Did you name one Ben and the other Algernon?

Are those two rats on your shirt, or are you just happy to see me?

Ha, no. Emily and Sylvia (yes, after Dickinson and Plath).

3.5/10 :p:

Yes, I think rats and snakes are super cute.

Rats are great and very smart. I had one, he used to stand on his hind legs and I'd rub his tummy.

Cute ! I'm a rat in Chinese zodiac. We are supposedly very smart and they also refer to it as 'the mouse'.
When I was little I saw a horror movie about giant rats living in this woman's attic. If it were my attic I'd bring them up some tea.

I got my cat today, he's very scared and is hiding under the sofa and has been for five hours. When I meow he talks back, I'll try to post a picture when he decides to come out.

You're doing it wrong.
Coax him out with soft cat food (You know, those cans of chunky, gravy-filled deliciousness) or a bit of tuna.
He will come out. Hesitantly. But his desire to eat the food will overcome his apprehension. When he's eating, you can then begin to pet him gently so that he knows you're not going to hurt him. At first, he will flinch. When he stops flinching, you're good.

When he's done eating, don't make any sudden movements. Just sit there. Let him survey the area on his own terms. He needs to find out if he's in someone else's turf. Don't make him think he is. Let him sniff around and acclimate.
In a couple hours, he should be confident enough to walk around. The first day or so will be all about exploration.
When he's done exploring and assuring himself that there are no dangers lurking, he'll open up.

Just let him do it on his own terms. Don't force him into anything.

Ah thanks man. The food thing has already been done though, he just stayed there and crawled into a gap in the sofa, he is my sister's cat but is living here now, so she is used to him but we are not.

He is particularly shy though.

He is such a sweetie, he's not shy anymore and has been sitting in the windowsill and lying in my lap, he's such a friendly cat. He's really lovely.