In Ferret List Issue 767 [log in to unmask] writes: >> From: John Rosloot <[log in to unmask]> >> >> On the subject of food, it's been stated that ferrets should be switched to >> maintenance cat food around age 3-5 to reduce their protein intake and the >> accompanying strain on their kidneys. > > Our vet has told us that as long as the ferrets aren't getting >too fat, the kitten chow is fine for them, regardless of age. >So what's the deal? References please. The most recent reference to this was in Ferret List Issue 753 (March 11): >From: [log in to unmask] > > Protein is the culprit. Studies have shown over and over, that in cats >and rats, two species which get similar renal lesions to ferrets, as they age, >excessive levels of protein exacerbate renal disease, while mild protein >restriction prolongs the life of the kidney. Mind you, no one has ever done >this study in ferrets - my info is based on looking at many, many kidneys of >these species and noting the marked similarities in disease progression. The first reference I'm aware of was in issue #710, and it's touched upon again in #711, 713, 723 (in Part 9 of the FAQ), and 751. John, Buddy, and Cassidy [Posted in FML issue 0768]