Hi everybody!
 
ITCHY FERRET
Oh, Dee.  I'm sure you're going to be inundated with responses to your
question.  But be happy; you came to the right place, and your problem is
probably easily solved!  By all means, remove that nasty cedar from your
ferret's presence! : )  Many ferrets (and other small animals) have terrible
allergies to cedar.  These allergies can cause both skin and respiratory
problems.  For bedding, provide your fuzzy with nice, warm, old t-shirts or
sweat shirts (just be sure he doesn't chew on them).  For litter, provide a
litter box, preferably with pelleted litter (do not use scoopable litter; it
can clump on their eyes if they snorkle in the box or to their bums if they,
um, well, wipe).
 
You also may consider bathing your ferret _less_.  If you feel that you need
to bathe the little guy, limit it to once or twice per month.  Bathing a
ferret too frequently can dry out his skin.  Also, some folks say that baby
shampoo can actually be harsh on hair and skin.  Perhaps you might try a
ferret shampoo (many pet stores will carry one).  Best wishes!
 
DIGGING FERRET
Valerie, many folks have recommended that you place segments of clear
plastic runner material in areas where ferrets "dig" at the carpet.  Simply
purchase it by the foot at a home supply/hardware store and cut it to fit
the area you need to protect.  You may need to "tack" it down using some
sort of unobtrusive nails in order to keep the persistent little guys from
burrowing under it.  Just keep an eye out that they don't chew on the
plastic or pull up the nails.
 
Another person mentioned that he (she?) used small, inexpensive, oriental
throw rugs to cover favorite digging spots.  Those certainly would be a more
attractive solution!  (Again just be sure they don't have a thing for
chewing on acrylic/polyester!) Good luck!
 
Gina
and
Paleface
[Posted in FML issue 1481]