Regarding borrowing a gun for safety:

Not a good idea, unless you are trained to use it and confident. I grew up with guns, can list what guns were where in the house. But the standing rule was this: If you think there's a burgular in the house, grab the 45-70 from the gun rack over the stairs. (Rifle from Spanish-American war, big, heavy, and long.) Hold it by the barrel, swing and hit the burgular over the head with it. It WILL knock him or her unconcious. THEN call for help.

Why were these the instructions?

My grandfather was Police Chief. My dad, small arms repair in the military.

Every decent human being invariably points the gun at the person and says "Stop, or I'll shoot." A criminal will use that moment, that warning, to shoot you, or do other grevious physical harm to you - they're already there illegally, and have little to lose.

Now that's over, I am glad you and your pets are okay. It'll be a while before you feel safe in your own home again, that sense of violation is dreadful, but I am glad you, Smokey and kitties are okay, and have each other.