The question was from Andre/Jennifer regarding a first ferret. I have found that a simple way to train ferrets to use the litter box in their cage is to put them in a very small, one-story cage (for a short time, for training purposes only), cover the bottom completely with a clean towel, and place a litter box in a corner. Provide food and water and regular playtime, but when the ferret is caged, put him/her in this cage. Gentle coaching will help, and I even have a girl who will 'go potty' on command, or "pretend to" if she doesn't need to go, in order to be let out to play. Ferrets are actually very clean animals. They usually will not 'go potty' on their bedding (or the towel covering the cage floor). It should only take a few days in this setting for the ferret to get the idea. Once he/she has proven he/she knows what a box is for, return the ferret to the regular cage, though clean towels covering the floor is a good idea. Ferrets are very smart animals and they are alot like children. Be careful not to expect too much from them. I just rescued Boomer whose owner said he could not be litter trained. One look at how impossible she made it for him to use the box, told me why. The first night here he used the box, and has ever since. Ferrets often do not realize they have to go potty until they "really" have to go, and, like children, feel they cannot possibly wait. Remember, when you are that small the opposite corner of a room can seem very far away, so often they go where they are. Put a litter box in every corner and it is likely they will do their best to comply. But be very careful when scolding them, you can do psychological damage or cause other behavioral problems without realizing it. Obviously, if your ferret does not know the difference between rewards and time out, you are sending him confusing signals. My best advice on living with a ferret is to try to understand their point of view. Try to look at the situation through their eyes, and think like they think, or consider them as children and try to understand their reasoning for acting a certain way. Leaving them in the cage when they wake up is not always the answer. When I am training, I make sure I *have* to wake them up, I get them out of the cage, hold them and love them for 15 to 30 seconds, put them down and follow them. Within 1 to 2 minutes the ferret WILL have to go potty and I snatch him/her up and take them quickly to the nearest box. Eventually they get the idea, and there is no reason for scolding or punishment, I use only positive reinforcement and praise when they are good. I do not give treats for this sort of good behavior. (Praise has worked better than anything for biters who show improvement, also.) Last word..if you are opposed to picking up a little poop now and then, I strongly urge you to find another pet. Ferrets are not perfect and neither are we. [Posted in FML issue 1466]