Jeff asked: What are references that ferrets have been domesticated longer than cats? The one I have is from the FDA Veterinarian May/June 1991 Vol VI, No. III in an article by Dr Freddie Ann Hoffman, where she states that "Domestication of the European ferret predates that of the cat by more than 500 years. [and that] Man's use of the ferret as a hunter of rodents and rabbits can be traced back as far as the 4th century B.C." Other than that, it seems to be pretty well accepted from archeology and other sources that ferrets have been domesticated for a very long time. The California Domestic Ferret Association (CDFA) published a supurb book called the "1990 Public Information Manual" a while back which has an excellent short history. Also Lynn & Chuck Morton of Path Valley Farms have a section on ferret history in their new booklet called "Ferrets" piublished by Barron's. A Ferret or Mustelid is mentioned in the Bible (Leviticus (XI:29-30), and it is said that the tale of the Pied Piper is based on the practice of early ferreters to call their ferrets back by using a flute. They didn't have squeeky toys then, (Grin). [Posted in FML issue 1273]