy at Wal-mart, what are people using for the bottoms, it almost looks like it is that board that is foam/plastic coated presentations board stuff???? Is that right? What kind of cages do you guys use and where did you get them and how much do they cost??? Also I have read that you should get guinea pigs in pairs, do you have to if you interact with them several times throughout the day or are they truely happy with a friend to play with all the time? Thanks for any help!