Hi all! Here I am at work again, reading my FML's, forwarded from home where I don't always have the time to read them. I thought I'd make a couple of comments. As for the hairless guinea pigs, personally I'm disgusted, but then, I love fur, preferably plush and soft. I've seen the hairless rats and mice, originally bred for scientific experiment, and I've seen naked mole rats(Ick!). I'll pass on any of them as pets. The hairless cats are actually not rex cats, but are called Sphinx cats. They may be sweet cats, but they're not for me. This isn't saying that any of these critters won't make a good pet for anyone else; I'm just stating my preference for fur. Then again, the fact that I own 2 Maine Coon cats(long hair!) might be a giveaway. *grin* On to another topic. A while ago people were talking about alternative litter solutions. Some folks mentioned rabbit pellets. Sounds wonderful to me, but I have yet to find any rabbit food that did not include seeds in the mix. Instead, at a ferret-genius shelter-mom's suggestion, I've begun using stove pellets, wood shaving's pressed into pellets like Yesterday's News compresses newspaper. I'm impressed! My ferrets made the switch with no problems. They aren't at all interested in tasting them and even a day late in box changing, there's no smell at all, not even the chips themselves. Talk about odor control! And no dust, either. At $3.50 for 40#, this beats clay litter hands down. I'll be trying the cats on the pellets with the next litter change (tonight!). I understand it can be difficult to find stove pellets during the warmer seasons, but there is at least one source near me that carries them all year 'round. Folks might want to give them a try. I found my first bag at Lowe's Hardware. There are also fireplace and alternative heating stores that carry them. They're the ones likely to carry them all year, too. A side bonus to stove pellets is that the used pellets, now turned in to sawdust, can be thrown onto the compost heap, or used in the vegetable garden as mulch and to discourage rabbits and rodents. I'll also be using it around my 50+ roses to discourage nibbling at the new growth. I may never have to buy mulch again. Lastly, I wanted to question people on the advisability of travelling with your ferrets loose in the car. I've never allowed an animal free roam in my car while the car is in motion. I feel it's just too dangerous. Not that I'm a bad driver, but there is always the possibility of an accident, and considering how badly hurt a person can get without a seatbelt, think of your little carpet shark slamming into the dashboard. Sorry to be graphic. One friend was in an accident and a champion Samoyed ended up running loose on the highway because her owner was knocked unconscious for a few minutes. Author Steven King was struck by a van who's driver had become distracted by his dog that was loose in the vehicle. Before I took in my first rescue cat, she nearly caused an accident when she decided to investigate behind the gas and brake pedals. In Wisconsin, another friend had to take apart her dashboard when baby raccoons climbed into it (rescued from beside their roadkill momma, the poor things). I know you love your ferrets, and you enjoy sharing the trip with them, but please consider using a carrier while in the car. For your sake as well as theirs. Take care everyone, and the best of health and happiness to you and your ferrets. Anastasia Kidd and the house full of furries home email address: [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 2925]