FERRET FAQ FOR NEW AND PROSPECTIVE OWNERS Compiled and edited by Pamela Greene ([log in to unmask]) (version 1.0, 12/15/93) This FAQ is being distributed to the FML in about 20 pieces in order to encourage your comments and suggestions. I'd also be happy to send you the whole file; it's roughly 70kB, but I can split it into smaller segments if your mailer has problems with large messages. *** PART 3 of LOTS *** - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1.2> Should I get a pet ferret? [begin TC] If you love animals, and in particular love little playful critters, a ferret may be just right. Ferrets are small, cute quiet, playful pets about midway between dogs and cats in temperament. Their latin name is Mustela putorius furo; they are in the mustelid family, which is the same family as otters, minks, skunks, wolverines, weasels, etc. All of the mustelid family is born with scent glands at the base of the tail. The ferret is the only domesticated member of the family. [...] Ferrets are often described as kittens that never grow up, because they are very playful (they leap and dance joyously, with each other and you). You can train them to use a litter box. Some ferrets like to cuddle with you, and some prefer simply to be near you. They have very distinctive personalities. Ferrets are less destructive than cats, but love to get in and out of things, so if you keep them loose in a few rooms of your house, you must set things up so they can not hurt themselves or your articles (ferretproofing [see question 4.1]). The only negative thing is they tend to dig at the carpet a bit, but if they dig in a place you don't want (typically under a door), you can put down a strip of chicken wire or plastic runner under the door, and they won't dig much at that. You should be careful if you have small children, reclining chairs, or large aggressive pets. Small children and ferrets are both very excitable, and the combination might produce a crushed ferret [also see question 1.3]. Reclining chairs are death on ferrets, who like to crawl into them and go to sleep. Large aggressive pets may mistake ferret play for attack, or squirrel chasing dogs may try to eat your ferret (or get a nasty surprise when the ferret proves tougher than expected) [also see question 2.6]. [begin MW] Depends. Ferrets are inquisitive, busy, sneaky, fun to watch/play with, but also pesky, sometimes nippy [see question 4.4], and into EVERYTHING. Whether or not you get a ferret depends on your ability/desire to deal with some or all of these characteristics (which will vary from ferret to ferret). [begin PG] Ferrets live 6-10 years, barring accident or serious disease. I don't have much experience, but I've been told that their personalities vary more than cats' or dogs'. [begin RN] [About allergies] Ferrets are small, and nowhere near as bad as cats in this regard, but from personal experience, people seem to have more trouble with ferrets than most other small animals, and even more than with dogs. [begin PG] On the other hand, many people who are allergic to cats or dogs aren't allergic to ferrets. If you think you might be, visit a pet store, breeder or friend who has one and check. It's also possible to be allergic only to males, only to females, or only to unneutered males or females. Also note that some people are allergic to the perfumes pet stores often put on animals, but not to the animals themselves. [Posted in FML issue 0698]