My ferrets are free-roam in my bedroom.  I have a carpet.  You see the
problem... Cully is such a good litterbox user, he is clearly distressed
when one is not available for any reason.  Amelia on the other hand... the
problem is that once Cully has used a box, she won't use it, and goes next
to it.
 
So, I have a two-fold solution to protecting the carpet.  I bought the kind
of trays meant for muddy boots and shoes, and put them under the boxes.
So, generally when Amelia goes next to the box, she's going on the tray
rather than the carpet, and the tray is designed not to let liquid drip, so
cleanup is easy.  The other solution was that I bought a small Bissell
carpet cleaner for when Amelia is a little hazy on the concept of "next to"
(gotta get that weasel to pay attention during Sesame Street).  I also
reinforce litterbox use with some linatone for good behavior.
 
So, I haven't managed to fix the ferret's behavior, but after spending
about $70 on trays and carpet cleaner, the carpet has been ok, and
everybody's more or less happy.  I'd rather Amelia used the box, but I
can kinda see her point about not wanting to stand in someone else's mess
(differences in plumbing mean Cully pees about where Amelia would put her
front feet).  The trays may not be that pretty, but if there's company I
can always put them away and return them later.  Hope this was helpful!
 
Regina
 
Regina Harrison
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http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Lofts/1083 -somewhat messed up as I rennovate
Electra the Brujah's page:
http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Labyrinth/8096
 
Wrapped in my mongrel wings, I nearly freeze
In the howlin wind and drivin rain
All the trash blowin round 'n' round
[Posted in FML issue 2749]