Although I've always had a litter pan in my living room, my ferrets have not always used it - some of them have chosen to go NEXT to the pan - this, as we know, is not unusual - many others have had the same problem. There is also 1 particular area of the dining room that they choose to use as well. I had resigned myself to the fact that I would just have to clean up messes as I found them. After reading the section in the FAQs on litter training, I decided to try throwing some towels or old shirts down on the floor in those two areas. While it looks a little 'messy' with these old shirts thrown in the corners, it has worked like a charm. I haven't had to clean up one mess in those areas since I've started using this tip. So, for all newcomers or anyone having chronic problems, please check the FAQ before giving up. (This also shows that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!) Debbie Riccio WNYFLFA Rochester, NY [Posted in FML issue 1229]