To Rochelle concerning cavities: Rochelle, as long as you keep your ferret on hard food, and check his gums every few months, and stay away from sugary foods, you are doing what you need to do. As far as animals go, cavities are exceedingly rare due to their dietary differences from humans. As far as older animals are concerned, they will build up tarter, a hard, taky brownish substance around the gumline. As the tartar builds up, it will lead to red, inflamed, apainful, gums, and can eventually lead to tooth loss. If you start seeing tartar on your pets teeth, have your vet look at the teeth. They may need cleaning. Bruce Williams [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 0729]