Common wisdom says that cats and rodents are not supposed to get along.
As anyone who grew up watching cartoons like Tom and Jerry knows, the narrative that cats and mice do not get along. Presumably, that extends to other furry little animals as well. Although we often think of the animal kingdom as divided into natural rivalries like these, this story might change your mind.
As it turns out, cats and rats can actually make great friends.
One coffee shop in Brooklyn called the Brooklyn Cat Cafe is proving just that.
The organization opened in May 2016 and provides a safe space for stray cats to live while they wait to be adopted. When the store opened, the cafe was responsible for more than 300 cats. In addition to the adult cats, the story also keeps a kitten terrarium.
One of the kittens, Ebony, tested positive for feline leukemia.
Because the disease is contagious, she could not be exposed to or interact with other cats. “She was desperately lonely,” one of the owners said. The staff wasn’t sure what to do to lift Ebony’s spirits.
Fortunately, they found an animal to be Ebony’s companion.
That animal was a white rat which they named Ivory.
The two became great friends up until the time Ebony passed away. After that, Ivory had become so used to cats that the cafe’s owners decided to put him in the terrarium with all the other kittens.
Although Ivory also passed away, the cafe had gotten used to having rats around.
After reaching out to another local shelter, the Cafe brought in two more cute rats named Emile and Remy.
As it turns out, the rats at the Brooklyn Cat Cafe are very fond of the little kittens and do their best to take care of them. Sometimes that means playing and snuggling with them, though other times it includes grooming duties too!
In addition to helping kittens, the cafe is helping the rats also.
Though there are many stereotypes that rats are dirty or gross in some way, many of these are simply untrue rumors. In truth, rats are, intelligent, social and gentle animals—and when they are properly cared for, they are clean as well.
Overall, the Brooklyn Cat Cafe is showing customers what the power of love can do.
Although we think of cats and rodents as natural enemies, it turns out that they can actually be wonderfully close under the right circumstances. By allowing these animals a safe place to stay, the owners are showing them the love they need to be kind to one another—and customers are taking notice:
“I think it’s awesome. If rats and cats can get along then so can the rest of us.”
If you live in the area and might be interested in some furry companion s, check out Brooklyn Cat Cafe on their website!
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