A seasonal reminder: fruit not only tastes great but is plum-full
of nutrients that do humans good: plenty of antioxidants, vitamins,
phytoestrogens in some like cherries, useful tannins for bladder
health in things like blueberries, etc. so people should enjoy them
and do so often

BUT

their pits can create blockages in ferrets and some of their pits and
seeds also contain a compound which turns into cyanide on digestion
if the seed capsule breaks, with some examples of such seeds and pits
being apple, cherry, peach, apricot, plum, jetberry, and toyon. (This
is also how latrile (sp?) has killed people.) So, those seeds also
carry a toxin risk.

SO

when you enjoy your fruits be sure to dispose of the seeds and pits in
ways that the ferrets are unlikely to get them and swallow them.

Also, remember that grapes and raisins have caused acute kidney failure
in ferrets, cats, and dogs so keep those away from your critters. They
may be safe in small amounts but exceptions can happen and I'd hate to
see anyone here kicking herself or himself over something that is
easily preventable.

Sukie (not a vet)  who just had an absolutely marvelous plout just
dripping with juice, followed by some black cherries

Recommended ferret health links:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.html
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/
http://www.ferretcongress.org/
http://www.trifl.org/index.shtml
http://homepage.mac.com/sukie/sukiesferretlinks.html

[Posted in FML 5621]