Of my seven cats, one hates the ferrets, four adore them, and two are
merely irritated by them.  The one that hates them has never done worse to
them than sharp pops on the head (claws retracted) and a lot of very nasty
name calling.
 
The ferrets don't care, the head-popping, hissing and growling just gets
them excited.  The four cats who adore the ferrets were introduced to them
as kittens, and immediately recognized them as very cool playmates - the
other cats were well into adulthood before ever laying eyes on a ferret.
One of the cats loves to wrestle with them, grabbing them in his front paws
and rabbit-kicking with the rear, just as he plays with the other cats, but
with this exception: where he would be biting another cat, he furiously
licks the ferret's head.  He knows they are smaller than he is and he has
to play more gently with them.  All seven quickly tire of having their toes
nipped, and retreat to higher ground, leaving the ferrets to figure out how
the heck to get up there and at those kitty-toes.  My dog (smallish mixed
breed)will play with the ferrets sometimes - he loves for them to chase
him - but he's a little afraid of getting nipped.  I think in most cases
cats and ferrets can get along well, although you do have to know your own
animals, and it is best to never leave them together unsupervised.
 
Cheri, Chadley, Poo, Oona, Alex the dog and all the kitties
[Posted in FML issue 2993]