Tormenting Penelope

Saké and Sushi are under near constant observation. However, they don't seem to mind and do an awful lot of observing themselves.

Penelope is unaware that she is being watched.

We have four cats. Two of them have never had an interest in the rats. The third, Marty, was interested initially but since he can't stay awake for more than a few minutes at a time, the charm of the rats quickly faded. However, our fourth cat, Penelope, has more than enough interest to make up for the rest of them.

Penelope stares at Sushi; Saké stares at Penelope.

Penelope spends most of her time sitting on the edge of the dresser next to the rat cage. Her paws are too fat to fit through the bars, so the most harm she can do is smack her paws against the front and try to bat the occasional tail that pops out. The rats learned quickly that Penelope is harmless in the current situation.

Penelope realizes that Saké is only inches away.

As a result, much of the time Penelope spends watching the rats is also time when the rats are watching Penelope. Sushi is far more cautious than Saké, who often goes nose to nose with Penelope.

Who will blink first?

Eventually, Penelope loses interest. Since she's our only cat who catches mice, I imagine she is aware of much more fun the rats could be, if only they were not confined.

Penelope looks unimpressed with the situation.

She always returns quickly though. She probably spends part of every hour checking in on the rats.