Gerbil/Cat trouble.

[Chilli]

I'm proud that you're thinking more for the gerbils than for yourself. Its a very admirable thing to do.
Really, I wish I had a suggestion for you, but the only thing that comes to mind is to put them in a room the cats cannot reach, and you're already confirmed that to be near impossible.
Good luck in whatever you do!

[moosmom]

It's a very difficult decision. But you have to do what's in the best interest of the girls. Have you thought about calling around to pet stores to see if they'll take them? I know we take in finches at my pet store, so it's possible. The Humane Society also takes in gerbils, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. That's another suggestion.

Good luck.

[TamanduaGirl]

you could get a large aquarium and get or build a good top and that should be pretty topple proof. They are found pretty cheap at thrift stores around here, sometimes yard sales or something like freecycle even. You could even use a cracked one just reseal it well since you wont be filling it with water.

I've also heard of putting upside down mouse traps or rigging something sao it pops or snaps when they hop up on a counter to scare them but not hurt them. They need to be scared of going up there not just scared of you finding them up there.

[Chilli]

The post above mine did remind me of tanks!
I've kept mice & dwarf hamsters in 10gs before, and they do perfecty fine as long as its cleaned regularly(which I know you would do) so that ammonia doesn't build up. Cats are able to sit ontop if you have a wire hood(like the kind sold at petstores for reptile)... and the weight of the aquarium makes it pretty hard to tip over... none of our three cats have tipped one over. For your two gerbils you could even buy a 20gl(20 gallon long) so that your girls have extra room, and its even less-likely to tip over. You can usually find a used 20gl in good condition for a good price($15-$20) in the classifieds.

Just a suggestion, if you still feel that it will be in their best interest to be rehomed, thats perfectly fine. You know your gerbils way more than I do!
I know this is a super tough decision, and I know you'll do whats best. =)

[jackie]

It is a very hard decision to make, but you need to do what you think is the best for them.

[Sevaede]

Thank you everyone for your support and suggestions! I really appreciate it, very much!

They're in tank with the mesh lid. What we also did was cover part of it up with a towel (loosely) and then put a book on top of that. The towel was because it seems that they enjoy their dark spots (they have a hidey spot that they LOOOOVE) and the book was for weight. My husband fashioned some clips so the top can't come off as easily. We've put their habitats up on VERY high shelves and they have gotten knocked over and broken (scary at 4 in the morning!) and they headbutt and try to knock the cage over now.

My BIGGEST fear is that the cage will get knocked over and you-know-what will happen to them. The clips are sturdy but *may* be able to be pulled off by the cats if they try hard enough. The cage, right now, is blocked by a HUGE recliner, a trash can, and some laundry baskets. I feel that is just not the kind of life they deserve. I call them my little Napoleons because while they are almost fearless, the cats aren't afraid of them either and try with all their might (and instinct, everyone tells me and I am reluctant to accept).

There are tears as I type this as I have thought it over and over for the past couple of days. I love rodents. PLEASE, please, please, don't think that this is a decision that I am taking lightly or easily. I have always felt a kinship with rodents (they are little guys and I am a short person, we have the same 'tudes, etc) and I have always stuck up for their equal welfare and will continue to do so. I love love love LOVE my girls but I know that the home they are going to is going to provide them with so much relief on top of love. The family they are going to is gerbil experience. The woman/mom used to breed and raise gerbils but lost her husband a few years ago and could not do it for a while. She and her children (older and respectful) pieced their lives back together and are ready again.

It is with sadness and happiness that they scamper off with their new family (). I LOVE YOU GIRLS, NEVER EVER FORGET THAT. (Of course, you're welcome back with two sets of open arms any time!)

[Sevaede]

The gerbils have arrived at their new home!

She came and picked up Bijou and Rota today. She immediately picked them up, started loving on them, and fell totally in love. This is going to be fantastic for them.