Pet rat scared by cat then stop eating

Question
Hi Sandra,
I have a pet rat which is 10months old. My friend brough her pet ragdoll
kitten to my home yesterday. Since the baby cat is very friendly, I introduce
my pet rat to it. However my rat was very scared and jump out of my hand
ever the kitten has never touched him. His whole body muscle contract, when
I put him back to the cage, he hiding in his tunnel and refuse to eat and
drink. After one day, he keeps the same posture and seem never came out
the tunnel. I am wondering what can I do to help him, should I move him
somewhere  else until the cat smell gone?
Thanks
Yorn

Answer
My rats are scared of my cats and freeze in motion too.  Keep the cat out of the area of the rat from now on or next time the rat may even have a heart attack from fright.  Rats and cats are natural enemies no matter how sweet we think the cat is.  Put a towel over the cage so he cant see out and keep the room clear of cat noises.  Offer him some baby food to bribe him to eat.