[CaptainFlow]

I have discovered a situation, and I wanted some more professional weigh-ins before I did anything.

A friend of mine from high school had a rat. I recently found out it died (it had to have been younger than a year, since she's going into her sophomore year in college), and has been replaced with another rat.

She has left it at her (recently dumped) ex boyfriend's house for three weeks, at least. I have no idea what kind of treatment it's getting there, but I can't imagine it's the best. She just got a kitten, the rat is alone (meaning, a single rat), and so I'm pretty sure she's not going to do right for this little ratty.

That being said, if I were to take it, the rat would have to deal with a new human (me), and I would have to smuggle it by train when I got to school in August (Oregon to North Dakota, takes about 31 hours). Animals aren't technically allowed on Amtrak, so she'd kind of be sitting in the semi-dark during that time, in a three gallon critter keeper I have. Boring, but survivable.

Also, pets (other than fish) aren't technically allowed in my apartment, either, so I'd probably have to hide her at a friends place while I was moving in/getting visited by officials. After the first couple weeks, I am fully confident that no one will come in uninvited, based on what other people who live in the apartment say.

I think she's a fairly young rat, so I'm hoping she'll adjust to me pretty well. I'm just worried about the trek halfway across the country, but I'd like some opinions, as to whether that, or staying with her current human would be better.

And of course, after a couple weeks, and the excitement at the apartment has calmed down (I'll be moving in in August), I would go find her a friend, craigslist or a shelter or something, so she wouldn't be a lonely rat any more.

Ideas?

On a slightly different subject, does anyone have anything bad to say about the Coast Cage Ritz Chinchilla/Rat cage? It's a good size for me, I just want to make sure it's a good size for the rat, too.

 

[Forensic]

Being the rule abiding person I am, I'd consider finding a rat rescue and transporting the poor little rattie there, as it's possible that you could get evicted or something like that for taking it in.

 

[reachthestars]

I'd second finding a rat rescue. It seems like alot of risk to bring her back to your place, plus if they find out you have a rat it could violate your lease (which you could be kicked out over).

 

[mopydream44]

I'd have to agree. There is a lot of risk for you, and a lot of potential stress for the rattie. My ratties have traveled with me for 3 hours in a car but they had their spacious cage, so I dunno how a rattie will react with little space for such a long period. Also if they did find the rattie, and they don't kick you out, they will make you get rid of her. By then you'll be super attached and it will be really sad, and you'll have to find a rescue then anyhoo!

Do get the rattie out of that situation though, even if you don't keep her! It's terrible that a person can abandon one pet and buy another! I'm not sure what the exact situation is but you should talk to your friend. It's not right, and sorry to say but it doesn't show much heart!!!

it always bothered me when people bought pets in college. most of the people I saw with dogs/cats/whatever in college didn't look responsible enough to really care for their pet. anyone who can leave a pet for another so quickly looks at animals as possessions not friends. You DON'T trade an animal for a newer or different model as if it were a cell phone! Just like you wouldn't (more appropriately shouldn't) trade your friends or family!

phew.......... sorry for the vent. that type of thing makes me mad! I'd give anything for another day with my FooFoo, who passed away when I went to college, and it kills me that people can honestly care so little that they leave them at an ex-boyfriends appartment and buy a new kitten! I know things can be complicated when ex's are involved but it still doesn't make it right!!!!!

I am, however, intensely glad that you've shown more love than the owner for the well being of the little rattie! Thank you for giving the rat a voice!!!
I'm done, I swear

 

[Poppyseed]

Did you ask the apartment if you could have a small caged animal? Sometimes they say no pets on the lease but small caged animals are allowed.

 

[Rodere]

Yeah, having to hide a pet is stressful on both you and the animal. Are they allowed where you live, just not on Amtrak? If it's just Amtrak, then maybe. But if it also is not allowed to have her where you live, it's not a good idea.

It'd still try to find a way to avoid Amtrak and breaking their rules though. It could get you and her in a lot of trouble. And she might get too hot in a critter trail on a train hidden in something.

 

[Kimmiekins]

I would NOT sneak an animal onto Amtrak (or Greyhound, or any travel service like them). They can, and WILL remove anyone who breaks the rules agreed upon (when you purchase a ticket), no refunds (as you broke the agreement). Animals traveling are a huge no-no. You could be stranded. What would happen to the rat, then?

Also, it's never a good idea to sneak rats into somewhere they aren't allowed. So many times it's been found out when someone has tried, and then again, you and the rat would be in quite a pickle.

Not a good idea. Is there a rescue anywhere near that can take the rat? Could you post around the rat communities to find a home without taking the risks?

 

[CaptainFlow]

Thanks for all the concern and advice.

I agree, sneaking animals is a tricky thing. I got a fish to North Dakota just fine on Amtrak, but they're a lot quieter and self contained than rats are. A rat would have required a lot more effort to pull off sucessfully.

The apartment, I'm pretty sure wouldn't be a problem, but I would have preffered to evaluate myself before blindly going in wiht an animal...

That being said, the problem seems to have resolved itself wtihout my taking action. Hoping for a happy ending! My friend has recovered her rat (named Ava, in case anyone wants to know, I just found this out from her), has it back in her home, and back in her care.

She is showing concern over it, and I have it from some people who live with her that she is taking care of it again. So I'm thinking that there was just, a thing going on with her boyfriend, recently dumped. But I think it's okay now.

I'm going to keep an eye on it, hopefully get a change to visit the rat (you know, combonation social service visit, and because I just want to play with a rat again!), but I think it's going to be okay. Even the kitten seems to be doing fine, her roommates are saying she's taking good care of it.

Hoping the situation keeps on getting better!