Suzanne - Install magnetic latches: They require a sharp tug to open and don't need any knobs, straps, tape, nails, barbed-wire, etc. that may ruin the esthetic of your decor. We have the same style of cabinets and these latches have kept everyone out (caused a small rebellion, too). For unseen areas, like the backs of cabinets, under furniture, inside heating ducts, etc., staple or screw in some FINE mesh chicken wire. This allows air circulation and can be removed fairly easily for repair access. Mason - Ferrets have a very strong hierarchical dispostion: Pogo is only doing what is natural and re-asserting his dominance over Slinky. This same thing went on for about four months between Minerva, the newcomer, and Luci, "number-two-ferret." They were pretty much the same ages with the same age difference as Pogo and Slinky. Minerva, naturally, seemed pretty frazzled and terrorised by her new sister; Luci seemed to regard Minerva as an Hors d'Oeurve on the food chain. The change came when Minerva finally had had enough and bit back a few times. Luci recognised that the (fuzzy) worm had turned and quit being so rough. Luci still ambushes Minerva and chases her around, but now it is play. Both recognise their places in the hierarchy and both are happy. You can't change instinct, but you can comfort Slinky when he has had a go-around with Pogo and you should break up the worst altercations (more than four or five minutes of paw-to-paw combat). Don't punish Pogo, though, or he'll feel even more threatened by this interloper in his home. (In human terms, Pogo sees an UNINVITED stranger come into HIS home, eat HIS food, play with HIS parent, and then this stranger WON'T LEAVE! YOU would be put out, too, if it happened to you!) Once Slinky is too big to toss around easily and starts fighting back, Pogo will settle down and the two should become inseparable companions. Until then, let nature take its course, but let Slinky know you are a refuge when things get too tough. Also, don't worry too much about bites on the scruff of the neck: They may be a bit sore, but aren't serious. Just watch for infection. Enjoy the creation of your family, Karl [Posted in FML issue 1163]