Hi all,
 
I have a few questions:
 
Is it in fact possible to train ferrets not to scratch at carpet etc.
People have told me it is impossible to train cats to do this, but our
cat learned not too.  Can ferrets distinguish between the place for
scratching and not fro scratching if you give them a "post" or rather
scratching platform?  Stanley does not just scratch at doors or places he
can't get at, but in the middle of the carpet.
I have been able to teach him not to climb on the wicker phone table
(where we keep out keys) so I have hope.  I just don't feel like fixing
carpet or paying for it later as I am renting.  If it were my house I
would rather have hardwood anyway.
Stanley also does this weird thing where if we are playing he will
suddenly sort of collapse onto the floor will his whole body and head.
Then he will get back up again.  Like he is resting or so.  Also he is
panting a lot when we are playing like that.  Am I too "rough" on him.
Usually we are chasing each other, but he does the collapsing thing even
if he is exploring around the room and them he will just rest like that a
moment and get up again.
 
Oh, and my opinion on the pet store issue:
I bought Stanley at a petstore, and I would probably not have him had I
not seen him.  Sounds really irresponsible, but I saw a litter of ferrets
and then researched them, called other petstores who sounded worse than
the one where I was at first, and finally decided I really wanted one and
then waited for the next litter to come in as they had run out.  They
gave me two free books on ferrets and were very helpfull and I think
knowledgeable.  So it can be a good situation, but other petstores need
to get to the better level.  I see where that is a problem, but banning
may not be the answer.  I believe the answer is an educated and
responsilble customer.
 
                        Thanks you
                        Jacqueline Steenhuis
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[Posted in FML issue 0854]