How did I get a SMART rat?

There is a rat that's gotten into our basement. First we put our outside major hunter cat down there to catch and take care of the problem. The one who leaves presents of half a rabbit or rat or squirrel on the porch for you in the morning. She was less than happy about it, and the rat snuck back outside while the cat was inside. After two days of yowling, we let the cat out, and the rat came back! Next I tried to trap it the 'humane' way with a Haveaheart trap, and its avoided it! ! Grrrrr! I guess it's now down to the nasty mondo snap traps.