making RUUD lower half cat-resistant

[chaos_in_motion]

I'm waiting on the edge of my seat for my 695 to arrive, and at this point I have almost enough $$ to get a 685 and just make the whole thing a RUUD.  However, I usually keep all my cages 3 feet off the ground to avoid kitties nipping rattie toes or tails. I live in an apartment, so all my cages are in my living room, so I have no "off limits" place to keep the cage as the RUUD must be on the floor. Would I be better off skipping my dream of a RUUD for a future time? Or does anyone have an amazing idea to keep the 3 bottom feet shielded/gated? If nothing else I have no problem having multiple cages. I just like the  novelty of one gargantuan unit.   

[Ratwings]

Don't know how difficult this would be, but maybe you could get panels of plexiglas or some sort of stiff (and chew resistant) clear plastic sheeting, have them cut to size, have hole drilled in them along the edges, and suecure with wire or zip ties to the outside of the cage.  I can imagine it would get all pee spattered though.

[LifeInCircuit]

put some rats in it...it's always worked for me kitties have always learned very quickly to stay far, far away from my rats(some have even eventually ran in fear at the mere sight of a rat).....of course, it's always better to be safe than sorry...you could try putting a second layer of cage around it..like they do at the zoo(to keep folks from putting their hands into cages, etc.).

[zooat113]

I spent 2 weeks terrified that my kittens were somehow going to reach into or topple my ~50" high brand new cage.  They have (twice now, need a new solution) pulled a smaller cage over.  They've never managed to do damage to the big cage or rats therein.  The rats however have nipped at both kittens, the kittens keep a nice distance from the big cage these days ("the window is much more intersting anyway! yeah".)  It's been months now so I'm feeling a lot better about the whole situation.  So from experience I agree: what's the best way to cat proof the rat cage?  Put the rats in it. 
If it was still a problem, I might invest in some of the plexiglass or similar, not only would it keep the cats out, it would keep more of the mess in.  If you were worried about ventilation, maybe drill some holes into it, and make sure its not absolutely tight fitting (leave 1/2" gaps on the sides or something.)
For the first few days maybe only provide supervised visits between cats and new cage w/rats?  It would give you an idea of how things will go without risking curious kitties getting into too much mischif.

[Adventure Rats]

Once you have the 695 together and your rats in it place it on the floor and see how it goes. So many people have rats and cats that live in harmony together. I have found with my past cats the more I try to keep them away from something the more they want at it. Just supervise as suggested. If it goes well with 695 on the floor then jump on your dream and get that RUUD!!!

Good luck and enjoy your new cage!!!

[catsgurleygirl]

Hehe, my cats are AFRAID of our rats!!!  The ones that show any interest in them that is (only 2 of 5).  One of cats, Hex runs the other way when he sees a rat, it is hilarus!!!  Also our rats have had a lot of fun chasing our cats around the living room, you would have to see it to believe it!!!  So, you never know how things are going go-including the wrong way i.e.  cats chasing rats... .

[Mischief_Love]

my dog is afraid of mine he used to not be and play with them and follow them like they were his babies and he was so gentle with them.(he's a pomeranian) but ever since penny bit him on the nose when he was trying to "help" me get her from under the couch, he's afraid of them.

[DragonTamer]

I could loan you Badger.. it helped my cat stay FAR FAR away from both RUUDs.   she bit my cat's foot really bad when she put it up on the cage...  bled for an entire day and we kept trying to wrap it up with very little success.  it was horrible........... but she won't go near them now,, which is actually rather sad since the cat and rats used to play together (except evil Badger of course).

honestly though, even when I had the two RUUDs at my mom's house, with 5 cats (6 during that brief period Missy stayed with us, because her former owners didnt' want her and we were rehoming her.. ahem.. with my aunt, lol), there were no problems whatsoever.   This was with two former feral cats, and four of the five were hunters who went both outside and in regularly.  The only cat that didn't was the one I have right now, who got her paw bitten badly by Badger.. heh.  she's not allowed outside without a leash and harness on..

[chaos_in_motion]

I could loan you Badger..

Hehe, I have a feeling then that Sparky could give my cats something to remember her by as well .  I will try the cage on the floor idea and see how it goes. If it goes well I am pouncing on the RUUD! Thanks for all your input!