Important Information Regarding Those That Think Ferrets Are The Root Cause of Their Allergies: Frequently, allergists and obstetricians will arbitrarily advise patients to "get rid of the animals" in their household. This is often an overreaction! First, is the allergy truly being caused by the ferret or by it's bedding/litter/food? Ferrets are fur-bearing pets meaning they do not produce significant amounts of dander that "hair" bearing animals such as cats, most dog breeds and people produce. If dander is the culprit, then a ferret can be a fine alternative to the more common pet as most people find it is "hypo-allergenic". If it is the bedding that is causing the "problem": are you using dust producing bedding such as pine or cedar shavings? First, ferrets should never be kept with wood shavings as bedding. Certain woods can be toxic while the dust produced by these types of bedding can be damaging to your pet's respiratory system over time. Switch to all cotton bedding material such as all-cotton t-shirts or receiving blankets (man-made fibers can "hold" odor even after washing, 100% cotton does not). Alternatively, use newspaper in cage trays. Wash the bedding and your ferrets more frequently (like twice+ weekly)! Ferrets are notorious for stirring up dust under your furniture and carrying it to their bedding. That could very well be what you are reacting to - with your ferret just being the innocent "carrier." As any allergist will tell you: vacuum frequently. If you have carpeting, get rid of it! Nothing is more difficult to keep clean and hygienic than carpeting. There is also the possibility of having desensitizing vaccinations. Speak with your allergist or consult with another if yours is unfamiliar with ferrets. Having an allergy is NOT THE REASON you to get rid of a loving pet. It's also a poor example of responsible behavior! If you're CONVINCED that the allergies are due to your ferret, have you considered DUMPING THE ROOMMATE, instead of the ferret?! They have to live with allergies for the rest of their lives... Give YOUR FERRET the best little life it DESERVES! YOU brought the innocent animal into your LIFE... don't shirk responsibility. If worse comes to worse and you decide to you want to dump your ferret... contact the GCFA, Greater Chicagoland Ferret Association, www.gcfa.com - Call ahead to schedule a time to drop your ferret off: 708 442-8650 ------- Frustrated with Irresponsible (so-called) "Ferret Lovers", -caroline in Chicago. [Posted in FML issue 3997]