Here's a question I have never seen discussed on the list, but popped into my little brain yesterday. I was looking at the ingredients of the 8-in-1 ferret food yesterday, and noticed it has a 7% ash content, and a .1% magnesium content. I then checked the Iams kitten food, and found it has equivalent values. In an adult cat food, this would be considered absurdly high, and could possibly present a risk of urinary tract infection or stones. Can ferrets really take such high amounts? Or is it something that just comes along with the high protein content? I also noticed that the 8-in-1 has a 15% fat content, as opposed to 22% in kitten food. I would think this would be good for adult ferrets, since the fat content would be easier on an aging liver. Or dot hey need more fat? Finally - any comments on the amount of sugar that was noted by another reader? I have to admit that one escaped me. I did get a 2 lb. bag of the 8-in-1 food to see if Slinky would like it. I gave him a piece on its own - he took it right away - and then mixed some in his bowl. Also - a comment to Melanie about whether it is right to get a ferret despite your insane schedule - have you thought about getting 2? That way, when you weren't around, they would have each other to play with. Also, I think it would be important to take a fair amount of time with them at first - at least to bond with them and train them properly - before they can be left unattended for a long time. I don;t think I would get just one with no other pet in the house - the poor thing might be terribly bored some of the time. As much as everyone on the list loves ferrets, I think we would all admit they are certainly more demanding of time committments than most pets. Hope that helps. Thanks for responses on the food issue - Mason, Slinky, and Leila (the cat - "Raisin juice? Its coated with raisin juice? Oh the indignity - he's a carnivore for christ sake..."). [Posted in FML issue 1147]