Waterbeds: We too have found that ferrets and water matresses don't mix. Ferrets love to chew. Water matresses don't like to be chewed. After patching our old matress several times, we finally gave up; bought a new matress, AND a quilted, zipper bag to put it in. So far our Bud has not killed this new matress. The bag is a little expensive, but sure beats replacing/mending/waking-up-sopping-wet from another water matress kill. Wire Bottom Cages: Wire is hard on the little guy's feet. Although most of our cages are wire bottomed, all have thick rugs covering the wire. We use a lot of woven rugs; available from our local Wal Mart for about $2.00. Washable, cage size, cheap enough to toss when they get worn or frayed. Scoopable litter: What can I say? We've used it for years with no problems - well, minor problems. A few thought it was great to dig in, but we just took out the litter and put in paper towels until they figured out what the litter box was for. Then, when we put the litter back in, they used it for its intended purpose. All in all we've had over 300 ferrets in the shelter, on the scoopable litter. Being ferrets, they do drag their butts after litter box use, but use the rug outside the box (see above). We typically use the dust free, no-track. It's easy to clean and controls the odor. No litter related health problems at all. Dick B. [Posted in FML issue 1447]