I would take moving into the car option 

Isn't it weird, a rat is about 20 times the size of a big house spider and yet, I only fear the spider.  The rat is a nuisance, it's not very old and it's got courage. It came out of hiding behind my bookcase at lunchtime and marched between my feet and the sofa into the kitchen. The cats seem disinclined to catch it, just kind of loitering with intent. If I could just move fast enough, I'd get it and chuck it out.

I would freeze with fear Col, I truly detest them and spiders too...add mice and snakes to that list  

I'm definitely the same about spiders. My carer kept taking pictures on her mobile to see where it was and suddenly it came out one side of the fridge and run to the other, we both jumped. She was disgusted with herself because she lives on a farm.  I'll have to call the Council in the morning.

You need to get some peeps in Col. 

If there's one, there's probably more (a family) 

Don't they say we're never more than a few feet away from a rat?

(glances a wry look at the o/h)

good idea Col, and fill in any gaps under your bedroom door  

I'm thinking of just leaving the cats in the kitchen and shut the door to it all, although Henry is looking scared. They can get out the kitchen window and come back through the front window. That's what I'm going to do.

Last update before I barricade myself in. The cats have left the sinking ship.

I have to agree with the cats on this subject 

I spoke too soon. Henry has taken up his watch, which has now moved to the washing machine. I shall definitely take you and sprouty serious about calling the council.

Seriously ................I would absolutely DIE  I've shuddered and come out in goose bumps reading this thread. I am terrified of rats - one of my BIGGEST phobias - I take my hat off to you Cologne for handling it so calmly. I'd be freaking out.

Our Hugo would hunt it,He's had mice and I have to be quick to rescue the big old boy spiders scurrying around  looking for lurve.

I'm far more terrified of spiders than rats, spiders reduce me to a quivering wreck of fear and have done since childhood I know though that rats are associated with disease and apparently there's more of them in the uk than humans. Either the Council or other companies will come out to deal with them, which means putting down poison, if you have cats be careful

Mouse and rat bait is usually put down in locked plastic boxes with a cake of bait inside with an entry hole  just large enough for said rodent to enter.Well our council uses them(Glasgow),I don't think  they are allowed now to put down loose bait etc.

Col, you're brave! If a rat came into my house, I would have been out of there like a shot.

Definitely contact your local council this morning, in case there's more than one of them.

If its in the kitchen open the door to let it out and make sure you wash your hands frequently weils disease which is carried by rats can be deadly....

The backdoor is open and I've called the Council. They will send someone round.  

Good Col, I hope the council turn up soon.

  7.30 tomorrow morning.

7.30a.m.! That's a bit early.

I know, but it was either that or next week by which time I'd have tamed it and given it a name. 

Tomorrow it is then.

Domestic pet rats make lovely pets,very loving and intelligent.I might get a pair once my niece and co get their own place. No more rabbits,too heart breaking and they need expensive vet care.

Good luck Cologne. havent read back, it freaks me out. In their own territory, fine. in mine not so fine 

Siberian hamster?

Ewww cologne, I hope it all gets sorted tomorrow.

My friend had rats in her garden last summer and the local council wouldn't do a thing.  Luckily she lives next to a pub and they calledin Rentokil.

My daughter has a pet rat, she had to get someone else to look after it when she came home for the summer. I don't mind my house being overrun by all sorts of waifs and strays when the kids are home, but rats? Nope.

Whit! Fawlty towers is it.

That is a "Dumbo" rat.It's the same  species as fancy rats etc just a mutation that has larger ears set lower down on the side of the skull instead of on  the top of it.

A different colour type,they are becoming more popular as they look more hamster like rather than the usual rat type.

Hope it's all sorted now Col 

Well, funny you should say that. Nobody turned up this morning, called only got voicemail. The cats were still taking turns and it became a question of who blinked first. 10 minutes ago the unfortunate rodent made a break for flight and got whipped up by Liquorice. I chased her out the door. All I've heard since then was a little squeak. Now I feel sorry for it.

Well done Liquorice  What a poor show by the council though 

Shame on the council, I hope you will give them an ear-bashing when you get hold of someone, Col.

Well done, little Liquorice.

There will probably be be more than one rat,rodents don't come alone...

Hugo caught two mice in the house.If the council come out you should let them put bait down in the garden etc.