Yeah!! Plus they are wimpy. Back in college, one of my friends was given his younger sister's gerbil to take care of while the rest of the family went on vacation. Then he left for a work related trip, so I got to care for the furry rodent. One evening, our cat, also evil I know, jumped up on the dresser to see what was in the cage. The wimpy gerbil took one look, froze in place, and keeled over dead. The cat didn't touch the cage or even meow. Now, I had to find a look alike gerbil to take its place.
Don't go expecting your gerbil to be a good watch gerbil or to protect you in any serious way!!