I rescued a one eyed rat named Winky that I rescued from Petco. They were gonna sell him as snake food!!!! Not as long as I'm alive. He lived for a year and a half and was diagnosed with testicular cancer (common in marats). He was wonderful. Very loving. My cats didn't bother him. As a matter of fact, they were afraid of him!!! He went to the bridge about 5 months ago and I miss him alot. I'd get another one (a female this time) if I didn't have Bad A$$ Buddy here, I'd definitely get another one. He is so mischevious and unpredictable.