(cont) and it is sad that more is not known about them. I hope the members of t he ferret list will be able to fill me in on some of my concerns. Another quest ion is: how long is the life expectancy of a ferret? I have read 12 years and t he vets have told me 6 years is doing good. Is liver disease a real threat to t he ferret? What can an owner provide nutrition and medical wise to ensure a hea lthy ferret? I have learned that dog food is a no-no, but my ferrets will not e at can cat food, hamburger, fish, chicken etc.,that are high in protein. they w ill only eat dry cat food which i have been told will supply enough protein, mi nerals and vitamins, even though i have read in some books that this limited di et will only shorten their lives. So many questions and so little time. teebone and weezul are a joy and i again thank the ferret mailing list for a oppurtuni ty to express my concerns and comments. just ferreting along, judy gallipeau [Posted in FML issue 0617]