I have 7 ferrets. Most of them will hop into the shower for a romp. 6 of them HATE to be bathed. Not a problem, since I don't give baths unless they get into something and get all funky. But there is one, Spike. He's different. He had a quick bath the night I got him to get the petstore smell off. Recently, though, he's been sick. His liver and spleen were very swollen. When he'd pee, his little belly would drag in it. I was just using paper towels and warm water to rinse him, but that wasn't working so well. So, I decided it was time for a bath. I didn't want to, because I was afraid of causing him unneccesary stress, but I had no other options. So, into the bathroom sink he went. To my great surprise, he completely relaxed. He rested his head on my hand and just lounged in the warm water. I was shocked. I can't say that this is because he's sick or not, because I just don't know. He does love to soak in a sink full of warm water. He even loves the soap part. He's been getting a good soak every few days, with just water. I don't want to dry him out by using soap too often, but I do give him a good rubdown. Then, he loves to be wrapped in a towel and just held for a bit. His belly is smaller now, the size of his spleen has gone down, so he's not dragging in urine anymore. But, until he starts to protest, he'll get his soaks. Silly ferret. Beth and the Gang Maybe,Alciabides,CT,Lucifer,Jett,Spike and Zazi the Beast ...and The Dude, who crossed over the Rainbow on 12/31/01 "Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission - to be of service to them wherever they require it." -- St. Francis of Assisi [Posted in FML issue 4067]