Dear Shaamen and Rhyakitty:
 
>As far as I know, other than feline distemper, I can't think of anthing
>else other than the usual fungal and parasitic suspects that can be
>passed from cats to ferts.  However, I'm not a vet; so Dr. Williams or
>one of the shelter moms and dads are probably better equipped to answer
>this question than I.
 
No, ferrets cannot contract feline distemper.  Although it is confusing,
feline distemper and canine distemper are two totally different diseases
caused by two differnt viruses.  Ferrets are very susceptible to the virus
that causes canine distemper, but do not contract the virus that causes
distemper (also known as panleukopenia) in cats.
 
You are correct in that some parasite (namely fleas and ear mites) can be
passed, a GI parasite (toxoplasmosis), and of course, ringworm (a cutaneous
fungus).  Rabies is also a disease that could conceivably be transmitted
if either of your two pets is rabid (but transmission to your ferret is
probably the least of your problems in that case.)
 
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM
[Posted in FML issue 3298]