Thank you girls for your response, Yes I know myself it is best just to stick to my guns, I discussed it with hubby and he was totally against it, so I will not be getting her a rattie, we donot have a large house and a large cage would be a nuisance for one.

Yes I should let her have more involvement with the kitties, I am just possessive of my babies and like to care for them myself.

It was good to get your opinions as you are both young and good pet owners, and can see it from a different perspective, although we all came up with the same thoughts in the end.