Dear CT (and Ferret Listers): Your friend should "do the experiment," but might find that those delightful little weasels will NOT affect him/her. I have a similar problem--I am allergic to dogs, cats, and especially rabbits (emphasis on *rabbits*). However, several trial trips to the pet store convinced me that carpet sharks were okay. A proper trial will consist of more than one contact with the animals for a protracted period of time (say, two weeks or more); most allergies require a period of sensitization (this was the case with rabbits for me). Try handling the crittters, then touching one's face and eyes for the maximum test. Now, if your friend is allergic to general untidyness and mayhem. . . . Clint | flames to: Part-time triathlete, | [log in to unmask] Full-time scientist. | Department of Molecular Biology | The ferrets: "Me, too! Me, too!" | Johnnie and Yoko [Posted in FML issue 0491]