I've been waiting to see someone talk about the dangers too...
 
Nicotine is toxic...and butts can cause serious blockages...used butts are
the worst, you get toxins and blockage.
 
I lost my first ferret to a cigarette butt...my ex-fiancee smoked in the
house against my wishes...when we broke up, I got the couch...I cleaned
it as best I could, but my kit managed to get into the couch and find
something I couldn't.  He ended up with a serious blockage.  Came though
the surgury just fine, but died because not only did he have the blockage,
but had absorbed the toxins from the butt, and his system simply couldn't
handle it.
 
As cute as it may be, it's dangerous to let any animal...but especially
small ones near your cigaretts/butts/ashtrays.  ONE can kill.  Best to not
let them have the empty packs either...or mark them clearly, so if you see
them with one, you *know* if it's got danger in it or not...and cutting to
avoid head getting stuck and the like is a good idea too.
 
Please remember that we have people who are new to ferrets on this list
too...and they may not know how dangerous things like cigarettes are to
our ferret friends, while their antics trying to get cigarettes, butts, and
ashtrays are funny...but please remind people that it's toxic and dangerous
to them.
 
*hugs for the fuzzies*
 
Sue
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[Posted in FML issue 2632]